The Mulloway, also known as Jewfish or Jewies, are found in Australian waters and can be up to 1.8 metres long with a weight of 70kg. They’re one the largest fish on our coastlines, making them an excellent challenge for any angler hoping to conquer saltwater fishing!
Catching Mulloway isn’t just a fortunate accident – knowing their habitats improves your chances of landing one (and cuts down on frustration). To increase your likelihood of success, start by reading this guide on how to catch Mulloway Jewfish.
Here’s what you need to know when trying your luck at catching these monster fish.
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Tip # 1
What Equipment Do You Need To Catch Mulloway Jewfish?
To learn How To Catch Mulloway, you need the right gear. The equipment you use will make all the difference in whether or not you get your hands on one of these magnificent fish.
So What Equipment Do You Need to Catch Mulloway?
What’s The Best Rod For Catching Mulloway Jewfish?
The perfect fishing rod for mulloway is a medium-action graphite with plenty of backbone and flexibility. The fight with this fish will be tough, so you need your equipment to have all of the power and flexibility. You’ll want to use a graphite rod for its strength and ability to negotiate the challenge these powerful fish present.
The best length for a rod for targetting Mulloway is between 7 and 13 feet, but this can vary depending on the location you are fishing. For example, if you’re fishing in tighter spaces with lots of overhanging vegetation, it is best to go with a shorter rod (under 9 feet).
What’s The Best Reel For Catching Mulloway Jewfish?
The reel is what makes or breaks your fishing experience and when it comes to Mulloway, you need a reel with high power and durability. Look for a heavy-duty, saltwater fishing reel that can handle the tough fight these fish put up.
You’ll want a reel with good line capacity for when the fish starts pulling on your line and a strong drag system. Here are some rough guidelines:
- 200-300 metres of braid line capacity
- Braid 30-40lb strength
- 50-60lb Fluorocarbon leader
- Connect your main line braid to your Fluorocarbon leader with an FG knot.
- 7000-10000 size reel combined with a strong graphite rod
Hooks
There are many different views on what kind of hook should be used for mulloway fishing. Some say circles, while others strongly argue over single or double-snelled J hooks.
Circle Hooks
The circle hook is a special type of fishing hook that allows you to catch and release fish with minimal harm. Circle hooks are more likely to get lodged in the jaw rather than the stomach or guts, making them easier for fishermen.
- To learn how to catch Mulloway, you can try circle hooks in the size range of 5/0 – 8/0.
J Hooks
J Hooks are great for fishing in situations where there’s often slack on the line, like surfcasting or fishing with weighted bait. Unlike the circle hooks, these hooks require you to strike them to set them in. In situations where a mulloway jewfish has taken the bait or is playing with it, you may need to wind up your line before striking to set the J Hook.
- Mulloway Jewfish have huge mouths and will gladly take your bait in any size. A med-sized tailor or mullet isn’t too big though you want to use J Hooks 7-10 size.
Line
Mulloway are a tough fish, and you will need a strong, heavy-duty line. The line should be able to handle the pressure of fighting a large fish, with a minimum breaking strength of around 15kg.
You can use monofilament or braided lines, both work well, but most anglers prefer braided lines because of their superior strength and durability.
Braided lines also allow you to cast further and more accurately than monofilament lines. However, they are more expensive and require more care to maintain their quality.
As a rough guideline, you can use:
- 7kg-15kg rated main line. Preferably braid line.
- 50-60lb Fluorocarbon leader
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Tip # 2
What is The Best Rig Setup to Catch Mulloway Jewfish?
The best rig setup when learning How To Catch Mulloway is a Slider Rig. The slider rig is a great all-rounder and will catch various species.
It is easy to tie and can be used with a wide range of dead baits, so it is perfect for targeting Mulloway in shallow water when using baits like beach worms or squid.
There are many reasons why anglers prefer to use a slider rig for fishing for mulloway.
- First, it’s easy to set up and use. This makes it suitable for anyone who is just starting out as a mulloway angler.
- Second, it’s versatile and can be used with a wide range of dead bait depending on the conditions at your fishing spot.
- Third, it’s a light and simple rig that doesn’t tangle too often up when you cast it out.
- Fourth, it’s effective.
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Tip # 3
What’s The Best Bait For Catching Mulloway Jewfish?
When learning how to catch Mulloway, it’s important to know what they like to eat and what they don’t like.
Fortunately, Mulloway are very voracious predators and will take any type of prey that is presented to them. Live baits are the best because they are the freshest and most natural form of bait available.
Squids
Squids are one of the best live bait for catching mulloway. They are easy to catch, relatively cheap, and can be used in different situations. Squid works well when fished on a jighead or dropped off the bottom, but they also work great when used as cut bait on a hook.
Mullet
Mullets are another good type of live bait. They have a reputation as being better bait than squid because they’re larger, swim better and can be used in just about any situation. Mullet also work well as cut bait, and they can be used to catch other species of fish besides Mulloway.
Bonito
Bonito is also a great bait for catching mulloway, especially when the fish are schooling. They are good as live bait, but they’re especially effective when used as freshly-cut bait. They work well for trolling, casting, and bottom fishing.
Other Jewfish Bait
Aside from the bait mentioned above, other great jewfish baits include:
- Slimy mackerel,
- Yellowtail Scad,
- Tailor,
- Salmon,
- Luderick (Blackfish),
- Trevally,
- Pike,
- Pilchards,
- Garfish,
- Tommy ruff (Herring)
- and Beach Worms
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Tip # 4
What Are The Best Lures For Catching Mulloway?
Lures are also a very popular way of catching mulloway. Many types of lures exist, but hard-bodied lures and soft plastics are the most commonly used ones for Mulloway fishing.
Soft Plastics
Soft plastics are by far the most popular lure for mulloway fishing.
They are preferred by many anglers as they can imitate many types of fish, including baitfish or squid, because of their lifelike appearance and actions. Not only that, but soft plastics are relatively inexpensive to purchase.
They are also the most versatile and can be used in many situations, so they’re great for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Hard-bodied Lures
Hard-bodied lures are usually made from wood or plastic and painted with vibrant colours. They are also designed to mimic baitfish, but unlike soft plastics, they have rigid bodies.
Hard-bodied lures tend to be more expensive than soft plastics, but they last longer and are more durable, so they’re worth the investment if you want you a long-lasting lure.
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Tip # 5
When is The Best Time To Catch Mulloway Jewfish?
Time of The Year
Mulloways can be caught all year round. However, if you’re looking to capture the big ones, the best time of year for learning how to catch mulloway is from July to September.
Tides
Mulloway like to feed on the incoming tide, but they also need to move into deeper water as the tide recedes. The best times for catching them are when they’re on the move. This means that early morning (dawn) and late afternoon (dusk) are both good times. The exact times for rising tides usually differ, so it is best to check tide predictions online.
Weather and Conditions
The best time to catch mulloway is when the weather and conditions are right so it is important to check the forecast before planning any fishing trips.
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Tip # 6
Where Can You Catch Mulloway In Sydney & NSW?
Mulloways can be found all throughout Australia and New Zealand waters. They are usually found in estuaries, harbours, rivers, beaches or places with a good supply of food and shelter.
Some Mulloway hotspots around Sydney & New South Wales Include:
- Parramatta River
- Lane Cove River
- Sydney Harbour
- Middle Harbour
- Hawkesbury River
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Tip # 7
Can You Catch Mulloway Jewfish From The Beach?
When mulloway fishing from the beach, it is best to set up close to rocky areas or reef systems with some form of current flowing through them. This will help attract more Mulloway into the area and improve your chances of catching one.
If the beach you are fishing on has no rocky areas, then it is best to look and fish in beach structures such as gutters.
While Mulloway are not a fussy species when it comes to structuring, they do prefer to hang out in areas with some form of current running through them.
This is why gutters are such a popular place for mulloway anglers to set up. Gutters can be formed by sandbars or even just the natural flow of water from the ocean onto the beach during high tide.
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Tip # 8
What are The Best Techniques to Catch Mulloway Jewfish?
Mulloway are one of the most sought-after saltwater species in the Australia. There are many techniques that can be used to catch them; however, no one perfect method will work in every situation.
What works on one day may not work on another, so knowing what techniques will work best for your location and conditions is important.
Shore Jigging
Shore Jigging is another one of the most popular methods on How To Catch Mulloway.
Jigs are weighted lures with a hook on the end, which allow you to drop them down into the water column where Mulloway live and wait for them to take it.
It can be done with a variety of jigs, but it is most commonly used with soft plastics.
Soft plastics are much easier to cast and retrieve than hardbodies, so they are a good choice for beginners who are still learning how to cast and work a jig.
One way to fish a jig is by casting it out, allowing it to sink to the bottom, and then reeling it back in erratically with up-and-down movements, side-to-side, or interval twitches. You should try different retrieval speeds but ensure enough time for the lure to settle between movements.
Have patience and be willing to try out different movements until the fish bites.
Still Fishing (With Bait)
Another popular technique for targeting mulloway is still fishing. This involves using a sinker to weigh down your bait and keeping it in one spot, waiting for a fish to take the bait.
For still fishing, it is important to use fresh bait such as live or fresh-cut mullet, prawns, squid, or tuna.
It is also important to find a spot where there is a good structure, such as a rocky point or jetty, and to keep your bait near the bottom of the water column. Keep an eye on your line and be ready to set the hook when you feel a bite.
While still fishing may not be as active as other techniques, it can be very effective for catching Mulloway. It is also a good choice for beginner anglers who are still learning how to catch mulloway and their technique.
How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish – Conclusion
Everything You Need to Know on How to Catch Mulloway Jewfish
The fight of your life is waiting for you out there, so get ready! These powerhouse fish can be finicky and picky, but it will feel like nothing else when they hit the line. Catching a Mulloway is no easy feat; it will take preparation and patience, but when you finally land one, it’ll be worth all of that hard work!
Now that you know how to catch Mulloway, get some live bait, grab your favourite lure, and start reeling in the Jewies today! Good luck and tight lines!
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Tags: How To Catch Mulloway, How To Catch Mulloway Jewfish, Jewfish
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