Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
The Yellowtail scad is a small, streamlined fish found in coastal waters around Victoria. Known for its yellow tail and silver body, it's a popular target for both recreational and commercial fishers.
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The Yellowtail scad (Trachurus novaezelandiae) is a member of the jack family, characterized by its sleek, torpedo-shaped body and distinctive yellow tail. These fish typically grow to about 30-40 cm in length and have a silvery-blue coloration on their upper body, fading to a white underbelly. They have a row of bony scutes along their lateral line, which gives them a rough texture when handled.
Yellowtail scad are found in coastal waters around southern Australia, including Victoria. They prefer areas with rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and areas near kelp beds. These fish are known to form large schools, especially when feeding or spawning. They are pelagic feeders, primarily consuming small fish, squid, and planktonic crustaceans.
In Victoria, Yellowtail scad can be caught year-round, but they are more abundant during the warmer months. They are often found in bays, estuaries, and offshore waters up to depths of about 500 meters. These fish are known for their strong fighting ability despite their small size, making them a fun catch for anglers.
When fishing for Yellowtail scad, light tackle is recommended due to their size. They can be caught from boats, jetties, and rocky shorelines. Berley (chum) can be effective in attracting schools of scad to your fishing area. These fish are not only enjoyable to catch but also make excellent bait for larger predatory species.
When fishing for Yellowtail scad in Victoria, it’s important to be aware of the current regulations. There is no minimum legal size limit for this species, which means you can keep Yellowtail scad of any size. However, there is a bag limit of 40 fish per person per day. Always check the latest Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for any updates to these regulations. Remember to carry a valid fishing license when fishing in Victorian waters, and be mindful of any local fishing restrictions or protected areas.
To catch Yellowtail scad in Victoria, use light tackle with 2-4 kg line and small hooks (sizes 4-8). Fishing methods include bait fishing, lure casting, and float fishing. When bait fishing, use small pieces of bait on a paternoster rig or running sinker rig. For lure fishing, small metal lures, soft plastics, or small hard-bodied lures can be effective. Berley (chum) can help attract schools of scad. Fish around jetties, rocky headlands, and in bays. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times. When fishing from a boat, look for schools on your fish finder.
When it comes to fishing for Yellowtail Scad, 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 Yellowtail Scad, 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.
Bait fishing for Yellowtail Scad offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:
Lure fishing for Yellowtail Scad can be incredibly rewarding, especially when using these four top choices:
Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Yellowtail Scad. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Yellowtail Scad 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 Yellowtail Scad, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.
Yes, there is a bag limit for Yellowtail scad in Victoria. The current bag limit is 40 fish per person per day. This means you can catch and keep up to 40 Yellowtail scad in a single day of fishing. It's important to adhere to this limit to ensure sustainable fishing practices and maintain healthy fish populations.
There is no minimum size limit for Yellowtail scad in Victoria. This means you can legally keep Yellowtail scad of any size that you catch. However, it's always good practice to release very small fish to allow them to grow and reproduce, contributing to the sustainability of the species.
The Yellowtail scad is a small, streamlined fish found in coastal waters around Victoria. Known for its yellow tail and silver body, it's a popular target for both recreational and commercial fishers.
When targeting Yellowtail Scad with artificial lures, anglers have found success with the following options: Soft Plastics, Metal Spoon Lures, and Minnow Lures.
For those who prefer bait fishing, the top choices for Yellowtail Scad are: Pilchards, Squid, and Whitebait.
While Yellowtail Scad 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.
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