A good prawn run is one of the most productive and social nights on the Australian water calendar. It also produces the best bait you will ever put on a hook.
Prawning is heavily rules-based — net types, mesh sizes and closed waters vary by state — so confirm local regulations before you buy gear.
When prawns run
The classic east coast run happens on the first big run-out tides after heavy summer rain, usually around the new or full moon from about January to April. Freshwater pushing down the system triggers prawns to move toward the mouth.
Water temperature above roughly 22°C and a dark, still night are the other two ingredients. Wind chop makes spotting eyes almost impossible.
Scoop netting on foot
Wade the shallow edges with a bright headlamp and watch for pairs of orange-red eye reflections just above the bottom. Approach slowly and scoop in one smooth motion behind the prawn — they jet backwards.
Work the shallow side of drains and sand banks on the last two hours of the run-out. Prawns hug the edges to avoid current.
Drag nets and cast nets
A drag net worked by two people over a shallow sand flat covers far more ground and is the standard method in bigger estuaries where it is legal. Keep the lead line hard on the bottom.
A cast net suits deeper channel edges and requires practice. Learn the throw on a lawn before you waste a tide fumbling on the water.
Keeping and using prawns
Ice a slurry immediately. Prawns go soft and black-headed within an hour in a warm bucket, and quality collapses fast.
Keep the smaller ones for bait — live prawns on a light running-sinker rig are close to unbeatable on bream, flathead, whiting and mangrove jack.
Key takeaways
- ▸Big run-out tides after summer rain, on a dark night, produce the best runs.
- ▸Look for paired orange eye reflections in shallow edge water.
- ▸Check state rules on net type, mesh and closed waters first.
- ▸Ice prawns instantly and keep the small ones for bait.
This guide is general information only. Fishing regulations differ by state and change regularly — confirm current rules with your fisheries authority before you fish.