Open Year-Round
Mangrove Jack
Lutjanus argentimaculatus
Also known as: Jack, Red Bream, Creek Red
DPIRD Category
Nearshore/Estuarine Finfish
Peak Season
Year round
Difficulty
Difficult
Fight Rating
★★★★★
Regulations & Limits
NEARSHORE/ESTUARINE FINFISH
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
OPEN
Min Size
300mm
Individual Limit
2 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 16 nearshore total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
OPEN
Min Size
300mm
Individual Limit
2 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 16 nearshore total
✓ Open year-round.
Good to Know
- Individual species limit of 2
- Aggressive fighters - will head for structure
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 45 cm |
| Max Size | 80 cm |
| Typical Weight | 4 kg |
| Max Weight | 12 kg |
Habitat
Where: Mangroves, estuaries, reefs, structure
Depth: 0-60m
ID Features: Red/bronze body, darker back, large canine teeth, powerful build
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 26 – 32°C
How to Catch Mangrove Jack
1
Casting snags
Setup
- Line: PE3-5 / 20-30kg
- Leader: 60-100lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Hardbody minnows 80-120mm
- Soft plastics 4-6inch
Best Baits
- Live mullet
- Live prawns
- Crab
2
Live baiting
Setup
- Line: PE4-6 / 24-37kg
- Leader: 80-100lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Swimbaits
Best Baits
- Live mullet
- Live herring
- Crab
Eating Quality
Flesh: White
Best cooked: Grilled, pan fried, baked
The Fight
Brutal, fast, heads for structure