Stinker’s Fishin’: Rare catch

DID you hear what I heard?

For the past 40 odd years I have been reporting fishing in and around Port Stephens.

Something happened this week that, to my knowledge, has never happened before.

Fishing around the deep water off Middle Island, Soldiers Point, John Latter hooked and landed a 58cm Mangrove Jack!

So, what is so special?

The reason that I am so excited is that the mighty Mangrove Jack is considered to be a warm water fish, a tropical fish caught as far south as Coffs Harbour, throughout QLD and Northern WA.

Not in Port Stephens – until now.

Coming originally from the NSW Far North Coast, where Mangrove Jacks are quite common, it was somewhat disappointing for me to learn that this fantastic fish has never been caught on a hook inside the harbour.

I know that they have been caught in nets and a few were speared around the islands but never on a hook.

There is not a fish in the ocean that has caused me more frustration.

Catching a mulloway, snapper or kingfish is not a problem to me, however catching a Jack is a different story.

Jacks are cagey, clever, devious and very strong.

I have lost far more than I have landed.

So frustrated was I on one occasion that I tied a 50lb line to the lawn mower, baited a live mullet and tossed it out into the Tweed River.

In the morning all I found was the push bar barely above water level.

They are so strong.

Fishing off Kalumburu, in far northern WA, the boat was surrounded by thumping great Jacks ready to attack anything – lures or old bait.

Catching one in Tweed Heads requires far more effort.

The best method I have found is live baiting with mullet around any structure in the river – bridges, wharves or rock walls.

Something else you need to know about Jack – he is a quality eating fish.

In fact, I would put him right up there with Coral Trout, Red Emperor and WA Dhufish.

Now let’s not get carried away.

I can hear the climate warriors whispering – climate change!

It is true that fish from the north are becoming increasingly interested, however I will need far more sightings to convince me that Jack intends to become a permanent resident.

Maybe he was lost.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE