Episode 450: NSW Central Coast Land-Based Bream With Glenn Allen

Glen’s Tips For NSW Central Coast Bream

• Fishing the shallow water near the rocks is important for bream fishing from the stones. Anglers often make the mistake of walking too far out, ignoring the ultra-shallow water as shallow as six inches. Instead, prioritize fishing the shallow water close to the rocks where bream may be hiding. Even if they can’t be seen, you can cast your lure in this area and entice the bream to bite.
• To find new fishing spots on the Central Coast, using platforms like Google Earth is recommended. Look for rock platforms that are submerged during high tide but become exposed or partially exposed during low tide. These spots are ideal for bream fishing as the rising tide brings the fish closer to the shore to feed on crabs, baitfish, shells, and oysters. Smooth rocks with rock pools and boulders are favourable. Avoid fishing during low tide to prevent hooking unwanted species like cunje. The stretch from Norah Head to Toowoon Bay on the Central Coast is known for its productive bream fishing.
• The best fishing times for bream are typically the two hours leading up to high tide, especially during early morning or late afternoon. This timing ensures that the turn of the tide coincides with low light periods, which can make the fish more active. Bream tend to feed well as the tide rises, following it in search of food. It’s advisable to avoid fishing during high tide when the bite usually slows down. Instead, focus on the period leading up to high tide for better chances of success.
• Optimal tidal conditions for bream fishing are around the time of a full moon or new moon. These periods have stronger tidal movements that attract more fish. However, extremely large tides, such as 1.8 or 2 meters, can create excessive surge and water movement, making fishing difficult. Target tides around 1.5 to 1.6 meters, particularly during the building tides leading up to the moon phases.
• Cloud cover is generally favourable for bream fishing, although the impact of the barometer is not fully understood. Fishing on days with changing weather conditions often yields better results. Moderate winds are preferred over strong winds, as calmer sea conditions allow bream to target specific areas like washes and gutters. Swells can stir up the water and make it harder to locate and catch bream.

Glenn’s Land-based Bream Tackle

• The gear used for rock fishing is not significantly different from other fishing situations. A recommended setup includes a 7’4″ to 8’2″ rod like the KY Extreme RV2 paired with a size 2500 reel. Line-wise, using 6-8 lb test line is suitable for bream fishing from the rocks. Reels like the Daiwa Blackhawk or the Stradic 2500 are popular choices.

Glenn’s Lures For Bream Of The Stones

• The 38mm Fishcraft hard body is, a deep diving lure that holds the trebles up off the rocks. It swims horizontally with the bill bumping along the bottom, flicking the hooks out of danger. It is similar to the Jackall Chubby lures. Working it with a constant slow roll or occasional rip so the lure bumps along the bottom seems to be effective. Look for areas where the water is running over a ledge and dropping into a rock pool or behind a boulder.
• The second lure is a soft plastic grub on a size 1 worm hook with a small ball sinker attached. The worm hook is used to minimize snagging, and the sinker adds weight. This lure can be allowed to drift along with the current, maintaining contact with the lure. Alternatively, a Samaki Boombait or Soft Prawn in colours like avocado or motor oil can be effective. Bites vary, but they are often a tap or tick on the line at which point the hook should be set promptly.