Mulloway

(Argyrosomus Hololepidotus)

Common Names

Jewfish, School Jew, Soapies, Butterfish, Jewie, River Kingfish, Buttery, Mulloway, Silver King - depend on where you live

Description

A large long-bodied predatory fish of estuaries, sea, rivers. The Mulloway has a large mouth, short sharp teeth, heavy scales and a spade-like tail. Colouration varies considerably with size and habitat. Mulloway are mainly grey-blue above and silver underneath. Juveniles are often silver all over. Their fins are mainly dark and there is a well-defined black patch just above the base of the pectoral fin. They have bright spots along the lateral line.

Size

Mulloway size ranges from 0.8-45.0 kilos, and have been known to reach a weight of 60.0 kilos.

Habitat

Mulloway are found in all states of Australia, except Tasmania. They can be found in estuaries, bays, harbours, off-shore reefs near rocky headlands, off surf beaches, mud holes, gravel beds. Mulloway can stand water that is almost completely fresh, but are rarely found in such conditions.

Feeding

Mulloway are nocturnal feeders, so dusk or three hours after sunset is the best time. They are lazy when it comes to looking for food so they will let the waves and current bring the food to them. They feed on small to medium size fish such as mullet, yellowtail, tailor, bream, pike, slimy mackerel, salmon, luderick. They will also eat crabs, squid, octopus.

Fishing Technique

Mulloway will form schools at all sizes, but the larger ones will usually hunt alone. Small Mulloway are often caught on prawns, worms, yabbies, fish strips; larger Mulloway are best caught on those fish mention in "Feeding". Mulloway will often run with the bait for a distance, so you should strike while it is still running. Another good time for trying to catch Mulloway is during the day, when it is raining heavily and the water is discoloured. Sharp hooks size 4/0-9/0, 6.0-24.0 kilo fishing line. If you want to try a lure, try minnows, poppers, jigs, slices, metal slugs.

Eating

The preferred size for eating would be around 5.0-6.0 kilos; anything under taste rather flavourless, and anything over seems to be rather dry.

Legal Size & Bag Limit

New South Wales: Legal Size = 45cm, Bag Limit = 5 (Max. 2 over 70cm
Western Australia: Legal Size = 70cm, Bag Limit - 4
Queensland: Legal Size = 45cm, Bag Limit = 10
South Australia: 46cm if taken from Coorong, 75cm if taken elsewhere; Bag Limit = 10 (46cm-75cm) taken from the Coorong, 3cm (over 75cm) taken from the Coorong or elsewhere