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Hop on down to the Hopkins
  |  First Published: September 2016



The Hopkins River is located in South West Victoria and is very popular to local anglers and tourists. The two main drawcard species that bring anglers here are the black bream and estuary perch, along with a few others, including the ever elusive mulloway.

The fishing can be hot and cold, but with good boat and launching facilities and plenty of bank side access, it is the perfect river to fish for all skill levels.

PRIME TIME

It is and all year round fishery, and this is what makes the Hopkins a popular location for all to fish. In times of drought, or flood, an angler can always hit the water, put a plan together and ruffle up a few fish to the surface. 

THE GEAR

Like most estuary fishing, a light graphite spin rod with a 2000 size reel is best when chasing bream and perch. This type of outfit spooled with light braid will be more than enough for pretty much any species in the system, including mulloway. 

BAIT AND LURES

The key to a successful session on the river is fresh bait. Podworm, crabs, shrimp, or live fresh water yabbies are abundant in the river itself and are the go-to.

If lure fishing, then a variety of small soft plastics, deep and shallow diving hardbodies and, of course, in the colder months, vibes and blades catch their fair share of big bream and perch. 

BEST METHOD

When targeting bream and perch in the winter months then a quality sounder is essential. Locating schooled up fish in open water and casting small blades to the fish is by far one of the best methods and most enjoyable ways to spend time on the water.

Hazards

Be aware that there are ski zones on the Hopkins, and several outcrops that can damage the bottoms of kayaks and boats.

HOT TIP

Keep an eye on your sounder, especially around the Bay of Biscay and a little bit further up, as there are underwater reefs full of coral, which make excellent fish holding structure, but can also be the difference between landing fish and loosing fish.

On calm still mornings if the fish are on the go and feeding, you can actually hear them chewing on the coral under the water.

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