ANATOMY OF AN ESTUARY

An estuary is defined as “the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream”. Expanded to include smaller rivers and creeks, this includes many waterways along Australia’s coastline. Estuaries are often fish-rich areas with relatively good access, and a significant number of Aussie anglers fish them.

Estuaries offer a variety of fishing environments ranging from deep water to the flats. There is also an assortment of angling targets including large predators, schooling species and bait fish. Some are permanent residents while others come and go with the seasons. Estuaries appeal to both the angler fishing for a feed and the sportsman looking for a trophy. They can challenge the hard-core specialist and satisfy the “fish for what’s on” generalist.

It can be difficult for inexperienced anglers to determine where to start in an estuary. In this article we dissect a typical river that might exist in any of the southern states and with several adjustments in the top end too. The waterway is divided into regions and we identify areas to focus on in that zone. Methods suited to that area are outlined.

OVERVIEW

Many Aussie estuaries are quite similar in their general formation. Therefore, once an angler works out some fishing strategies suited to each location within an estuary, he or she can tackle many other waterways