Winter Fishing Guide: Best Tackle for Snapper, Squid & Luderick in Australia

Australian winter (May to August) is one of the most exciting times to be on the water. Cooler water temperatures push some of our favourite species into more accessible areas, and with the right gear, you can have some of your best sessions of the year. Here's your guide to what's biting this winter — and the tackle you'll need to make the most of it.

🐟 What's Biting in Winter?

Snapper

Winter is prime snapper season along much of the Australian east coast. As water temperatures drop, snapper move into shallower bays, estuaries, and reef systems in search of food. They're aggressive feeders in the cold, making them a fantastic target for both boat and land-based anglers. Bottom fishing with fresh bait is the go-to approach — and having the right sinker to keep your bait in the strike zone is critical.

Squid

Squid fishing absolutely fires up during the cooler months. Calamari and arrow squid congregate around weed beds, jetties, and rocky headlands, making them accessible to anglers of all skill levels. Squid jigging is a highly effective technique — and incredibly fun once you get into a school. They're also fantastic fresh bait for snapper and other species.

Luderick

Luderick are a winter specialist's fish. These underrated sportfish feed on green weed and cabbage along rock platforms, breakwalls, and estuaries. They require a finesse approach with light tackle and a float rig, but the reward is a challenging and satisfying catch. Winter is without doubt the best time to target them.

🎣 Recommended Tackle & Gear

Reels: SHIMANO Sienna FG Spinning Reels

A reliable reel is the foundation of any good fishing setup, and the SHIMANO Sienna FG Spinning Reel range is one of our best-sellers for good reason. Smooth, durable, and packed with SHIMANO technology at an accessible price point, the Sienna FG handles everything from light estuary fishing to heavier reef work.

• SHIMANO Sienna FG 1000 — Perfect for light luderick and squid jigging setups.
• SHIMANO Sienna FG 2000 — A versatile all-rounder for estuary snapper and squid.
• SHIMANO Sienna FG 4000 — Ideal for heavier snapper rigs and boat fishing.

The Sienna FG features HAGANE gearing for durability, a G-Free Body for reduced fatigue, and a smooth drag system that handles hard-fighting winter snapper with ease.

Sinkers: ICATCH Fishing Sinkers

Getting your bait to the bottom — and keeping it there — is everything when targeting winter snapper. Our ICATCH sinker range is our most popular sinker line, trusted by thousands of Australian anglers for quality and consistency.

• ICATCH Bean Sinkers — Great for running rigs and light bottom fishing in calmer conditions.
• ICATCH Bomb Swivel Sinkers — Excellent for holding bottom in current and deeper water. The built-in swivel helps reduce line twist.
• ICATCH Barrel Sinkers — A classic all-purpose sinker for a wide range of rigs and conditions.

Having a selection of sinker weights in your tackle box means you're ready for anything — from calm bay fishing to strong tidal runs.

Squid Jigs

If you haven't tried squid jigging yet, winter is the perfect time to start. The key is matching your jig colour to the conditions — brighter colours in murky water, natural and translucent colours in clear water.

• Yo-Zuri DUEL PATAPATA-Q Squid Jig 3.5 — A premium jig with a realistic prawn profile and rattle action that drives squid crazy.
• Yo-Zuri DUEL PATAPATA-Q Squid Jig (Black) — The dark colour is deadly at night and in low-light conditions.
• Squid Jig Kit — 10 Jigs + Case — The perfect starter kit or gift for any squid fishing enthusiast. Covers a range of colours and sizes.

💡 Quick Winter Fishing Tips

• Fish the tides: Snapper and luderick are most active during moving water — the first two hours of an incoming or outgoing tide are often the most productive.
• Go early or late: Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, especially for snapper in shallower water.
• Fresh bait wins: For snapper, fresh squid, pilchards, and prawns are hard to beat. Catch your own squid first and use them as bait!
• Dress for the weather: Winter mornings on the water can be cold. Layer up so you can fish comfortably for longer.
• Check local regulations: Always check your state's bag and size limits before heading out. Regulations vary by species and location.

Winter is a brilliant time to be fishing in Australia — don't let the cold keep you off the water! Whether you're chasing snapper on the bottom, jigging for squid off the jetty, or finesse fishing for luderick, having the right gear makes all the difference.

Browse our full range of fishing reels, sinkers, and squid jigs at Tackle Online Australia — and tight lines this winter! 🎣