Mulloway, or jewfish as they are known in some parts of Australia are a much sort after species. In Western Australia the mighty Midwest mulloway draws anglers from across the state to fish our waters in the hope of hooking that fish of a lifetime. The Midwest boasts exceptional surf beaches where these predators can be found hunting in gutters. We have an abundance of reef systems they inhabit and river mouths where they stalk the entrance as the tide floods out or when the river is in flood and spills its contents into the ocean.
You can experience some extraordinary mulloway fishing from land or in a boat in our state. This article is how I fish for them from a boat, but some techniques mentioned here will bring success land based as well, in any part of WA where mulloway are found.
The most productive time I have encountered when targeting mully is at dusk and dawn with a coinciding high tide. But as life gets in the way sometimes, targeting them at the prime time just isn’t always possible. With some sound knowledge of the habits of this species, you can find success throughout the tide and day.
Reef systems with current flow are a good starting point from a boat. Look for small gaps in the reef where the water flows through. Drifting and fishing these gaps in the reef is tricky but can be very successful. Your sounder will be your eyes under water to pinpoint exactly where the fish are located within this area. They will be behind the reef in the eddy waiting for bait fish to pass by. With strong tidal movement, fishing this way you will only have a very short window to get a bait or lure to where the fish are positioned. You need to pre-empt the direction of your drift, then cast ahead of your drift allowing time for your bait or lure to move down through the water column to that precise moment finishing its decent just before where the fish are. This method requires a lot of constant movement and keeping an eye on the sounder. Of course, this could be made a lot easier if you are lucky enough to have a trolling motor that you can manoeuvre over the exact spot the fish are held up in.
If you encounter a very strong current it is best to start your drift on the reef and slowly let more line out as the water depth increases, allowing the current to take you to the fish. If the current is flowing from the other direction be mindful to watch the sounder, so you are aware when you need to start retrieving line, so you don’t get snagged as the boat starts to be carried over the reef. Being aware of your tides is essential when targeting these fish this way. Coming off a reef I have found more productive, than drifting at the reef.
When drifting for mulloway I use my Shimano Talica 12 with a tight drag. With their paddle shape tail these fish can be hard to stop. I want my fish in the boat in the shortest amount of time before it is sharked and to keep the fish from being able to cut me off on the reef. My reel is partnered with a Shimano 5’1 Extraction two-piece jigging rod. 30lb KAIRIKI 8+ Braid and with its high knot strength, under pressure I have the confidence to tackle these monsters. A metre of 60lb to 80lb leader, to a swivel and a paternoster rig. 7’0 circle hook and size 7 snapper sinker, but my sinker weight may vary depending on the strength of the water movement.
Reefy outcrops with less current are an excellent location if you prefer to anchor and this is when I would use burley. Ideally you want to allow the current to take your burley towards the patches of reef. My personal preference as bait is a fresh slab of tailor cut into thick slices and enough weight to get it near the bottom. Mulloway like to mouth their food and that is why I like tailor, as it is a good solid bait to have on your hook. It will last when it is mouthed, and the pickers shouldn’t get it off before a mulloway has a chance to take it. When anchored and fishing for mulloway I do like to have a loose drag to allow for them to play with the bait and even pick up the bait and move until the circle hook does its job. Drifting these areas with jigs and plastics is also worth a try but the burley and tailor technique is my personal preference.
When anchored I use a Shimano Saragosa 14000. This is so I have the power when I do tighten the drag to keep the fish from the patches of reef and the anchor rope. My reel is paired with a 6’4 two-piece Extraction Rod. 30lb KAIRIKI 8+ Braid and with its improved casting distance, I can ensure I get my bait right back into the burley trail where I want it. In saying that often the mulloway have been found to have followed the burley all the way to the boat and are sitting under it. So cast into the berley trail and occasionally drop beside the boat. I use 60lb leader to a 7’0 circle hook and a small ball sinker.
Burleying with mulies cut into small pieces works well, as do the burley bomb of mulies you can buy. The mulies put out a strong scent that soon attracts the mulloway to the area. The scent does attract other species and at times you’re by catch can also be worth all the effort. It is important to be consistent with the burley though. A burley bucket is a good idea because often when the burley slows, so do the bites. Tailor can be used as burley cut into fine pieces also.
It was by accident we gained most of our knowledge of this species. When our children were young and we took them to the Perth Aquarium and it was here witnessing these hunters in some what their natural environment we got an insight into their world. We observed them gathered in schools, positioned under ledges and near the current flows. It gave us an awareness as to how these fish would spend their time and hunt laying in wait to ambush prey as it passed. We took the knowledge we learned at the aquarium and applied it to our fishing, making the adjustments needed.
Mulloway are regarded as an excellent table fish. If you crave a battle with one of the oceans ultimate predators or are simply after a feed of fish. This species is worth putting the time and effort into it.