Sofia Martinez
Mulloway, also known as Jewfish, are a popular target for anglers due to their size, strength, and the challenge they present. They are a highly regarded sport fishing target and can be tricky to capture, earning them the nickname 'The Silver Ghost'. They are found in nearly every tidal canal or creek and spend a lot of time hunting along shorelines. To catch them, anglers use soft plastics that mimic their natural prey, such as mullet or squid. The right techniques, locations, and equipment are also required, along with patience and persistence. Tides and light conditions are key factors when targeting Mulloway, with high tides and first and last light being the best times to fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lures | Paddle Tails, Jerk ShadZ, Jerk baits, EZ ShrimpZ, GrubZ, Slim SwimZ, Paddle Shad |
| Lure Colours | UV Croc Bait, Sexy Mullet |
| Lure Sizes | 2.5", 3", 3.5", 4", 4.75", 5", 6", 8", 9", 10" |
| Jigheads | HeadlockZ Finesse, TT Lures HeadlockZ HD |
| Bait | Mullet, Squid, Beach worms, Live bait |
| Baitfish | Match the size of the baitfish |
| Techniques | Casting, Trolling, Drifting, Jigging |
| Time | First and last light |
| Tide | High tide |
| Equipment | Reel, Rod, Electric boat, Bow-mounted electric motor |
| Location | Estuaries, Bridges, Jetties, Rock walls, Deep holes, Rivers, Beach gutters |
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What You'll Learn
Best locations and times to catch Mulloway
Mulloway, also known as Jewfish, are a popular target for anglers due to their size and strength. They are accessible in a variety of locations, from estuaries to beaches, and even sometimes offshore. Here are some of the best locations and times to catch Mulloway:
Estuaries
Mulloway are often found in estuaries, particularly around structures such as bridges, jetties, and rock walls. They tend to occupy the hole at the end of a rock wall. The Jumpinpin, a natural estuarine system in Australia, is known for producing Mulloway.
Beaches
Mulloway spend a lot of time hunting along shorelines, and the first and last light of the day are key times to target them. They patrol beach gutters during these times, looking for baitfish. A high tide also works best as it pushes baitfish closer to the shore, providing cover for both predator and prey.
Southern Estuaries
In Southern estuaries, Mulloway can be found in both deeper, traditional Mulloway holes and shallow waters of less than 1.5 meters. Anglers have reported success in these areas while primarily targeting other species such as bream and estuary perch with soft plastics.
Timing
While Mulloway can be caught year-round, they tend to be more abundant in the warmer months. Nighttime is a good time to target them, but they can also be caught during the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
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Choosing the right soft plastic lures
Soft plastic lures are highly effective for catching Mulloway. The best lures mimic the Mulloway's natural prey, such as mullet or squid, and range from 4 to 6 inches long to cover most bait fish sizes. Paddle Tails, such as the ZMan 3" MinnowZ, 3.5" Trick SwimZ, 4" DieZel MinnowZ, 4 & 6" SwimmerZ, and 8" Mag SwimZ, are popular choices. Curl Tails, like the ZMan 4 & 5" StreakZ Curly TailZ and 9" GrubZ, are also effective. For deeper water and faster currents, a jerk bait style plastic is recommended, with options including the 4, 5 & 7" Scented Jerk ShadZ and the 8" StreakZ XL. When prawns are abundant in rivers, the ZMan 3.5" EZ ShrimpZ can effectively match the hatch.
When targeting larger Mulloway, upsizing the bait profile to match what the fish are eating is crucial. Using a larger 10-inch paddle tail or wriggle tail plastic can trick the fish into inhaling the lure. These larger lures are particularly effective when fishing in river systems where mullet school at the entrances. Additionally, hard-bodied lures with slow action can also be successful. While the gear used is essential, having a reel with a good long-cast spool and the ability to handle drag pressure is crucial for catching Mulloway.
The choice of jigheads depends on the fishing environment. When chasing Mulloway, the TT Lures HeadlockZ HD jigheads are a popular choice due to their stopping power and strength. For southern systems with high numbers of smaller school Mulloway, anglers have had success with plastics like ZMan's 2.5" GrubZ and 2.5" Slim SwimZ rigged on 1/16, 1/12, and 1/8oz #1 HeadlockZ Finesse jigheads. This approach can be thrilling when a larger fish takes the lure, and experienced anglers have landed many larger fish using this light 'bream' tackle.
When fishing from a boat, mobility is essential for instantly giving chase if needed. A boat with a bow-mounted electric motor allows for slow, silent, and steady movement through the water, providing a stable platform to practice various techniques. Combining lures and live bait can be effective, as it covers more ground and presents multiple options to determine what the fish are attracted to on a particular day. Trolling live mullet is a popular way to target Mulloway locally, and anglers have discovered the thrill of capturing them using artificial lures, including soft plastics.
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Using live bait with lures
Mulloway are an estuarine and saltwater species, meaning they can be targeted by anglers on land or by boat. They are a popular target due to their size, strength, and the challenge they present. They are often found in estuaries, particularly around structures such as bridges, jetties, and rock walls. They also love reefs with large structures and plenty of large holes or caves. Wrecks also attract Mulloway, as they will sit in the structure and venture out during feeding periods to hunt the bait schools that are also attracted to the wreck.
When using live bait with lures, it is important to use a lightweight hook so as not to inconvenience the natural movement of the live bait. A fine gauge, chemically sharpened hook is best. Live bait options include beach worms, tailor or mullet heads, live slimy mackerel, yellowtail, and pilchard. When using circle hooks, do not strike the fish, instead, let it run, then pick up the rod, tighten the drag, and wind.
When using lures, it is important to mimic the natural prey of Mulloway, such as mullet or squid. Lures between 4 to 6 inches long will cover most size bait fish. Paddle Tails are popular as the vibration from the paddle helps the fish locate the lure. The Dartspin lure in the chartreuse colour matched with a 1oz jig head has also proven successful. Mulloway like slower-moving lures that are hopped along the bottom and will often eat the lure as it is on the drop. Keep the line tight so you can detect the bite.
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How to identify Mulloway behaviour when caught on soft plastics
Mulloway, also known as Jewfish, are popular targets for anglers due to their size, strength, and the challenge they present. They are a tricky species to capture regularly, earning them the nickname "The Silver Ghost". They can be found in nearly every tidal canal or creek and are often found in estuaries, particularly around structures like bridges, jetties, and rock walls. They also frequent beaches, especially near river mouths after heavy rain. Larger Mulloway tend to be found in deeper waters, often near reefs or drop-offs.
When caught on soft plastics, Mulloway exhibit aggressive behaviour, striking violently and putting up a fight. They tend to inhale the lure, similar to a barramundi, and usually bite on the drop rather than the lift. They can be caught using a variety of soft plastic lures that mimic their natural prey, such as mullet or squid. Lure sizes between 4 to 6 inches long are ideal for covering most bait fish sizes. Paddle tails and curl tails are effective, with specific types such as the ZMan 3" MinnowZ, 3.5" Trick SwimZ, and 4" DieZel MinnowZ being popular choices. Jerk bait-style plastics are also successful, especially in deeper waters and faster currents.
The behaviour of Mulloway can be influenced by environmental factors such as weather and tide conditions. They are more active during the warmer months and are attracted to baitfish schooling in rivers after heavy rain. Tides play a crucial role, with high tides being more favourable as they push baitfish closer to the shore. First and last light are key times for predatory fish like Mulloway, as they patrol beach gutters for baitfish during these periods.
Anglers should also consider the weight and hook size of their soft plastics when targeting Mulloway. Weights can range from 1/8oz on flats to heavier options like 1/2oz or even 1oz in deep water and faster currents. Common jighead hook sizes include 3/0 in 3" plastics, 4/0 in 4", 5/0 in 5", and so on. When fishing in southern systems with high numbers of smaller school Mulloway, anglers have success using smaller plastics like ZMan's 2.5" GrubZ rigged on lighter jigheads.
Identifying Mulloway behaviour when caught on soft plastics involves understanding their natural habits, preferred environments, and responses to specific lures and conditions. By combining knowledge of their behaviour with the right techniques, locations, and equipment, anglers can increase their chances of successfully landing this rewarding catch.
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The right equipment for catching Mulloway
Catching Mulloway on soft plastic lures requires the right equipment, techniques, locations, and patience. Here is a guide to help you select the right equipment for catching Mulloway:
The first thing to consider is the lure type. Soft plastic lures are highly effective for catching Mulloway as they can mimic the appearance and movement of their natural prey, such as mullet or squid. Paddle Tails, Curl Tails, and Jerk Shads are popular lure types for catching Mulloway. The size of the lure should be between 4 to 6 inches long, matching the size of the baitfish available.
The colour of the lure is also important. Opt for colours that resemble the natural prey of Mulloway, such as UV Croc Bait or Sexy Mullet.
When it comes to jigheads, TT Lures HeadlockZ HD jigheads are a popular choice for chasing Mulloway. They offer the stopping power and strength needed for this challenging catch.
Additionally, consider using a sounder to locate the fish, especially when fishing in deeper water.
Lastly, choose a high-quality reel with a good long cast spool and the ability to handle plenty of drag pressure. For smaller Mulloway, the Shimano Stradic or Bio Master spin reel range is a good option, paired with a suitable spin rod.
With the right equipment and a bit of patience, you'll be well on your way to successfully catching Mulloway on soft plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Mulloway are often found in estuaries, particularly around structures such as bridges, jetties, and rock walls. They are also found in tidal canals and creeks.
First and last light are key times to catch predatory fish like Mulloway. Tides also play a key factor, and a high tide seems to work best. Using a combination of lures and live bait can be effective.
Soft plastic lures that mimic their natural prey, such as mullet or squid, are effective for catching Mulloway. Paddle Tails and Curl Tails are popular options, as they create vibrations that the fish can locate.
The ZMan 3" MinnowZ, 3.5" Trick SwimZ, 4" DieZel MinnowZ, and 6" SwimmerZ are popular plastic lures for catching Mulloway. The Shimano Stradic or Bio Master spin reel range is also recommended for smaller Mulloway.
