Fishing the Transition from Summer into the Cooler Months

By Abz Meshlawi

As we move out of summer and into the cooler months, it is definitely not time to pack the gear away. The transition period can be one of the most exciting times to be on the water. As temperatures start to drop, bait begins to shift and predatory species follow.

You can expect salmon and trevally to push into the bay chasing bait schools, and it is also a great time to start finding better quality bream. Estuary perch become more active, and there is always the chance of connecting to a proper mulloway in the estuaries. It is a period where variety really opens up and you never quite know what the next cast might bring.

Lure and Gear Adjustments

The first thing I adjust as the water cools is my lure selection. I start leaning toward presentations that allow me to work slightly deeper water. The Daiwa Infeet Metal Vibe and Infeet Reflex Vibe are two standouts. They are perfect for covering depth efficiently and staying in the strike zone longer.

Soft plastics also play a big role, but I will generally increase jighead weight slightly. That extra weight helps me reach deeper structure, fish steeper drop offs and maintain better contact in wind or current.

My gear will change depending on the target species.

When I am chasing salmon, flathead, or smaller mulloway, I tend to use the 24 TD Black 2500D paired with the TD Black Wicked Weasel. It is still light enough to comfortably target bream, but it gives you that extra bit of power and backbone. When you hook something larger like a mulloway or a strong salmon, you have the control to land it if everything goes to plan.

For blades and vibes when specifically targeting bream or estuary perch, my go to rod is the Daiwa Infeet Z 732LFS. The extra length helps with casting distance, which is important when fish are holding deeper or sitting off structure. It also has the right action to work blades and vibes cleanly without folding over and killing the lure’s action. I usually match it with a 2500 shallow spool reel for added line capacity, especially since bigger by catch is common this time of year.

When it comes to soft plastics, the Bait Junkie 2.35” Prawn and 3” Prawn are hard to go past. They cover everything from bream right through to mulloway. If salmon are busting up on bait in the bay, the 2.95” Flick is another great option to match the hatch and get quick bites.

Where to Focus

As the water cools, I start focusing more on slightly deeper structure. Rock walls, drop offs, creek mouths, and areas where current funnels bait are all high percentage spots. Fish will often hold in these zones as they transition between shallow and deeper water.

That said, do not completely ignore the shallows. Sand flats and broken ground can still hold feeding fish, especially on the right stage of tide. It is worth mixing up your approach and covering different depths until you dial in where they are sitting on the day.

Final Thoughts

The shift from summer into the cooler months opens the door to variety and quality fish. A few small adjustments in lure choice, jighead weight and rod selection can make a big difference. Stay adaptable, fish a range of depths and take advantage of the fact that multiple species are active at the same time.

It is one of the most underrated times of year to be on the water, and if you approach it with the right mindset, it can produce some of your most memorable sessions.