Open Year-Round

Black Bream

Acanthopagrus butcheri

Also known as: Bream, Southern Bream

DPIRD Category Nearshore/Estuarine Finfish
Peak Season Year round
Difficulty Moderate
Fight Rating ★★★☆☆
Black Bream

Regulations & Limits

NEARSHORE/ESTUARINE FINFISH

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast OPEN
Min Size 250mm
Individual Limit 6 fish
Mixed Limit Within 16 nearshore total
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast OPEN
Min Size 250mm
Individual Limit 6 fish
Mixed Limit Within 16 nearshore total
✓ Open year-round.
Gascoyne N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

Good to Know

  • Part of bream group (Acanthopagrus spp.)
  • Swan and Canning Rivers: Only 2 fish over 400mm allowed

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size30 cm
Max Size50 cm
Typical Weight1 kg
Max Weight3 kg

Habitat

Where: Estuaries, rivers, coastal bays

Depth: 1-20m

ID Features: Silver-black body, forked tail, thick lips

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 14 – 22°C

How to Catch Black Bream

1

Light plastics

Setup

  • Line: PE0.6-1 / 3-6kg
  • Leader: 8-12lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Soft plastics 2-3inch
  • Small vibes
  • Blades

Best Baits

  • Prawns
  • Sandworms
  • Mussels
  • Bread

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Pan fried, baked whole

The Fight

★★★☆☆ 3/5

Strong for size, stubborn

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