Stinker’s Fishin’: The mighty Mulloway

IT appears to me that along with catching a giant snapper, catching a mighty mulloway is on the top of every fisherman’s catch list.

It may come as some surprise to realise that mulloway are everywhere – on the beaches, over the offshore reefs, in the deep holes, over wrecks, around bridges, along breakwalls and way up in the shallow waters.

This is the time of year when your chances are increased because of all the fish movement along our coastline and inside the harbour – mullet, salmon, bream, luderick, tailor and predators sharks and mulloway.

You don’t need me to tell you that the mulloway is a big fish, some close to 40kg, so it is necessary to prepare yourself for a real battle with heavy line (15kg plus) and big hooks (6/0 plus).
When it comes to bait, mulloway aren’t fussy and will have a crack at just about anything.

They do however have a preference for fresh squid, live yellowtail or slimy mackerel and fresh fillet of tailor.

They love nothing more than a big sea worm if you are fishing off the beach. Mulloway will also gobble up a big prawn, pilchard, luderick fillet and live tailor or mullet.

The most likely spots to target are the deeper “gutters”along Stockton and Fingal Beaches, Nelson Bay Breakwall, the Salamander wreck and Karuah Bridge.

My favoured time to strike is one hour before sundown to two hours after with a rising moon on a full tide.

Berley with a rich mixture of bread, prawn heads and diced yellowtail – lower your bait into the berley trail and hang on!

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE