The arrival of warmer weather, and more importantly increasing water temperatures, are key indicators for those keen to get into this type of action over summer. At this time of year, bream can be spotted working ultra-shallow environments in the lower to middle reaches of most southern estuaries. Likewise, a range of species including dusky flathead, whiting, estuary perch, silver trevally, tailor and Australian salmon may also be prevalent. These species are often encountered as by-catch while specifically targeting bream. Prawns, shrimp, crabs, yabbies, marine worms, and small baitfish all become fair game in these shallow areas, bringing shallow diving minnows such as the new 60 millimetre Berkley Pro-Tech Stunna into play.

Diving to depths between 50 centimetres and a metre, the Stunna is ideal for running over shallow estuary flats. Long, wind-assisted casts are easily achievable with this 3.7 gram lure, providing greater access to those wary, larger fish that are often stationed just out of range. The Pro-Tech Stunna also comes in a 80 and 100 millimetre Model.

Southern black bream generally respond best to an erratic ‘twitchy’ retrieve. With the wind at my back, I like to cast as far as possible before engaging the reel to swim the lure down to its optimum running depth. A couple of sharp flicks of the rod tip followed by a short pause has the Twitcher darting about left and right, much the same as a wounded baitfish. Wind up any slack line and repeat. Hits generally occur when the retrieve is momentarily paused and the lure is sitting stationary or suspended below the surface.

Conversely, the eastern yellowfin bream strain tend to prefer a more continuous steady paced roll, but will at times also react to a ‘twitch and pause’ retrieve. When an enquiry transfers through the rod tip (usually a subtle pluck or tapping sensation), simply continue winding until the sharp Owner trebles take hold. Once connected, apply some pressure to ensure the hooks are set securely and hang on! Whereas large black bream initially shake their head in an effort to dislodge the lure before attempting to flee, yellowfin bream will often immediately bolt for the horizon upon hook set. Most fish seem to find another gear on the flats, running further and pulling harder all the way to the net which really gets the adrenalin flowing.

With nine fantastic colours in the Berkley Pro-Tech Stunna range, there’s a pattern to suit a variety of conditions in terms of sunlight and water clarity. For instance, the semi-translucent stealth minnow and wagasaki pearl colours are ideal choices for combatting bright sunny conditions coupled with ultra-clear water. On the other hand, the darker patterns such as bronze back holo and smelt are perhaps a better option after some rain when discoloured or tannin stained water has pushed downstream into the lower estuary.