HOW TO CATCH MULLOWAY

LOCATIONS: Mulloway or Jewfish are widespread along beaches, headlands, large river systems and offshore reefs in depths of up to 100m.

SIZE: Mulloway can grow to over 1.5m however are most commonly caught between 40cm and 1.2m.

AVAILABILITY: Mulloway can be caught all year round in the South West Rocks area however there movements and habits are extremely hard to predict.

PEAK SEASON: Small fish are in peak numbers along the coastline and in the Macleay River from November until May. Larger Fish are in peak numbers from the first Flood of each year (often Feb to April) until early spring both on shallow offshore reefs, beaches, headlands and the entrance of the Macleay River. 

TACKLE/RIGGING: Juvenile Mulloway (40cm 80cm) can be targeted on light tackle. 2500 to 4000 sized spin reels with 10lb to 20lb braided line is ample for these school sized fish.

Larger Mulloway are powerful fighters and require heavier tackle. 30lb to 60lb braid or Mono line are preferred when targeting big mulloway with spinning reels of 5000 to 8000 or larger overhead reels preferred.

Rod length varies on the type of area being fished. Generally a 6ft to 7ft rod is used from a boat, 8ft to 10ft from the rocks and 10ft to 14ft for the beach.

BAITS/LURES: Mulloway prefer Livebait such as mullet, herring and yellowtail. Fresh Squid, Beachworms, Mullet, Tailor, Tuna and Bonito are also great baits.

Mulloway can be caught on a very large variety of lures. Soft plastics from 3'' to 5'' and vibes between 70mm and 100mm are best for targeting school sized fish.

Large plastics between 6'' and 8'', bigger vibes and hardbody lures are suited for larger fish. Metal jigs (micro jigs) are also a very effective way of targeting fish on deeper offshore reefs.

EATING QUALITY: Mulloway have a firm, white flesh. Although quite plain in flavour, they are well suited to frying or seasoned in portions on the BBQ.

Pictured Above: Mitchell Maric with the fish of many anglers dreams...the mighty Macleay River Mulloway! At the right time of year big fish like this one are a viable target both day and night.

Pictured Above: Local young-gun Jack with a very healthy day time Mulloway caught in the entrance of the Macleay river.