Mulloway (Jewfish)
Scientific name: Argyrosomus japonicus
Common names: Mulloway, Jewfish
Average size: 5–15 kg
Trophy size: 30–45 kg+
Activity pattern: Nocturnal / low-light ambush predator
Distribution and key locations (Australia)
Mulloway are widespread around southern Australia but are highly structure-oriented and locally concentrated.
Prime regions
- NSW: Estuaries, coastal beaches, rock platforms
- VIC: Large river mouths, surf beaches, bays
- SA: Coorong, Gulf systems, surf beaches
- WA (south): Estuaries, river mouths, deep coastal gutters
- QLD (south): Northern edge of range, mainly winter
High-percentage areas
- River mouths and tidal entrances
- Deep estuary holes (>6 m)
- Surf gutters adjacent to headlands
- Breakwalls, jetties, bridge pylons
- Rock platforms with adjacent deep water
If the water isn’t deep, moving, and dirty, you’re probably not in mulloway water.
Habitat features to look for
Mulloway are edge hunters. They sit where bait is forced past them.
Key structure
- Drop-offs from shallow to deep water
- Deep holes on river bends
- Sand gutters parallel to beaches
- Rock bars and reef edges
- Current seams and pressure points
Water conditions
- Prefer turbid (dirty) water
- Moderate current flow
- Salinity changes (after rain) often trigger feeding
If baitfish are present and the water has colour, mulloway are usually close.
Seasonal patterns
Best seasons
- NSW / VIC / SA: Late autumn → winter (peak)
- WA: Winter → early spring
- QLD: Cooler months only
Why winter?
- Spawning migrations
- Cooler water increases daytime movement
- Estuary fish push toward river mouths and surf zones
Summer fish are present, but winter fish are predictable and aggressive.
Weather and tides (critical)
Ideal conditions
- Falling barometer before a front
- Overcast or rainy nights
- Light onshore wind (surf)
- Rising or peak tide in estuaries
Avoid
- Clear water + bright moon + calm conditions
- Dead-low tide in shallow systems
Best bite windows:
- 2 hours before to 2 hours after high tide
- Change of tide (slack water → movement)
Bait – what actually works
Mulloway are not finesse feeders. Big bait will attract big fish.
Top natural baits
- Live mullet (gold standard)
- Live tailor or yellowtail scad (“yakkas”)
- Live, or whole squid
- Fresh slab mullet
- Fresh tailor fillet
- Slimy mackerel
- Beach worms (smaller fish)
Bait rules
- Fresh beats frozen
- Whole beats fillet
- Natural presentation matters more than scent
If “pickers” are smashing your bait, you’re fishing too small.
Tackle and rigs
Rod and reel
- Rod: 10–13 ft (surf/rocks) or 6–7 ft (boat/estuary)
- Reel: 6000–10000 size spin or overhead
- Line: 20–40 lb braid or mono
- Leader: 40–80 lb fluorocarbon or mono
Terminal gear
- Circle hooks: 7/0–10/0
- Ball sinker or running sinker rig
- Minimal hardware (mulloway feel resistance)
Common rigs
- Running sinker to swivel
- Leader 60–100 cm
- Single hook or snelled pair for large baits
Lures (when and why)
Lures work best where mulloway are actively hunting, not sitting.
Effective lures
- Soft plastics (5–9 inch)
- Vibration baits
- Deep-diving hardbodies
- Large paddle tails
When to use lures
- Night fishing around lights
- Tidal movement in estuaries
- Clean water systems
- When bait isn’t available
Slow, near-bottom presentations are key.
Time of day
- Best: Night, dusk, dawn
- Daytime: Possible in deep water, dirty conditions, or winter
Mulloway rely on vibration and pressure sensing more than sight.
Common mistakes
- Fishing clear water
- Using bait too small
- Moving spots too often
- Fishing slack tide
- Striking too early (let them eat)
Patience is often the difference between blanks and trophies.
Final rule of mulloway fishing
Find deep water + structure + dirty water + bait + tide movement — then wait.
They are not everywhere, but when you’re in the right spot, they’re often right under your feet.
