FISHING in shallow waters requires careful consideration of many factors, including stealth and presentation, leader material along with the most appropriate type of bait or lure. By paying attention to these details and adapting your rig to the specific conditions you’re fishing in, you’ll be well-equipped to target a wide range of species in the shallow waters around Australia.
The Importance of Stealth and Presentation
When fishing in the shallows, whether in freshwater or saltwater, it’s important to approach your target species with stealth and care. Shallow water environments can be especially sensitive to human presence, as the fish may feel more exposed resulting in them being skittish and easily spooked. Dress in neutral colours and tread carefully if walking the bank to avoid bringing attention to yourself. To increase your chances of success, you’ll need to pay careful attention to the way you rig your line and present your bait or lure.
If you can see the bottom then the fish see you so it pays to utilise an outfit that will allow for long casts to target fish before they spook. Lighter lines and weights allow baits to waft naturally in the current and don’t hinder or stifle the action of lures, optimising their presentation.
Choosing the right leader material
One of the key considerations when rigging for shallow water fishing is the type and length of leader material you use. Fluorocarbon is a popular choice for its low visibility, but it can also be stiff and sinks so may drag down a floating fly or finesse topwater lure. Monofilament leader is more supple and easier to work whilst sinking at a slower rate than fluorocarbon however it is more visible and less abrasion resistant. Ultimately, the best leader material for you will depend on your personal preference and the specific conditions you’re fishing in. It’s also important to pay attention to the water conditions when the shallows; in clear, shallow sand flats a long and light leader will avoid spooking fish, while in muddy, shallow estuaries, you may be able to get away with a shorter, heavier leaders.
Tips for using lures and soft plastics
When fishing with lures in the shallow water, it’s important to pay attention to the size, colour, and action of your lure, as well as the retrieve speed and technique. If targeting species such as estuary perch in a tranquil waterway, you may want to use a small, natural coloured prawn lure with a slow, steady retrieve to mimic the movements of a prawn casually swimming through the water column. On the other hand, when targeting species such as queenfish or trevally in the shallow northern waters, you may find that a larger, brightly coloured aggressive lure such as a surface popper or erratically retrieved is more effective for triggering a predatory response. It’s a good idea to experiment with different lures and retrieves to find the combination that works best in the specific conditions you’re fishing in however a general rule of thumb is that calm, clear water would suit lures with a more subtle action whereas discoloured waters and windy conditions lend themselves to lures with more action.

Bait considerations for the shallows
With lures all the rage it’s still difficult to beat fresh or live bait, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s a good idea to research the local baitfish populations and preferences of the target species to choose the right bait. Once you have your bait you need to present it optimally. An unweighted rig, with a baited hook on a long leader with no sinker or swivel is an ideal choice for shallow water fishing. This allows the bait to drift naturally with the current and can be effective for all species roaming the flats. Alternatively, you could use a running sinker rig, with a baited hook above a sliding sinker, to present your bait closer to the bottom. This can be a good option for targeting bottom dwelling species like flathead. Maintaining your bait in pristine condition will improve catch rates dramatically as old and decomposing bait has a scent and appearance that is shunned by wily predators. Always keep fresh bait cold and out of the sunlight which live bait should be kept in a recirculating live well or in a bucket with fresh local water and an aerator to keep the water oxygenated.
Other shallow water rigging considerations
There are a few other factors to consider when rigging for shallow water fishing including the type of line, the size and weight of your sinker or jig head, and the size and type of hook. Use the minimum amount of weight to get your bait or lure to the bottom and it’s important to match the hook to the species you’re targeting and the type of bait or lure you’re using. If you are fishing along the bank and in particular if you are wading, it pays to have the minimal amount of tackle required for the day in a small water tight container placed in a pocket or comfortable bag. I have long been a fan of the classic shoulder bag which has a couple of pockets to store terminal tackle, leader, scissors and pliers. The benefit of a shoulder bag is that you can also store some bait in the pockets if you forget your bait bucket plus you can slip and fish you catch into the bag during a hot bite allowing you to maximise the time your spend fishing rather than having to go back to dry ground to re-rig or replenish your bait!