By Archer Hume
Skipjack Tuna Fishing in Melbourne
Skipjack tuna is a smaller tuna species known for its abundance and importance in the canned tuna industry.
Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Elephant Fish Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips
The Elephant Fish, also known as Ghost Shark, is a unique cartilaginous fish found in Victorian waters. It's characterized by its distinctive trunk-like snout and silvery-grey coloration.
Source: portphillipmarinelife.net.au
Table of Contents
Introduction
Elephant Fish (Callorhinchus milii) are fascinating creatures belonging to the Chimaera family. They have a distinctive elongated snout resembling an elephant’s trunk, which they use to detect prey in the seafloor. Their bodies are silvery-grey, streamlined, and can grow up to 1.2 meters in length. These fish have a large, smooth dorsal fin and a heterocercal tail fin, giving them a shark-like appearance. Elephant Fish are found in the coastal waters of southern Australia, including Victoria. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms in depths ranging from 20 to 200 meters. During spring and summer, they move into shallower waters to breed. Elephant Fish are bottom-feeders, primarily consuming mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. They use their strong tooth plates to crush the shells of their prey. Fishing for Elephant Fish in Victoria is best during their inshore migration periods. They are often caught as bycatch when targeting other species but can provide an exciting and unique fishing experience when specifically targeted.
What restrictions are in place for Elephant Fish fishing in Melbourne?
Fishing for Elephant Fish in Victoria is subject to specific regulations. There is no minimum legal size for Elephant Fish. The bag/possession limit is set at 1 fish per person. Importantly, Elephant Fish cannot be filleted in or on Victorian waters. They must be kept whole or in carcass form until you are away from the water. However, it is permissible to fillet your catch on the cleaning tables provided at boat ramps.
How to catch Elephant Fish
To catch Elephant Fish in Victoria, bottom fishing techniques are most effective. Use a sturdy rod and reel combo with braided line for better sensitivity. A running sinker rig with a circle hook is ideal. Fish near the bottom in areas with sandy or muddy substrates. Patience is key, as Elephant Fish are not typically aggressive feeders. Early mornings or late evenings during their inshore migration periods (spring and summer) can be productive times. Always check local fishing reports and tide charts for the best results.
What should you fish with for Elephant Fish?
When it comes to fishing for Elephant Fish, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you will have a bit more success with baits when fishing for Elephant Fish, but lure fishing is common too.
For the best chances of success, try using Squid as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.
The Top 4 Baits to Use for Elephant Fish
Bait fishing for Elephant Fish offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:
- Squid
- Prawns
- Pilchards
- Whitebait
The Top 2 Lures to Use for Elephant Fish
Lure fishing enthusiasts have found great success with these two options for Elephant Fish:
- Soft Plastics
- Jigs
Where to catch Elephant Fish in Melbourne
Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Elephant Fish. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Elephant Fish can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.
When planning your fishing trip for Elephant Fish, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.
FAQs about Elephant Fish fishing in Melbourne
What is the bag limit for Elephant Fish?
Yes, there is a bag limit for Elephant Fish in Victoria. The bag/possession limit is set at 1 fish per person. This means you can only keep one Elephant Fish per day, and you cannot possess more than one at any time while fishing.
What is the size limit for Elephant Fish?
There is no minimum size limit for Elephant Fish in Victoria. This means you can legally keep an Elephant Fish of any size. However, it's always good practice to release smaller fish to ensure the sustainability of the species.
What are Elephant Fish?
The Elephant Fish, also known as Ghost Shark, is a unique cartilaginous fish found in Victorian waters. It's characterized by its distinctive trunk-like snout and silvery-grey coloration.
What are the best lures for Elephant Fish?
When targeting Elephant Fish with artificial lures, anglers have found success with the following options: Soft Plastics, Jigs,
What are the best baits for Elephant Fish?
For those who prefer bait fishing, the top choices for Elephant Fish are: Squid, Prawns, and Pilchards.
What are the best locations to catch Elephant Fish?
While Elephant Fish can be caught, there are currently no known specific locations for targeting them. Anglers may encounter them while fishing for other species in various water bodies around Melbourne.
