Hooked on Easter: Top Fish to Target This April in Aussie Waters

March 25, 2025

With the Easter break starting on Friday April 18 this year (2025), it’s time to get those fishing rods and reels ready. From snapper to salmon – discover what’s biting over the Easter long weekend and how to catch them ‘round Oz.

1. Snapper – Autumn Royalty

Where: Southern coasts – Port Phillip Bay (VIC), Spencer Gulf (SA), Botany Bay (NSW)
Why Now: Snapper are a good possibility with the cooler waters and can be quite aggressive at times. The inshore grounds around the coastline produce some sizeable Pinkies while offshore large models are still a possibility when fishing the deeper reefs.
How to Catch:

Fish dawn or dusk around reefy areas or drop-offs
Use fresh squid or pilchard baits
Soft plastics like 5" jerkshads work well on the drift
Hot Tip: A running sinker rig with 20lb leader will keep you in the game without spooking the fish.

2. Aussie Salmon – Beach Blitzers

Where: Southern beaches and estuaries – WA’s south coast, VIC surf beaches, SA’s Eyre Peninsula
Why Now: Salmon start schooling up along the coast in April. Great sport and even better in numbers.
How to Catch:

Spinning metal slugs (20–40g) into the wash – Yakamito Speed Demon
Early mornings with light wind are ideal
Look for bird activity and white water
Hot Tip: Keep a salmon rod rigged in the car – you never know when a school will pop up.

3. Bream – Estuary All-Stars

Where: Everywhere – Sydney Harbour, Swan River, Gippsland Lakes, Derwent River
Why Now: Bream are fattening up for winter and biting freely in brackish waters and around structure.
How to Catch:

Fish tight to snags with small hardbodies or prawns - Yakamito Grabble Grub + Yakamito Prawno Prawn
Light leaders (4–8lb) make a big difference
Fish slow and close to the bottom
Hot Tip: Try surface lures early in the morning for aggressive takes in the shallows.

4. Southern Calamari – Ink Season Begins

Where: Jetties and shallow weed beds – Mornington Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island
Why Now: April marks the start of the prime squid run in Southern Australia.
How to Catch:

Use size 2.5–3.5 squid jigs in natural and UV colours – Yakamito PX
Fish around high tide, especially at sunrise or sunset
Cast over weed beds and use a slow lift-drop retrieve
Hot Tip: Keep a squid jig handy – they’re great bait for snapper and gummies later on.

5. Mulloway – The Elusive Easter Unicorn

Where: Estuaries and river mouths – Clarence River (NSW), Glenelg River (VIC), Onkaparinga (SA)
Why Now: Autumn is a top time to chase jewies, especially around a full or new moon.
How to Catch:

Fish live baits like mullet or tailor near structure
Use heavy gear (30lb+) and fish low light hours
Be patient – these are smart, spooky fish
Hot Tip: Target pressure points like rock bars and deep holes after rain.

Final Cast

The Easter long weekend is made for fishing – warm days, cool evenings, and the chance to wet a line with family or mates. Whether you’re casting off a jetty, drifting a bay, or going full-send off the rocks, April offers up a cracking mixed bag of Aussie favourites.

So load the tackle box, pack the esky, and make it a weekend to remember – with something better than chocolate at the end of your line.