Jewfish – also known as Mulloway or “The Silver Ghost” – are a prized local catch, known for tasting better the bigger they get. Smaller ones are often called “soapies” due to their less appealing flavour, but with a 75cm minimum size in Queensland, that’s rarely an issue.
I’ve never targeted them specifically, but they’ve shown up while chasing other species and are always a welcome surprise. I’d rate them 4 out of 5 stars on the plate. They’ll happily take big live baits and lures, and some anglers dedicate countless hours pursuing them from beaches, jetties, reefs, and around river mouths – especially after rain.
Fishing Legends and Local Spots
Jewfish can grow over 2 metres and top 40 kilograms, making them a real test for your gear. Some old timers believe they can pull beachworms from the sand using just their mouths – something I struggle to do with both hands!
Recently, a few legal jewfish have been caught from Woody Point Jetty on live pike, and a while back, I filmed a school of them under Shorncliffe Jetty. You can check out the footage on my YouTube channel.
The name “Mulloway” comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “The Greatest One” – a fitting title for such an impressive fish.
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