Fish Tripper
Estuary FishArgyrosomus japonicus

Mulloway (Jewfish) Fishing

The holy grail of NSW estuary fishing. Large specimens haunt deep holes, bridge pylons, and ocean beaches. Night fishing with live bait or large soft plastics.

Best Months

May – Jul

Best Time

Night fishing from 8pm to 2am is where big mulloway are caught; they're very light-shy

Tide

Run-out tide and a couple of hours either side of the low tide on large estuaries and beaches

Top Locations

57 regions

How to Catch Mulloway (Jewfish)

Night fishing from 8pm to 2am is where big mulloway are caught; they're very light-shyRun-out tide and a couple of hours either side of the low tide on large estuaries and beachesSlightly turbid water after rain; mulloway prefer dark
Tides

Run-out tide and a couple of hours either side of the low tide on large estuaries and beaches

Time of Day

Night fishing from 8pm to 2am is where big mulloway are caught; they're very light-shy

Conditions

Slightly turbid water after rain; mulloway prefer dark, overcast nights with a dirty tide

Structure

Deep estuarine holes (bridge pylons, bends), ocean beach gutters at night, rock platforms, creek mouths

Technique

Slow roll large soft plastics along the bottom with occasional pauses; live tailor or mullet are unbeatable as bait

Pro Tip

The biggest mulloway (20kg+) are caught at night in deep estuarine holes using live bait. Be on the water by midnight on a dark, warm-water night with some tide movement.

Best spots this month — June

Best Regions by Month

Seasonal ratings across all Australian regions. Click a region to see the full calendar.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Coffs Harbour
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Port Macquarie
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Newcastle
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Sydney
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Jervis Bay
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Batemans Bay
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Eden
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
South West Rocks
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Port Stephens
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Lake Macquarie
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Hawkesbury River
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Wollongong
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Ulladulla
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Narooma
G
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
G
Peak Good Fair Poor/None
Fishing Techniques
Soft Plastic Lures

Working soft plastic lures on jigheads through estuaries, flats, and inshore areas.

Beach / Surf Casting

Casting from beaches and rock platforms into gutters and breaks for tailor, mulloway, and trevally.

Live Baiting

Presenting live baitfish (yakkas, mullet, mackerel) to attract larger predators.

Estuary Bait Fishing

Traditional bait fishing in estuaries using prawns, worms, and cut bait.

When to Target
Jan
30 regions
Feb
14 regions
Mar
6 regions
Apr
39 regions
May
43 regions
Jun
35 regions
Jul
31 regions
Aug
31 regions
Sep
39 regions
Oct
22 regions
Nov
30 regions
Dec
30 regions

Bag & Size Limits

Regulations vary by state and change seasonally. Check the official fisheries website for current rules.

Gear Guide

See the recommended tackle, lures, and equipment for this species.