Open Year-Round
Leatherjacket
Family Monacanthidae
Also known as: Leathery, jacket
DPIRD Category
Nearshore / Estuarine
Peak Season
Year-round
Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
★☆☆☆☆
Regulations & Limits
NEARSHORE / ESTUARINE
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 25-35 cm |
| Max Size | 50 cm |
| Typical Weight | 0.3-0.8 kg |
| Max Weight | 2 kg |
Habitat
Where: Rocky reefs, jetties, weed beds and coastal waters statewide
Depth: 1-50m
ID Features: Rough, sandpaper-like skin; small mouth with strong beak-like teeth; dorsal spine; varied coloration
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Year-round | Water Temp: 16-26°C
How to Catch Leatherjacket
1
Bait fishing
Setup
- Line: PE 0.6-1
- Leader: 10-20lb fluorocarbon
Best Baits
- Small pieces of prawn
- Squid strips
Eating Quality
Flesh: White, sweet flesh when skinned and cleaned properly
Best cooked: Pan-fried, battered and fried, grilled
The Fight
Minimal fight but their small mouths and bait-stealing ability make them a challenge to hook. Excellent eating makes them worth the effort.