2011 Calendar
Fish of the Month
Jewfish
Jew Fish are found all around the Australian coast but are more predominant along the east coast.
Jew fish are categorized into two groups:- 1) Soapy Jews - Normally around 1-1.5kg - Legal size is 456=0mm 2) School Jews - these can be 8kg
They are found both off shore and in estuaries. The larger specimens are normally caught just off shore near the mouths of estuaries.
Live bait is always best. Live baits should be affixed to the hook by one of the following methods.
The hook should be inserted into a larger fish no deeper than 5 - 6mm from the line of its back. These fish have rows of nerves, which run down the line of the spine at a depth of about 10mm and if the hook is inserted through these nerves the fish will only live for a short time. The hook can be inserted through the top of the nose of smaller bait fish.
As a general rule January and February are the best months to catch Jew fish however there are exceptions such as the Georges River which fishes best in July. They are found in the upper reaches during winter where the waters are warmer.
In times of flood they will tend to school around the mouths of estuaries.
Jew fish are territorial - they will return to exactly the same locations year after year. If you find a good spot enter it into your GPS or take accurate reference lines and keep all details in a log book.
The general technique to use is:- · Fish the bottom · Allow the fish to run for 50mtrs or more before striking, and then strike twice.
If you lose a fish a long way from the boat it is likely to be some time before you will catch anymore. Jew fish emit a distress sound, which will scare the others away from your area.
The best line to use s 15-24kg, and pink has been found to be a successful colour.
A hook size of 5/0 id ideal for schools up to 8kg. 8/0 to 10/0 are required for the bigger specimens. Jew fish have very large mouths.
As mentioned earlier live bait is best for Jew fish. The bait you choose should suit the area in which you are fishing. Examples of this are:- · Off rock - brown octopus · Hawkesbury river - live squid, live tailor, live yellowtail · Belambi - slimy mackerel and octopus · River/Botany Bay/Harbour - live nippers
Sinker sizes and types depend on the terrain but they must be free running.
Bottom tide is best however you will also have some success at high water.
They tend to bite better at full moon times - unfortunately so do undesirable species such as eels and catfish.
At night in slack water fish near lights - these lights will attract the small bait fish which will in turn attract the Jew Fish.
April is the best time to fish for Jew Fish from the Beach. It is at this time that the mullet run. As mentioned previously you should familiarize yourself with the beach and fish the gutters.
Following are some suggested rigs:-
This rig is to be used from a boat - the bait should be suspended about 1mtr from the bottom and the line fixed to alight action springer (mounted to the boat) by means of a half hitch. The springer will hold the line until there is a strike at which time it will bend and release the line, allowing the fish to run.
This rig should be used in deeper water - use a longer trace in slack water.
At night Gabe suggests the use of a rig utilizing a bobby cork to suspend the bait 1mtr off the bottom. The bobby cork should have a small light stick inserted into the top so that movement of the cork can be seen in the dark. The bobby cork should be held in place on the line with float stoppers.
Another reproductive approach is to use a "butterfly rig" Basically this rig consists of a specially prepared fish bait and double ganged hook.
Cut fillets either side as indicated by the dotted line, leaving the fillets attached behind the gills. Then chop out the entire remaining skeleton this leaves the head section with the two fillets to flap - in the water this looks like butterfly wings, hence the rig name. Fix the fish to the line with a two gang hook through the head section.
Recipe Suggestion
Jewfish cutlet in black bean sauce, rice noodles and shallots
Heat a chargrill pan. Season 4 jewfish cutlets with salt and pepper. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes. Mix 4 Tablespoons of black bean paste, juice of 2 limes and 2 Tablespoons of olive oil spoon onto the fish. Serve the fish on top of rice noodles dressed with a little sesame oil, finely sliced green shallots and baby rocket serve a lemon wedge on the side.