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Can’t go wrong on the ‘Nong
  |  First Published: August 2016



Often overlooked for the bigger and more famous Yarra River, the Maribyrnong River or ‘Nong’ as it’s known by most, is one of the most popular fishing destination for anglers who love their estuary fishing.

The wide variety of species and methods you can use to catch them is what draws the attention of anglers, and the options include bream, mulloway, snapper and salmon, just to name a few. This beautiful river is full of surprises and big fish.


PRIME TIME

In the warmer months, bream become active, feeding high in water column and can be seen mooching on rockwalls and the abundant pylons.

As the bait pushes up the river, which includes salmon and mullet, this is always a good time to test your patience on the ever elusive mulloway that lurk in the shadows.

THE GEAR

Light graphite spin rods are the go when targeting bream in the river. Around 2-4kg rods with 6lb braid are ideal. Long fluorocarbon leaders are a must when targeting tricky spooky bream in clear slow-flowing waters along the banks of the Nong. You need to fish light to get the bite, but somehow pull them out quickly before it’s all over.

THE RIG

If bait fishing, a bait holder size 4 hook with a freshwater yabby or scrubworm is as good a bait as anything. Long light 4lb leader fished really light is the best method when targeting bream.

BAIT AND
LURES

There are a number of lures that are all effective when fishing the Nong. Small vibes and sinking stick minnows hold their own when fishing the pylons and bridges. 

If fishing the rockwalls and banks, then hardbodied lures are the go as well as small lightly weight plastics. If bait fishing, then yabbies, mussel or scrubworms fished with a light running sinker is a deadly option for bream.

For mulloway, live mullet or fresh squid baits are the go.

BEST METHOD

Lure fishing is a productive and very effective way to fish. You cover more area and you have a better chance at finding the fish by moving around and searching for them. An electric motor is a must if lure fishing, and can be used to sneak around or hold position against the wind and tide.

MOTHER
NATURE

Make sure you check the rules and regulations and ‘no fishing zones’.

Port security is right onto anyone who is doing the wrong thing, so to enjoy this fishery and keep it going for years to come, do the right thing and do the research before entering the water.

HOT TIP

Fishing the high tide is always a good start when targeting bream. The water is up high and covering structure like rock walls, which will push the bream in to the banks looking for food.

This makes it easier to locate fish where you can sometimes spot them on the edge. These fish are generally a little easier to catch, as they are in a feeding mode. 

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