Catching a feed of tasty fish from a tropical reef is on a lot of peoples’ bucket list, but for some, they are lucky enough to consider just a weekend activity! Getting yourself set to gather an esky full of demersals can cost a bit, but the effort is more than worth it when you’re eating some of the tastiest fish in the world.

In a previous post we looked at collecting shrimps in freshwater using bait traps, now we’re going to look at converting them into fish! Freshwater shrimps are one of, if not the best bait in freshwater, especially in the stocked impoundments, and are a great for getting kids into freshwater fishing, or if you just want to relax out on the water!

Lures usually come with hooks that are suited to their intended target species, however, given that anglers like to think outside of the box, lures will often be used on species outside the ones recommended.

Since the advent of braid about 25 years ago, the great debate about whether braid or monofilament is better has raged on. Hard-headed traditionalists often bemoan braids for its tendency to tangle, while many new age braid users think of monofilament as a thing of the past

Many anglers often have a preference for using a baitcast or spin set up when they’re fishing, however it’s worth noting that while it’s okay to have a preference, these two set-ups have different properties that lend themselves to certain scenarios.

Fishing for sand, summer or yellowfin whiting from the surf is a great way to enjoy trips to the beach while also gathering a feed to take home. Being a shore-based activity, it’s relatively inexpensive, and if you know how, the bait can be gathered right at your feet. 

All over Australia, fishing off ocean rocks is a popular pastime, and offers anglers without a boat to access species usually reserved for those with boats or kayaks. It also offers an exhilarating way to tangle with some of our most iconic species.

In the freshwater, there are few better baits than the humble shrimp. Everything from spangled perch to Murray cod will have a go at a shrimp, and with certain species, such as bass and golden perch, it seems like you can catch as many as the number of shrimp you have!