Other names: Jacks, Red Bream, Dog Bream, Red Perch, Snapper

Habitat

Mangrove Jack can be found from Coffs Harbour on the east coast all the way around the north coast to Exmouth in the west. They are also found in the Indo-Pacific region and in the Red Sea. Mangrove Jacks are more prolific in the tropical waters of the north. The juvenile Jacks are usually found in and around mangroves, estuaries and some freshwater streams whilst the adults generally live in offshore reefs down to 100 m.

Size

Jacks can grow to 1m in length and 12kg in weight but fly fishers can expect to catch them in much smaller 1 to 3kg sizes and slightly larger around offshore reefs.

Feeding

Mangrove Jacks will feed on smaller baitfish, prawns, crabs etc.

Seasons

There are no restricted seasons for Mangrove Jack and they are most likely caught in warmer waters between May and December.

Description

The Mangrove Jack is a beautiful greenish brown to reddish colour. Juveniles have pale bars on the sides of the body and two blue lines on the cheeks. They are often confused with Red Bass which is lightly darker in colour.

How to catch them

Mangrove Jacks are often described as the "thugs of the sea" and are well known by experienced fisherman for their ambush style of attack. They will lurk under cover around mangroves, snags and reefs and flies must be presented very close to tempt them out. Therein lies the challenge.

Jacks will hit the fly very hard and bolt for cover so the fly fisherman must be extremely alert. Jacks have been known to swim past the fly and hit it on the return to their cover. Many fishers have been "broken off" for being too slow or unprepared.

It would be very unwise to underestimate the Mangrove Jack and light gear should be used at your peril.

Hot Spots

Mangroves and reefs off the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland just about any time of year.

Equipment

Mangrove Jacks can be caught on fly, lure and by trolling. Fly fishing gear should include the following;

• 8/9 weight saltwater rod
• Appropriate reel with at least 200m of 15-20kg backing. Braid is best.
• Flyline- intermediate and/or floating weight forward.
• Class leader 1-1.5m of 6-10kg
• Shock tippet of .5 m of 20kg mono

Popular Flies

• Lefty’s Deceivers (white, green, yellow)
• Clouser Minnow-white/orange, white/chartreuse, white/red
• Poppers
• Pink Things
• Flash 3D
• Polar Fiber Minnow
• Gold Bomber
• Crazy Charlie

If tying your own flies use saltwater hooks usually 1/0 to 4/0 size, colours should include red/white, green/white, pink/white, and blue/white with generous flashing and some flies should be weighted.