Burley – How To Do It Right – A Handy Guide

Using burley is one of the most effective ways to increase your catch while fishing on the Gold Coast. Burley attracts fish from a distance, drawing them to your fishing area and improving your chances of hooking quality species like Cobia, Mackerel, Snapper, and Tuna. When used correctly, a steady burley trail can turn an average day on the water into an exceptional fishing experience.

Why and When to Use Burley

The main reason to use burley is simple: more fish in your area means more bites. Burley is most effective when you can maintain a continuous trail that fish can follow. Make sure your baits are set in the middle of the burley path so the fish encounter them naturally while feeding.

Timing:

• Use burley whenever conditions allow.

• Avoid strong currents that sweep your burley away too quickly.

• Ideal when targeting reef and pelagic species in calm or moderate waters.

What to Use for Burley

Matching your burley to your target species can increase your success. For example, if you’re using pilchard pieces for Snapper, include smaller pilchard pieces in your burley mix.

Common burley options include:

• Bread and breadcrumbs

• Fish scraps or fillets (Tuna, Bonito)

• Pilchard pieces or cubes

• Prawn heads and shells

• Beach worms

• Chicken pellets or pet food

• Boiled wheat or corn

• Fish frames or sand

• Tuna oil

How to Deploy Burley

The key rule for burleying is: a little often, rather than a lot at once. A consistent, small amount keeps the fish following your trail to your bait. Dumping too much burley at irregular intervals can fill fish up quickly, causing them to scatter.

Tips for effective burley deployment:

• Surface fishing: Slowly trickle chopped burley from a bucket into the water.

• Offshore fishing: Use a burley pot attached to your boat’s transom for a steady release. Mash the burley with a basher to help it disperse.

• Deep water: A burley bomb or net bag can deliver burley deeper, keeping the trail near your boat longer.

Final Tips for Successful Burley Fishing

Burley can be used from both shore and boat. It may take some trial and error to get your mix, quantity, and timing just right, but the results are worth it. A consistent burley trail can help you attract Cobia, Mackerel, Snapper, and other species to your line and significantly improve your catch rates.