Australian Salt Water Fish Species - Bream

The humble bream is one of the most common table fish and coincidentally is also one of the most commonly caught species when fishing the Australian waters.

There are 3 species of bream, eastern black, silver (aka yellow fin) and black.

Black and Yellowfin bream

Yellowfin bream, sometimes known as the silver bream are generally a silver to olive-green colour that may vary slightly depending on the water they are living in. They get their name from their pectoral, anal and ventral fin having a yellowish tinge. Likewise the black bream that inhabit the darker rivers around mangrove areas.

Breams can be found throughout Australian mainland and Tasmanian systems. They inhabit the coastal waters, and shallow inshore reefs. Bream can grow up to 4kg but generally, are caught in between the 0.5 kg to 1 kg range.

NSW Legal size & Bag Limit: 25 cm, 20 in total.

Lures/Bait: Breams will take a range of live baits including prawns, worms, yabbies, squid, bread, chicken breast fillet, and chicken gut. On the lure side of things, small hard bodied lures are great fun for the beginner fisho targeting bream. Soft plastics such as minnows can also be successful with sizes less than 4" range.

Tackles: Lightweight tackle spinning reels make bream fishing challenging and is sure to interest even the most amateur of fishermen.Main lines of about 6lb are adequate

Bream Fishing Tip: Breams are opportunist feeders and can be found in shallowish waters. They are extremely active at the magical hours of dawn and dusk. Breams also have a special liking to bread so burleying with bread wont harm your chances.

The Improved Clinch Knot

Another useful knot to know:

The Improved Clinch Knot

This is an extremely common knot due to its simplicity. It is quick and easy to tie, yet strong and reliable.
Generally, 6+ turns around the main line is recommended but on thicker lines, 4-5 loops is acceptable. This knot can also be used in swivels, hooks, and artificial lures.

In 3 easy steps:

Step 1:
Thread the line through the eye of the hook/swivel.
Wind the loose end about 6-7 times around the main line.



Step 2:
Trace the loose end back to the initial opening created between the hook and the twisted loops. The loose end is then threaded back into the loop created.
This is the point where the Improved Clinch knot defers from the original. The original does not thread back into the newly created loop but ends here.


Step 3:
It is generally recommended that you wet the line at this point before pulling the loop tight for extra hold. Pull the main line and the loop should tighten around the hook.
Cut the line about 5mm from the knot.

N.B: For added hold, a dead knot could be tied on the loose line before snipping it.

The Palomar fishing knot

Whats worse than not getting a bite when fishing?
Its getting a bite then losing the fish because the knots you used were not secure enough!

The Palomar Knot is a quick and simple knot to tie. It is however, a relatively strong knot and is widely used by anglers the World over. The Palomar knot can be used to join fishing lines to swivels, snaps, hooks and artificial lures.

A common use is with the Dropper loop.

Step 1:
Double the line to form a loop. Pass the loop through the eye of the hook. Be sure to leave some length on the loop.



Step 2:
Using the loop, double back and form a circle. Go under to form a overhand loop.


Step 3:
Pull the hook through the loop.


Step 4:
Pull the line to tighten the knot snugly around the eye. Trim the loose end to about 5mm.


Attach your bait and you're ready to fish!

As mentioned above, this knot can be used in a similiar way with swivels and artificial lures.
After tying a few of these knots, it should be easily enough to remember!

Happy fishing!