How to Catch Bream in Oyster Racks

By Abz Meshlawi

Fishing oyster racks for bream is one of the most exciting styles of lure fishing you can do. The strikes are brutal, the fights are short and intense and the margin for error is small. It is also the style of fishing that’s taught me more about casting accuracy, lure control, and staying switched on.

I first started fishing the racks on Brisbane Waters years ago. Back then, I had no idea what I was doing. I’d charge in too close, get busted off and leave wondering how people were pulling fish from such gnarly country. Over time, I learnt that racks fishing is more about patience and positioning rather than luck.

One of the first things I do when I pull up to a rack is watch the current. If it’s pushing hard through the structure, I position myself on the side where I can make an accurate cast parallel to the structure without my lure being swept away too quickly. Timing that cast so your lure sinks just right into the strike zone is critical.

When it comes to lure choice, I keep it simple. Infeet Rollin’ Crank MR in the natural colours are my first pick, especially when the water is clear. If the fish are hesitant, I switch to lightly weighted Bait Junkie Risky Critter or the Bait Junkie 2.35” Prawn worked slowly along the posts.The key to landing fish in the racks is not giving them an inch. I fish heavier leader than I would in open water and keep my rod angle low to muscle them out before they wrap me. This is where your tackle really matters. A smooth drag, strong hooks, and confidence in your gear are nonnegotiable.

I have lost plenty of fish in the racks, but one rod that I have been relying on to pull fish out is the Infeet SK 681L+FS. The shorter length helps me steer the fish and with a stronger back bone it allows me to go a little tighter on the drag and muscle the fish out.

If you have never tried fishing oyster racks for bream, I recommend finding a local rack system and spending the time to learn it. You will lose lures, you will get frustrated, but you will also have moments that make it all worthwhile.

Fishing the racks has made me a better angler, and it might just do the same for you.