The annual three month closed season for Australian bass (pictured) ended last week, an initiative of zero bag limit for the species put in place in all rivers and estuaries from June 1 to August 31 to protect the vulnerable species during spawning.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Recreational Fisheries manager, Cameron Westaway, said the bass form schools and migrate to parts of estuaries with the correct salinity over late autumn and early winter to trigger spawning.

“When they are in these large groups they can be vulnerable to fishing, so a three month zero bag limit for these fish applies,” he said.

“Although the season has re-opened, bag limits will apply.”

The limits include a total bag limit of two Australian bass per person or a combination of bass and estuary perch with a possession limit of four ... and only one of the fish is permitted to be over 35cm in length when fishing in rivers.

Australian bass vary in colour from silver, green and bronze - they have a back profile that is arched from above the eyes to the tail with only very slight tapering of the snout. 

They are sought after sport fish with bait, fly and artificial lure. Although considered excellent eating, the majority of fish are returned to the water unharmed.