Tailor (Skipjack) Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) is a sleek, silver-blue fish with a forked tail and powerful body. They are known for their sharp teeth and aggressive feeding habits, often seen in feeding frenzies near the surface. Tailor are found in coastal waters around Victoria, particularly in bays, estuaries, and along beaches. They prefer areas with structure such as rocky outcrops, reefs, and sandy drop-offs. Tailor are migratory fish, moving along the coast with changing seasons and water temperatures. In Victoria, they are more commonly caught during the warmer months. When fishing for tailor, look for signs of surface activity or birds diving, as this often indicates feeding schools. They are known to chase bait fish close to shore, making them accessible to both boat and land-based anglers. Tailor put up a strong fight when hooked, making them an exciting catch for anglers of all levels. Their flesh is good eating when prepared fresh, though it doesn’t freeze well.

What restrictions are in place for Tailor (Skipjack) fishing in Melbourne?

When fishing for tailor in Victoria, anglers must adhere to specific regulations. The minimum legal size for tailor is 23cm, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. There is a bag limit of 20 tailor per person per day. It’s important to measure your catch accurately and release undersized fish immediately. Always check for updates to fishing regulations before heading out, as rules can change seasonally or annually.

How to catch Tailor (Skipjack)

In Victoria, tailor can be caught using various techniques. Casting lures from the shore or boat is effective, especially during dawn and dusk when tailor are most active. Use a fast retrieve to mimic fleeing baitfish. Bait fishing with pilchards or strips of fresh fish on a running sinker rig can also be productive. When fishing from beaches, look for gutters and rips where tailor often hunt. Trolling with lures behind a boat is another popular method, particularly when covering larger areas. Use light to medium spinning gear with 6-10kg line for the best experience.

What should you fish with for Tailor (Skipjack)?

When it comes to fishing for Tailor (Skipjack), your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for Tailor (Skipjack), as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Pilchards 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 5 Baits to Use for Tailor (Skipjack)

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results for Tailor (Skipjack):

• Pilchards
• Squid
• Whitebait
• Mullet
• Mackerel

The Top 5 Lures to Use for Tailor (Skipjack)

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Tailor (Skipjack):

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Metal Spoon Lures
• Minnow Lures
• Surface Lures

Where to catch Tailor (Skipjack) in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Tailor (Skipjack). While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Tailor (Skipjack) 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 Tailor (Skipjack), consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Tailor (Skipjack) fishing in Melbourne