Run In with a Solid Jew

[galini09]

Hi Raiders,

Unfortunately this is a heart breaking report from a not so great night. However, we must share and learn together I guess.

Started out collecting some live bait at about 7pm Friday evening. Went to our regular spot and grabbed a few yellowtail and 2 nice tailor which in my opinion are the best live bait for Jewfish apart from the obvious Squid.

We setup just off a point in the main channel of Sydney Harbour. Not sure what its called but as you head out of rose bay towards the heads its the first corner you turn tight around and there is one of the Tee Pee Style channel markers off the point of the rocks. I've seen numerous boats fishing the area at the crack of dawn (assuming for Jews) so I thought we'd sound around and try and find some structure off there and sit down for the night.

Out went the Livies and my good friend Pescatore flicked over half a pilly as you must always do. Then we waited, and waited, and just when we thought it was bite time before the turn of the tide, we waited some more.

As per the usual night targeting Jewfish, we were lounged about around the boat, having drinks and nibbles whilst keeping a constant stream of pillies and Tuna pellets running over the side.

About 1:30 am, 2 hours after the tide turned and started running in it Finally happened. A 35cm tailor absolutely inhaled and screaming toward Sow and Pigs. The reel was sitting on fighting drag quite which is quite a firm drag IMO. After 30m or 40m of line disappeared I thought surely this things hooked. Then... Nothing. Pulled in a whole, partially scaled, dead tailor that had a few scuffs and scratches.

A sad moment for us guys who've put nothing but the hours and effort into collecting the right baits, fishing the right times but I guess its back to the drawing board.

We've caught our number of small- mid sized Jew's but the big one still evades us somehow.

Happy fishing everyone.

[Sherwinator]

Ahhhh, unlucky mate. Sounds like a trademark Jewwie spit-out!

I agree with your tailor theory. A tailor head squashed under foot us also a great dead bait (after filleting a tailor keep the head and two triangle shaped bits of flesh attached).

[AGP]

Hi Mate,

Been there too it's horrible when it happens. They leave such distinctive marks in the livey. Many different theories but it changes depending on the fish. Iv'e had many just inhale the livey or squid and immediately hook themselves and others like yours, Swim off just mouthing the bait. Striking to early and you'll get an angry head shake or 2 as it thinks the bait is trying to escape then ...Spit!! And off he goes.

[fisho.sid]

have you tried using owner hooks, you'll think they could hook themselves with that amount of run....

[Paikea]

That is why they call it "Fishing", not "Catching"!

Cheers

Paikea

[galini09]

Hi Mate,

Been there too it's horrible when it happens. They leave such distinctive marks in the livey. Many different theories but it changes depending on the fish. Iv'e had many just inhale the livey or squid and immediately hook themselves and others like yours, Swim off just mouthing the bait. Striking to early and you'll get an angry head shake or 2 as it thinks the bait is trying to escape then ...Spit!! And off he goes.

It's so painful because we are still learning and have spent so many nights waiting for a strike on a big bait and then we get that.

Fisho.sid - i only ever use owner hooks mate. I would've thought the same thats why i was dissappointed he managed to spit the bait out somehow.

[Towlersbay boy]

Mate I feel for you.

I to pulled many late nights banging around in a boat targeting the monster jews. Over 5 years ago I pinned one that went 34kg at Juno point on a live Tailor. After that I said im done and haven't targeted them since.....

[fishgod]

its because you strike like a fairy.

as discussed that night on the boat

STRIKE EM HARD