Mangrove Jack
Shallow mangrove-lined creeks provide the best jack fishing but they are often taken from bottom structure such as snags and rock bars in saltwater rivers and estuaries. Fish caught in the creeks and rivers rarely weigh more than 1 kg but larger specimens up to 10 kg are sometimes caught along the coast and on offshore reefs. Our jacks fight like much larger fish and, on light tackle, they seem to have an uncanny ability to get back into their favourite snag or rock lair and leave the best angler looking silly.
| Other Names: | Lutjanus argentimaculatus. Red bream, jack. |
| Location: | In mangrove-lined saltwater creeks and offshore reefs. |
| Season: | Year round. |
| Method: | Baitcaster or threadline outfits in the 4 kg to 8 kg range. Jacks will take a variety of lures with shallow-running, minnow-style lures taking most fish. Lures need to be cast close to snags and rocks to entice a strike from the jack and then it's a matter of keeping them out of their lair. |
| Regulations: | No specific regulations - included in general possession limit. |
| Eating: | Like most members of the Lutjanus family, the jack is an excellent table fish with white, firm flesh with fine flakes and little oil. The flesh of very large specimens may be a bit dry. |