Australian Bass

Other names: -

The Australian bass, Percalates novemaculeatus, is a freshwater and estuarine fish found in the rivers and lakes of eastern Australia. Recognized for its sporting qualities, this species is highly valued by recreational anglers. It has a streamlined body and is known for its aggressive feeding behavior, making it a challenging catch.

Length
~20 (max 65)
Weight
~0.5 (max 3)
Water
Fresh, brackish
Water Temp
10-26° F
Depth
2-6 ft

Other names
-
Length
~20 (max 65)
Weight
~0.5 (max 3)
Water
Fresh, brackish
Water Temp
10-26° F
Depth
2-6 ft

Popular lures for Australian Bass

Berkley PowerBait

Chasebaits Ripple Cicada

Crayfish

Daiwa Bait Junkie

Jackall Micro Tappy

Maggots

Minnows

Mudeyes

Osp Bent Minnow

Scrub worms

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Regulation for Australian Bass

Check all regulations in NSW

Season
Always open
Bag limit
2
Vessel limit
-
Trophy limits
>35 (1 fish)
Max size
-
Min size
No
Measurement
Total length
Prohibited methods
-

Check all regulations in NSW

Living Conditions

🐟 Habitat preferences
- Australian bass inhabit freshwater rivers, lakes, and brackish estuaries
- They prefer areas with aquatic vegetation and rocky or gravel substrates
- Juveniles are found in sheltered bays and estuaries, which offer protection
- Their diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning occurs during flood events from May to August, triggering a downstream migration
- Eggs are deposited in plant thickets and sandbars in estuaries
- Larvae drift downstream and juveniles remain in brackish nurseries until maturity
- Adults exhibit a catadromous lifecycle, migrating between freshwater and estuarine environments for spawning