Australian Bass Macquaria novemaculeata
Distribution - Bass are found in fresh and saltwater, in eastern draining rivers from the Mary River in Queensland to the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria.
Size - Maximum of 4kg and 65cm in length.
Characteristics - Bass vary in colour from silver, green and bronze. The fish migrate downstream to the estuaries to breed between June and August and a fishing closure has been introduced at this time, to protect this species. Females are much larger than males. Adult fish are general purpose carnivores. The bass has 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.
Confusing species - Confused with the Estuary Perch (Macquaria colonorum) which has a longer tapered snout with a concave profile.
Fishing rules – A spawning closure applies to Australian bass and estuary perch in rivers during the months of June to August each year inclusive. At other times, the combined bag limit for these species is 2 per day with only one fish larger than 35cm permitted. A bag limit of 2 applies in recreational fishing impoundments for these species. There is no maximum size restriction in impoundments, and fish may be taken all year round.