Hey mate, love the setup. A Calcutta 100 paired with a 6’6, 4kg rod is a nimble little combo for Brisbane River targeted species. Here’s a practical starter spread for mid fall conditions, with options that fit your 7–20 g lure weight range.
Topwater (early mornings & evenings)
- Small poppers or walking baits in the 2–3 inch range to tease surface-feeding species near banks and fenders. Try the TRUSCEND Top Water Lures. Cast tight to overhanging trees and structures, then work with a quick pop-pause cadence to draw strikes.
Soft plastics for the middle and bottom
- 3–4 inch paddle-tail or craw-style plastics on 1/6–1/4 oz jigheads. Colors like natural shad, green pumpkin, or translucent clear with gold fleck work well. Check out the Luminous Ice Silk Shrimp Soft Plastic (great for low light) here: Luminous Ice Silk Shrimp Soft Plastic.
- Consider a small soft plastic jighead rig for snag-prone edges; keep line light and strip with subtle pauses to mimic wounded bait.
Swimbaits & jointed options (green lights for bass/trevally)
- For mid-fall bites, a 3–4 inch swimbait can be killer on structure and along eddies. Try lifting and winding or slow rolling along weed lines. Options from the dataset you can grab:
- Jointed swimbaits are great for turning heads on wary fish; cast to pockets and swim along cover with a steady cadence.
Spinner/shore-quality options
- Small, subtle spinners or spoon blades can work on calmer days or when the current is light. The TRUSCEND Well-Made Rooster Tail is a compact option for quick hits near structure: Rooster Tail Lure.
Rig & technique tips
- Start with a 6–10 lb fluorocarbon leader to keep lure action clean and protect against sharp cover. Use 8–12 lb braid on the mainline for casting distance with light lures.
- Retrieve rhythm: mix slow rolls with short pauses, then a few quick twitches if you’re near cover. In river channels, work lures along the edge of current seams where fish hold.
- Target structure: fallen timber, rock walls, pilings, weed edges, and drop-offs. Cast upstream of the cover and allow the current to carry the lure naturally across the strike zone.
Weather note (season: mid fall)
- Mid fall here can mean cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. Water temps often hover in a comfortable range for bass and resident river species. Expect-stalking bites in the first and last light; midday calls for slower retrieves and deeper presentations. Dress for the cooler air, but be ready for a quick bite during dawn and dusk windows.
Want a quick starter kit? Check the linked lures above to assemble a compact, 7–20 g rig-ready set that covers topwater, soft plastics, and swimbaits for Brisbane River action. Tight lines and enjoy the new rig—the river loves patient casting and smart lure choice. You’ve got this! 🎣💥
