Where to fish

Yellowfin bream are found throughout the Indo-West Pacific and in Australia occur between north Queensland to Victoria. As opposed to Black bream, Yellowfin bream are caught in the surf and around headlands and inshore islands as well as estuary environments. When targeting them focus on open sand flats as well as areas of structure such as fallen trees (snags), rock bars, pylons, oyster leases, breakwalls and boat ramps. 

How to target

Yellowfin bream can be targeted from the shore or by boat and can be found around structure or on open sand flats and beaches. They are aggressive predators that will readily take lures or baits. Target them around headlands or in the surf using natural baits such as beach worms, pipis or prawns. Likewise, baits work well in the estuary, however, targeting them with lures or fly provides a greater challenge. During daylight hours target them around structure and at night also try fishing the adjacent open areas such as sand flats.

Rod & Reel

Estuary: A light to medium outfit consisting of a 6′-7′ carbon fibre or graphite rod in the 2-6kg range paired with a light threadline reel in the 1000-3000 size range.

Beach/rock: A light to medium outfit consisting of a 9′-11′ carbon fibre or graphite rod in the 5-9kg range paired with a light threadline reel in the 3000-6000 size range.

Line & Leader

Braid or monofilament mainline in the 2-8lb range with a 4-10lb fluorocarbon leader. Fish heavier leader around structure if bust-offs are frequent.

Terminal Tackle

• Hook: Size 2 to 3/0. Anything will work. Mustad Viking 540 or Gamakatsu Octopus style will suit most applications.

• Sinker: Limit weight as much as possible or fish unweighted if conditions allow.

• Trebles: Decoy YS 25’s, Owner ST-11’s, or VMC.

• Jighead: 1/32 – 1/4 oz to suit depth.

Best Lures

Popular bream lures include Jackall chubbies, Berkley gulp plastics, Squidgie plastics, Ecogear blades, vibes, small diving minnows, etc.

Best Bait

Good baits include nippers (ghost shrimp), prawns, pilchards, small strip/fillet baits, crabs, bread, pippies, beach worms & blood worms.

Hints and tips

Yellowfin bream are often mistaken for Black bream. Yellowfin bream have yellow pectoral and anal fins and are generally more silver in appearance. Unlike Black bream, Yellowfin bream are not restricted to estuarine environments.

• Bream can be finicky and like a slow-sinking bait or lure. When lure fishing allow 3-5 seconds between twitching, hopping or slow rolling.

• When using fleshy baits try tweaking/bending the point of your hook outwards with pliers for a better strike rate.

• When using bait or plastics use minimum weight to keep you in the strike zone longer.

• Berleying is a good way to bring bream to you, keeping them interested for longer. A good mix of chook pellets, bread, tuna oil, old pilchards or crustacean shells will do the trick.

Rigging for luring

The trend amongst anglers targeting Yellowfin bream on lure would have to be braided line but monofilament also has it’s advantages. Attach the mainline to a 1-2m fluorocarbon or monofilament (for surface luring) leader with a joining knot such as an Albright, Double Uni or Bimini Twist. Attach the leader to the lure with a loop knot such as a Lefty’s Loop, Perfection Loop or Rapala Knot. This will optimise its action and allow the lure to swim freely in the water.

Rigging for bait fishing

When fishing with bait use as little weight as possible. In some situations no lead is possible which is a great way to present ‘drift’ baits down the burley trail. Hook to mainline as follows: Tie hook to fluorocarbon leader with a double-blood knot or other standard knot. If using weight insert a running sinker onto the leader now. Connect leader to mainline using a Double uni or other joining knot, or alternatively use a swivel to reduce line twist particularly when fishing with monofilament line.

Information courtesy of Danny Weaver, Gold Coast QLD