Last fact-verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026 against Victorian Fisheries Authority. If any bag limit, size limit, or licence requirement on this page differs from current VFA advice, VFA's current guidance takes precedence.
Quick facts
| Common name | Mulloway |
| Scientific name | Argyrosomus japonicus |
| Also known as | jewfish, jewie |
| Bag limit | 5 per person per day |
| Minimum size limit | 60cm total length |
| Season | October to April (warm-water months) |
| Primary water | Bass Strait fringe (also Western Port) |
| Licence required | Yes. Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence required. |
Source for bag limit, size limit, and closed season: VFA species page. Last fact-verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026.
What mulloway actually is
Argyrosomus japonicus (mulloway, locally called “jewie” or “jewfish”) is the largest commonly-caught Peninsula scale fish. Adult fish reach 1.5m and 30kg; the Peninsula population is at the southern edge of the species’ Australian range, so density is lower than estuaries further north. Legal-size fish (60cm minimum) are present in both Bass Strait surf gutters and Western Port estuary channels, but the species is a patient reward rather than a reliable session target.
The eating quality is excellent on a fresh fish: firm white flesh, large fillet, low oil. Large mulloway (over 1m) become more strongly flavoured and are typically released or smoked rather than eaten fresh. The species’ growing concern about mercury in larger Australian fish applies; pregnant women and young children should follow Food Standards Australia New Zealand guidance on mercury and large fish consumption.
Season and tide
October to April is the warm-water peak. Bass Strait beach mulloway are surf-gutter species; fish hunt baitfish trapped between the sandbar and the beach face on the rising tide at night. Western Port estuary mulloway use the running tide to feed in the channel margins; they hold deeper during slack and move to feeding stations during the run.
Technique and gear
A 12 foot surf rod rated 8 to 15kg, 8000 size fixed-spool reel, 30 to 50lb braid mainline, 60lb monofilament leader of 1.5 to 2m to handle abrasion and the species’ large mouth. Heavy running sinker (60 to 200g depending on swell and current). Large baits: whole squid, fresh mullet head or fillet, pilchard cluster on ganged hooks, or a live yellowtail scad if you can keep one alive on the beach.
The night session is the productive approach. Set up at dusk, fish through the rising tide, expect long quiet periods between strikes. The strike is unmistakable when it comes: a slow, heavy run rather than a snapper-bite tap. Let the fish take the bait fully before striking.
Bag and size limits, licence
- Minimum size limit. 60cm total length.
- Bag limit. 5 per person per day.
- Season. Open year-round.
- Licence. Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence required for anglers aged 18 and over.
Source: Victorian Fisheries Authority. Last fact-verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026.
Opportunity ranking by location
- Gunnamatta Surf Beach, heavy surf rig with whole squid, October to April, night session. The Peninsula’s most reliable land-based mulloway ground. High-energy beach with rip hazards; do not wade. Fish from above the high-water mark.
- Western Port estuary channels (Hastings, Stony Point, Tooradin), heavy bottom rig, October to April, night session, running tide. Boat or experienced shore-based access required. Productive for resident mulloway following baitfish through the channel system.
- Sorrento Ocean Beach, surf rig, October to April, night session. Less consistent than Gunnamatta but legal fish are taken regularly during the warm-water months.
Where to catch mulloway on the Peninsula
- Gunnamatta Beach · Bass Strait fringe · June to August (peak salmon run); October to April (mulloway night sessions)
- Tooradin Inlet · Western Port · October to April (warmer months produce more reliably); year-round (flathead, bream)
Frequently asked questions
What is the bag and size limit for mulloway in Victoria?
5 per person per day. Minimum size 60cm total length. Open year-round. Source: VFA. Confirm before fishing.
Where are mulloway caught on the Peninsula?
Two productive zones: the Bass Strait surf gutters at Gunnamatta and Sorrento Ocean Beach (October to April peak), and the Western Port estuary channels at Hastings, Stony Point, and Tooradin (year-round opportunistic, with warmer months producing more reliably). The Peninsula is at the southern edge of mulloway range; genuine population density is lower than further north.
When are mulloway most active?
Night fishing produces most legal-size mulloway. The fish hunt baitfish in the surf and estuary at night, particularly on the running tide. Moonless nights or evenings with low ambient light are most productive. Daylight mulloway are caught occasionally; the night session is the reliable approach.
What gear do I need for mulloway?
Heavy. A 12 foot surf rod rated 8 to 15kg, 8000 size fixed-spool reel, 30 to 50lb braid, 60lb mono leader. Large baits: whole squid, fresh mullet (head or fillet), pilchard cluster, or a live yellowtail scad. Heavy running sinker (60 to 200g depending on conditions) holds bottom in the surf gutter. The rig is the same approach as a serious snapper rig on Bass Strait, scaled up for the species size.
Verified stamp
Key facts last verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026 against the Victorian Fisheries Authority. If any bag limit, size limit, or licence requirement on this page differs from VFA's current guidance, VFA's current guidance takes precedence. Regulations change. Confirm before fishing.