Sofia Martinez
Mulloway, also known as Jewfish, are highly prized in Australia for their size, strength, and the challenge they present. They are accessible in a variety of locations, from estuaries to surf beaches, but they are not easy to catch. Anglers have had success with soft plastics, especially those that mimic their natural prey, such as mullet or squid. The key to success is timing your tides and finding the right locations, such as deep holes, rock walls, and bridges. With the right techniques, equipment, patience, and persistence, you too can experience the thrill of catching this incredible fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish species | Mulloway, also known as Jewfish |
| Location | Australia, in estuaries, bays, surf beaches and offshore |
| Lures | Soft plastics, paddle tails, Bait Junkie Jerk Shads, Minnow |
| Lure size | 4-6 inches long |
| Lure colour | UV Croc Bait |
| Rod length | 7 feet long |
| Line class | 10-40lb braid with a 20-40lb leader |
| Time of day | Night time, early morning or late afternoon |
| Season | Year-round, but more abundant in warmer months |
| Tides | Slack tide, start of the run in or end of a run out |
| River environment | Deep holes, sand banks, structure like bridge pylons |
| Bait | Beach worms, mullet |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose the right soft plastic lures, such as paddle tails or jerk shads
- Consider the size of the jewfish when selecting the line class and lure size
- Know the best times to fish, such as during tide changes or at night
- Find the right locations, like estuaries, with structures like bridges and rock walls
- Use the right equipment, including rods, reels, and jig heads
Choose the right soft plastic lures, such as paddle tails or jerk shads
Jewfish, also known as Mulloway, are a highly regarded sport fishing target in Australia. They are accessible in a variety of locations, from estuaries to surf beaches, but they are not an easy target. They are strong fighters and present a challenge, making them a rewarding catch.
To catch Jewfish, it is important to choose the right soft plastic lures. Paddle tails and jerk shads are two effective options. Paddle tails are a popular choice for many anglers and are available in a range of sizes, from 3" to 8" lures. The 4.75-inch Paddle Shad, for example, has been successful in catching Jewfish. A larger lure size, such as 100-120mm, is more likely to attract bigger fish. It is also important to match the lure size to the baitfish available, to make it more enticing to the Jewfish.
Jerk shads are another productive option, especially when fishing in deeper water with faster currents. The 4, 5 and 7" scented Jerk ShadZ have been successful, as well as the 6-inch model, which has caught some awesome fish. The skinny waist profile of the Bait Junkie Jerk Shads creates a swimming action that is hard to beat. The Bait Junkie range also includes the 4.2" Minnow, which has been known to catch exceptional fish, particularly at night.
When choosing a soft plastic lure, it is important to consider the size of the Jewfish you are targeting and the area you are fishing in. A lighter braid, such as 10-15lb, can be used in drop-offs with little structure, while a heavier braid, such as 30-40lb, is more suitable for fishing near structures. The jig head size should also be matched to the lure, with a lighter jig head for lighter lures and a heavier jig head for larger lures.
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Consider the size of the jewfish when selecting the line class and lure size
Jewfish, also known as Mulloway, are a highly regarded sports fish species in Australia. They are popular targets for anglers due to their size, strength, and the challenge they present. Jewfish occupy a variety of locations, from estuaries to bays, surf beaches, and sometimes offshore. They are particularly drawn to deeper holes, rock walls, rock bars, flats in close proximity to water, and
When selecting the line class and lure size for catching jewfish, it is important to consider the size of the fish you are targeting. If you are fishing for larger jewfish, you will need to use a heavier line class and larger lure size. For example, when fishing in an area with a lot of structure, such as bridge pylons, a heavier braid and leader are recommended to help prevent break-offs. A 30-40lb braid with a 40lb leader is a good choice for fishing in these conditions. On the other hand, if you are fishing in an open area with little structure, a lighter braid, such as 10-15lb, can be used.
The size of the jewfish you are targeting will also influence the size of the soft plastic lures you select. Lures that mimic the size and shape of the baitfish that jewfish naturally prey upon, such as mullet or squid, tend to be the most effective. A lure size between 4 to 6 inches long will generally cover most size bait fish. However, if you are targeting larger jewfish, you may need to use larger lures, such as those in the 100-120mm range.
In addition to the size of the fish, the depth of the water and the current flow in the river system will also impact your lure selection. You want to ensure that your lure can reach the bottom and attract jewfish from the lower depths. For example, in deeper water or faster currents, a jerk bait style plastic can be a good choice as it can get your presentation down to where the fish are.
By matching your line class and lure size to the size and habitat of the jewfish you are targeting, you will increase your chances of success in catching these prized sport fish.
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Know the best times to fish, such as during tide changes or at night
Jewfish are challenging targets and require persistence and practice to catch. The best times to fish are during tide changes, at night, in the early morning, or in the late afternoon.
Firstly, it is important to understand the behaviour of jewfish in relation to tides. Jewfish are more active during the change of tide, specifically during the slack of the tide, the start of the run-in, or the end of the run-out. The time of tide change varies depending on the location in the river, with the mouth of the river and the top of the river experiencing different tide change timings. Therefore, it is crucial to get into the habit of timing when the tide stops in your specific fishing location. This will enable you to determine the best times to cast your line.
Additionally, the type of water body and its characteristics play a role in determining the best fishing times. Jewfish are known to favour murky, dark water, which can be found in various environments such as sudsy rock platforms, beach holes, or deep water with low light penetration. They use low visibility conditions to their advantage for ambushing prey. Mud bottom sections of harbors, as opposed to sand bottoms, are often more productive for catching jewfish, especially during tide changes when the silt lifts and creates a "smokescreen" effect, providing ideal hunting conditions for these predators.
When it comes to the time of day, night fishing can be productive, and jewfish can also be caught during the day, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon. The full and new moon phases influence the best fishing times; the new moon is ideal for early morning and daytime fishing, while the full moon is preferable for late afternoon and night fishing. During the day, jewfish may enter a ""holding" mode, where they become less active and stationary, often positioning themselves with their backs against structures for protection from predators.
It is worth noting that the duration of your fishing trip is not as crucial as being in the right spot at the right time. A successful jewfish trip can be achieved in as little as four hours, emphasizing the importance of understanding tide changes and the behaviour of jewfish during different times of the day.
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Find the right locations, like estuaries, with structures like bridges and rock walls
Jewfish, also known as Mulloway, are accessible in a variety of locations, from estuaries to bays, surf beaches, and even offshore. Estuaries are partially enclosed coastal bodies of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into them and a free connection to the open sea. They are highly dynamic systems, with characteristics that change daily in response to tides, making them productive habitats for various fish species.
When looking for the right estuaries to catch Jewfish, consider those with structures like bridges and rock walls. These structures provide ideal habitats for Jewfish and other fish species, offering protection and abundant food sources. Bridges, for example, provide overhead cover and shade, while also attracting smaller fish that seek shelter, thus luring in larger predatory fish like Jewfish.
Rock walls, particularly those with scattered rocks and weed beds, can be excellent spots to target Jewfish. The rocks provide hiding spots and breeding grounds for smaller fish, again attracting larger predators. Additionally, the uneven surface of a rock wall can create turbulent water flow, which Jewfish may find appealing as it mimics the movement of their prey.
Other structures to look out for in estuaries include jetties, cliffs, and fallen trees. These structures provide similar advantages, offering cover and attracting baitfish, which in turn lure in Jewfish.
When fishing in estuaries with these structures, it's important to use the right equipment. A boat can be advantageous, allowing you to cast towards the structures where Jewfish are likely to be holding. In terms of lures, soft plastics are a popular choice for Jewfish, with paddle tails and jerk shads being effective options. The size of the lure should match the size of the baitfish available, typically ranging from 4 to 6 inches.
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Use the right equipment, including rods, reels, and jig heads
Jewfish, also known as Mulloway, are a popular target for anglers due to their size and strength. They are a tricky species to capture, but with the right equipment and techniques, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips for selecting the right rods, reels, and jig heads for catching jewfish on soft plastics:
When it comes to rods, a length of around 7 feet is recommended. Examples include the TD Black Macka 701MFS or a similar weight TD Hyper rod. A longer rod will give you more reach and leverage when casting, which can be advantageous when fishing in rivers or from a boat. The rod weight should match the reel size; a 2500 or 3000 reel is typically paired with the aforementioned rod choices.
For the reel, a spinning reel such as the Chroma 2 is a popular choice among anglers. It is important to spool your reel with the appropriate line weight. The line class depends on the size of the jewfish and the fishing location. If fishing in open water with fewer structures, a lighter braid in the range of 10-15lb is suitable, paired with a 20lb leader. However, when fishing near structures like bridges or rock walls, a heavier braid of 30-40lb with a 40lb leader is recommended to handle the extra abrasion resistance.
Jig heads are an important component of your setup when using soft plastics. The size of the jig head will depend on the depth of water and the current flow in the river or fishing area. You want to ensure that your jig head is heavy enough to reach the bottom and allow you to retrieve your lure through the water column effectively. For example, a 5" soft plastic lure typically pairs with a 1/4oz jig head, while a 4.2" paddle tail works well on a 3/8oz jig head. Lighter jig heads in the 1/16-1/8oz range are also productive for targeting school jewfish, especially when paired with smaller plastics like the ZMan's 2.5" GrubZ or 2.5" Slim SwimZ.
When selecting your jig heads, consider the style and colour as well. For instance, the ZMan 6" SwimmerZ in Sexy Mullet colour is a popular choice when paired with a 1oz jig head. The Bait Junkie Jerk Shads, with their skinny waist profile, create an enticing swimming action that attracts jewfish. Experimenting with different jig head and soft plastic combinations can help you find the most effective setup for the conditions and target fish.
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Frequently asked questions
Jewfish, also known as Mulloway, are often found in estuaries, particularly around structures such as bridges, jetties, and rock walls. The best types of soft plastics to use are those that mimic their natural prey, such as mullet or squid. Favourite plastics include paddle tails, curl tails, and jerk bait style plastics.
Jewfish will bite best on either the slack of the tide, the start of the run in, or the end of a run out. The time of the tide change will differ from the mouth of the river to the top of the river, so get into the habit of timing when the tide has stopped in your particular location.
A rod around 7 feet long, such as the TD Black Macka 701MFS or a similar weight TD Hyper rod, matched with a 2500 or 3000 reel, is ideal for catching Jewfish.
Cast your lures beyond the area you want to fish, get them to the bottom, and then work them with a series of lifts and drops or stops and starts. Try to keep the lure in the lower third of the water column throughout the retrieve and don’t go too fast.
