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Mulloway [jew, jewie, jewfish, butterfish, river kingfish]
(Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
Size:
3 - 15kg. can reach up to 61kg.
Habitat:
Mulloway are common in coastal and estuarine waters of Australia's southern half from southern Qld. to mid-west coast of W.A. excluding Tas.
They can be found in tidal lakes, estuaries, rivers, bays, harbours and adjacent surf and ocean beaches as well as infrequently in deep offshore reefs. They prefer areas of good baitfish populations like tailor, mullet and whitebait. Juvenile Mulloway sometimes referred to as Soapies or School Jewfish prefer the more saline river and estuary systems.
Qualities:
Predatorial fish offering a fast and hard run on strike followed by two or three smaller runs. Important sportfish usually found in schools.
Record:
Australian record 42.5kg.
Best Bait:
Salmon, beachworm (handfull), tailor, mullet, yellowtail, luderick, salmon, garfish, squid, fresh squid heads, prawn, octopus, mackerel, pike, whiting, bonito, bass yabbie, strip baits. Small livebaits such as mullet, tailor, yellowtail, slimy mackerel and pike. Lures include the Bomber Long A. Tackle:
Line: 6 - 12kg main line with a 1m 10 - 20kg monotrace.
Hook: No.2/0 - 6/0 Mustad 540 Viking. No.4/0 - 8/0 Ganged for whole and strip baits. No.5/0 Longshank for worm baits.
Rig: Single hook with a No.2 - 5 ball running sinker. Live bait rig for larger fish.
Hints:
High tide within a few hours of darkness is a productive time to fish as well as at dusk up until the turn of the tide. Estuary fish tend to congregate in the deep holes and channels as well as gutters off river mouths. Entrances to tidal lakes also find big jewies. Live baits are best for estuary and reef fishing. Found under lighted bridge structures at night. Full moon nights are productive and early morning. The big fish are taken at night, on the flat of the tide and at the dark of the moon. Best beaches include long and steep often with a visible reef, headland or island in close range. The Jewfish tend to leave these hideouts and feed at the beach at night. They are found in reasonably deep holes and gutters with plenty of white foam flowing over. Strip baits are best for surf. A heavy run-off from rain often puts them on the bite. Big minnow lures work well on a slow retrieve. Trace is not necessary unless fishing near reef or rocky areas. Must be quiet when fishing for Jewfish as they spook easily.
On the Fly
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