How To Catch Mega Bass In Ewen Maddock With David Brace

David’s Ewen Maddock Bass Fishing Tips

• Ewen Maddock and Baroon Pocket dams are small impoundments on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. They’re stocked with Australian bass, although Ewen Maddock is also stocked with saratoga and Mary River Cod.
• Ewen Maddock is primarily a kayak-only fishery due to the presence of the invasive cabomba weed, which can proliferate if disturbed by boats with propellers. Cabomba is an exotic plant that grows densely, choking out native vegetation and fish populations. As it can propagate from small fragments it’s crucial to clean fishing gear thoroughly when moving between systems. Cleaning stations have been installed to prevent the spread
• Ewen Maddock Dam is relatively shallow at 4.5 meters, providing favorable conditions for cabomba weed growth. Baroon Pocket Dam, on the other hand, has an average depth of 15 meters and is less prone to excessive weed growth, but more susceptible to algal growth.
• Both systems fish well year-round, although the techniques and structures to fish vary depending on time of year.
• During winter Australian bass often school and can be targeted can be targeted by dropping sinking lures like grubs and blades on the schools. Edge bites usually happen during summer when water levels are rising, although recent unseasonal rain had created a winter edge bite at Baroon Pocket Dam
• The lifting technique, rather than striking, is effective for catching bass during this time of year. Using a responsive rod, anglers lift the rod tip to hook the fish while maintaining a slow, steady retrieve.
• Overcast days are preferred for bass fishing as they prolong the bite period, and bass tend to avoid direct sunlight. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly productive times to fish, offering stunning views and optimal conditions for a hectic bite.

David’s Bass Fishing Tackle

• Quality reels have plenty of drag even in the smaller sizes, so David finds the Okuma ITX 2500 is a great option for a spin reel, whilst the Okuma Ceymar is great when he wants a low-profile baitcast reel.
• A TT Tackle Red Belly Spoin rod is great for working soft plastics and blades
• He likes 10 lb Platypus Pulse 4 braid for its great knot strength and abrasion resistance. Leaders can be up to 20lb when the fish are in heavy cover and David likes Platypus Stealth fluorocarbon for this.

Dave’s Top Aussie Bass Lures

• The ZMan 3.5” Grubz on a 1/2oz Headlockz jig head and 3/0 hook size is prefect for dropping on schooling fish. Rather than jig it as you might a blade, it seems to work best slowly rolled back up through the school and then dropped back down again. Stay in contact with the lure as it can be hit on the drop or on the rise. Don’t strike, just wait for the rod to load up and simply wind the fish on.
• A ¼ oz TT Switchblade in nightmare orange is great for dropping on schooled bass and fishing with a series of hops and twitches. It’s frequently taken on the drop, so stay in touch with your lure and watch for any “ticks” on the line. This lure if very versatile though, and during a recent edge bite at Baroon Pocket Dave was casting it onto the bank and then winding it back into the water, fishing with a slow roll.
• The TT Vortex and Striker Spin spinnerbaits are proven bass lures. David loves to troll these behind his paddle kayak, cruising over very shallow weedbeds and dropping the lure into the little holes and channels where there is no weed. Only about 4-5m of line is let out, to minimise the opportunity for hooked fish to bury in weed. It’s not possible to do this using a pedal kayak as the weed is simply too dense.