Roadside Bassin’ – By Dan Bowater

When you think of Hervey Bay fishing, you might picture fancy boats, sparkling azure waters, and anglers decked out in all the latest gear. But what about fishing from the roadside with just a backpack and a handful of lures? Let’s dive into the quirky world of roadside bassin’! After some rainy adventures from February to May 2024, I can tell you, it’s been just as thrilling and addictive as fishing in the blue sea. Let’s take a closer peek!

Roadside bassin’ would have to be one of the most straightforward local fishing styles- this picture captures the simplicity.

Rekindling Sweetwater Magic

Growing up in the northern part of Queensland, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with sooty gunter, jungle perch and other small sweetwater species. Back in my early 20s, chasing after these fish was more about the adventure than just the fishing. We’d pool our shoestring university student budgets to cover fuel costs and let our sense of adventure guide us. There’s a certain magic in these simple trips that you just don’t get when you’re loaded up with the latest gear and electronics. It’s interesting how these feelings transfer into the realm of roadside bassin’ so seamlessly many years later.

Getting started with roadside bass fishing is simpler than you might think—just a reliable vehicle, a light spin outfit, and a sharp eye for promising floodwaters. What’s intriguing about this style of fishing is its accessibility, contrasting with the more renowned impoundment bass fishing of the region. The rugged roads leading to dams like Lake Lenthalls create a deceptively difficult path for targeting trophy bass. The real challenge lies in discovering and safeguarding prized honey holes, where angler’s dreams of landing big bass on light tackle are made without a boat. Despite their smaller size compared to impoundment bass, these wild bass still deliver an exhilarating fight that’s hard to match.

Releasing a nice wild bass after falling to a suspending hardbody lure- too good to catch once!

Fighting Bass with Finesse

When getting ready for wild bass fishing, simplicity is key. A small spin reel with 4-8lb braid and a 6-10lb fluorocarbon leader is all you need. Opt for a 6’6” to 7’ rod to cast bass lures accurately and showcase their unique actions. This setup also works well for lightweight saltwater species like whiting, bream, and flathead—perfect for land based fishing in Hervey Bay. With favourable tides, you can even target all these species in a single day! Having a spare spool case for my Stradic ci4 2500 reel is a game-changer. It’s surprising that buying a spare spool for equivalent quality reels has become more expensive than getting a new reel altogether. My spare spools loaded with 2lb, 4lb, and 6lb lines, give me the flexibility to switch between ultralight whiting fishing and handling unexpected tangles or bust-offs when targeting bass. This versatility has saved many a fishing trip.

Another wild bass subdued on light tackle after some careful prospecting through a stretch of backwater.

Unlocking Floodwater Bass by Lure

When it comes to favourite bass lures, every angler has their own go-to picks. For me, the Pontoon 21 Greedy Guts Deep in 66mm stands out as a top performer. It’s like a small rainbow fish sneaking along rocks and logs, perfectly mimicking the bass’ natural prey. Being observant of your surroundings is crucial, I keep an eye out for bait at all times. The Pontoon lure’s bib is fantastic—it gives a subtle bump on contact with structure and avoids getting tangled up. Of course, there are many other effective options out there. Jackall Squirrels in 67mm and 70mm Duo Rough Tails are also favourites among anglers in the know. Some opt for three-inch curl tail soft plastics rigged weedless with 1/0 worm hooks, with brands like Zman and Daiwa Baitjunky being reliable choices. The benefit of weedless rigging is avoiding losing lures to snag-ridden floodwaters. Sinking lures like MMD Flash Prawn and Jackall Mask Vibes are handy alternatives, especially in strong currents. Surface lures like Zman Finesse frogs, Tiemco cicadas, and Rapala poppers are fun to use, although I’ve found floodwater bass on the Fraser Coast seem to prefer subsurface feeding.

At this size the rampaging bass will fight to the last gasp on light gear.

Balancing Adventure and Safety

Roadside bass fishing may seem straightforward, but it can hide some risks. One major danger is the temptation to push your vehicle into risky situations. While some may perform daring feats to access remote spots, it’s not worth risking safety for a few bass. Be aware that flood water rises quickly, it’s very easy to get stranded or cut-off from safety. On a positive note, this style of fishing is inclusive and great for involving kids and less experienced anglers. It’s heartwarming to see their excitement when they hook a big bass. Even my partner enjoys the simplicity of roadside bass fishing, with obligatory country drives along scenic rural backroads adding to the experience.

Releasing a solid bass into the floodwater after it nailed a small soft vibe. These fish are great sport on light gear.

Backwater Bassin’ Safety

While roadside bass fishing may seem simple, there are a couple of often overlooked essentials for the land-based fisherman. Some spots are teeming with biting insects, spiders, and even venomous snakes. So it’s wise to have some insect spray and a basic first aid kit in your pack as precaution. Interestingly, when the fishing gets tough, I find myself staying longer at a given spot. Overcoming a fishing challenge is incredibly satisfying—the hours fly by. It’s so easy to lose track of time and end up with a sunburned neck and craving for a cold drink. On a hot day the floodwater may look inviting to drink, but it’s contaminated with agricultural run-off. Remember the famous line from “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” “Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink.” Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and some cool bottles of spring water! It’s always crucial to stay well-prepared and cautious- even when fishing from the safety of terra firma. I hope this story has given some valuable insight into a largely unnoticed fishing style of the Fraser Coast. I believe roadside bass fishing can rekindle that magical feeling of adventure that makes this sport so much fun for everyone. Get out there and try it!