SALTWATER or freshwater fishing? What do you prefer?
We’re a lucky country when it comes to fishing. We have so many different species of fish and locations to wet a line.
So let us decide – once and for all – what is best: saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing? Why don’t we start with freshwater fishing.
Freshwater fishing
Australia is a relatively dry continent and that typically means less opportunities for freshwater fishing. But Australia is also a big and varied country. We have areas of drought and areas of abundant rainfall. We have small creeks, big rivers, and large impoundments scattered around the country. In these creeks, rivers and dams live a variety of species. NSW for example, has everything from trout, carp, redfin, Aussie bass, golden perch, silver perch, barra, sooty grunter, Murray cod and more.
So what are the pros and cons of freshwater fishing?
Pros
It’s simple fishing. The gear is typically lighter and easy to use. Most of us don’t need to go out and buy expensive or specialised gear to catch a freshwater fish. Even the biggest Murray cod, the largest freshwater fish in Australia, can be subdued on surprisingly light gear.
Then again, you can also buy the latest and greatest and really get the most from freshwater fishing. It’s your choice, but your budget and lack of expensive gear won’t stop you catching fish and having a great time doing so.
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Freshwater fishing is also a great choice for newcomers to fishing. Often you don’t need a boat and the simplicity means you can catch your first fish without too much effort.
On that note, land based fishing areas are abundant for freshwater fishes. Take NSW for example, dams such as Wyangala, Glenbawn and Copeton have ample space for soaking a bait or flicking a lure without the need for a boat. If you do have a boat, you can use it to explore the lakes and catch a variety of fish.
Another pro for freshwater fishing is you won’t get sea sick and there’s no need to wash your gear after fishing.
Cons
Now let’s look at a few cons. To be honest, there aren’t many.
If you love big tough fish and arm stretching fights, freshwater fish may not satisfy your needs. Some freshwater fish fight hard, although it’s fair to say once you turn them away from structure, the chances of landing a fish is in your favour. They won’t run far and peel off hundreds of metres of line like a big blue marlin.
Is fresh best?
There are far more pros than cons. Australia has many opportunities for mind blowing freshwater fishing. We have different species and a vast number of locations to catch them. As a bonus, the places you fish are spectacular and the fish are too. Whether it’s a large brown trout or a metre long impoundment barra, freshwater fishing is hard to beat.
Or is it… Let’s look at saltwater fishing and decide which one is best.
Saltwater
Saltwater is in our veins! It should go without saying, when you live on an island as large as Australia. Take NSW for example, the vast majority of people live close to the coast. Almost everyone in Sydney lives within 30 minutes of a red hot saltwater fishing spot and there are literally hundreds more great fishing spots dotted up and down the coast.
Let’s take a look at a few pros and cons.
Pros
As mentioned above, most of us live near the coast. In fact, almost 90% of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the coast. And again, as mentioned above, we have so many places to travel and take advantages of isolated fishing spots and memorable fishing action.
Another pro is the fish themselves. There are endless species to catch from bream, flathead, whiting in the estuaries to kingfish, mahi mahi and marlin offshore. That’s just a small sample of what’s available in the salt.
And just like freshwater fishing, saltwater is a great introduction for kids and newcomers to fishing. Most of us started our fishing on a wharf, soaking a bait, and catching a smaller fish. It was so much fun and taught us the fundamentals of fishing. The type of lessons we can build on and become proficient fishos for bigger and better species.
For the more advanced fisho, there’s no doubt saltwater fish are more powerful and larger. If it’s big gamefish you’re after, you need to try saltwater fishing.
Another pro, and this is just our opinion… saltwater fish taste better. We advocate catch & release wherever possible, but taking a few fish home for the family is a fantastic way of enjoying a day out on the water.
Fish such as flathead, whiting, tailor, tuna and more are some of the tastiest fish in the sea and all can be caught close to major population centres and coastal towns.
Cons
It’s arguably harder to make a start in saltwater fishing. The high number of species, tides, wind and bad weather can be confusing for a newcomer.
Some fishos may even get sea sick if they fish offshore and then there’s the problem of rusty fishing gear and boat trailers.
Of course, all of the above pros are easily solved with a bit of effort and know-how.
Salt in the veins
As we have explained above, Australians are born with salt in their veins and it’s hard to argue with the opportunities, array of species and locations when it comes to saltwater fishing.
The conclusion… which is better?
Which one is best – saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing?
When it comes to freshwater fishing, simplicity makes it so appealing. Grab a light rod, a handful of lures or bait and enjoy an afternoon chasing a bass or trout in a freshwater creek, river or lake.
The fish themselves and the locations they live are also mighty appealing. You won’t find nicer destinations anywhere!
But then again, saltwater fishing is equally exciting. You have hard fighting species that will test your angling skills and endurance. And best of all, most of this saltwater fishing, especially in populated East Coast, is only a stone’s throw away from where we live.
In reality there is no debate, salt vs fresh, it doesn’t matter. We live in an incredible country with an amazing variety of fish species and locations.
What matters is that you get out there and experience the fishing. So jump in the car, hook up the boat, and find your piece of paradise in the fresh or salt.
Are you on team fresh or team salt? For a chance to win a $500 voucher, head over to Reflections Holidays and take the poll.
Reflections have holiday parks as far north as Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay and all the way south to Eden. With some inland locations like Lake Keepit and Copeton Waters. So, whether you like to go surfing, swimming, drop in a fishing line, or just chill out, they have you covered with a park perfect for you.
Book now at reflectionsholidays.com.au.
This article was sponsored by Reflections Holidays.
