Mulloway, also known as jewfish, are one of Australia’s most iconic and prized sportfish. Known for their size, power, and elusive nature, they’re a dream target for many anglers — whether fishing from the shore, a jetty, or a boat. While many anglers chase them with live bait, soft plastics have proven to be a deadly and highly effective alternative for landing these silver giants.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to catch mulloway on soft plastics — including the right gear, locations, techniques, and common mistakes to avoid.
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Why Target Mulloway with Soft Plastics?
Soft plastics have several advantages when chasing mulloway:
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✅ Natural and lifelike action that triggers strikes
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✅ Ability to cover more water than with stationary bait
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✅ Less bycatch compared to using natural bait
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✅ Versatile — can be fished in estuaries, rivers, and surf zones
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✅ Reusable and cost-effective
Mulloway are often opportunistic predators, and a well-presented soft plastic can be just as effective, if not more so, than live bait — especially in pressured areas.
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Essential Gear for Mulloway Fishing
Rod
A medium to medium-heavy spinning rod between 7’ and 8’6” is ideal, offering casting distance and control over big fish.
Recommended model:
➡️ Favorite X1 Series — proven reliability, excellent sensitivity for detecting subtle hits, and enough backbone to handle a big mulloway in strong current.
Best specs for mulloway soft plastics:
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Length: 7’6”–8’
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Power: Medium or Medium-Heavy
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Action: Fast
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Sensitivity: High (to detect those soft “ticks” on the drop)
Reel
A 4000–5000 size spinning reel provides a good balance between line capacity, drag power, and weight. Look for:
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Smooth drag system (at least 8–10kg)
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Corrosion resistance for saltwater use
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High retrieve rate for covering ground
Line and Leader
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Mainline: 15–30 lb braid
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Leader: 20–40 lb fluorocarbon (heavier in snaggy or rocky areas)
Tip: A longer leader (1–2 rod lengths) helps absorb shock and withstand abrasion from the mulloway’s abrasive jaw plates.
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Best Soft Plastics for Mulloway
Mulloway respond well to larger profile lures that mimic baitfish.
Top picks:
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5–7” paddle tails
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4–6” jerk shads
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Curly tails in natural colours (pearl, silver, white, mullet patterns)
Rigging tips:
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Jigheads from 1/2 oz to 1.5 oz depending on current and depth
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Strong hooks — mulloway can straighten light-gauge hooks
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Match hook size to lure (usually 4/0 to 7/0)
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Effective Techniques for Catching Mulloway on Soft Plastics
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Slow Rolling Near Structure
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Cast parallel to rock walls, bridges, or drop-offs
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Let the lure sink to the desired depth
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Retrieve slowly while keeping the paddle tail working
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Occasional pauses often trigger strikes
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Hop and Pause on the Bottom
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Let your plastic hit bottom
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Lift with a sharp hop, then let it flutter back down
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Most hits occur as the lure falls
3.
Vertical Jigging in Deep Holes
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Best from a boat or kayak over known mulloway holes
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Drop your lure vertically and give short, controlled lifts
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Stay in contact with the lure at all times
4.
Night-Time Slow Drifts
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Mulloway are more active at night in many areas
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Slow drift along lighted areas, bridge pylons, or tidal runs
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Keep retrieves slow and deliberate
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Where to Catch Mulloway in Australia
NSW: Hawkesbury River, Shoalhaven River, Clarence River
QLD: Brisbane River, Gold Coast Seaway
SA: Port River, Coorong
WA: Swan River, coastal beaches
VIC: Gippsland Lakes, surf beaches
Key signs:
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Baitfish schools on the sounder
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Deep holes or channels with tidal flow
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Structure like bridge pylons, jetties, rock bars
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using too light a leader — Mulloway can wear through light leaders quickly.
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Striking too early — They often inhale and turn before you feel the weight.
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Fishing only during the day — Many big fish are caught at night.
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Retrieving too fast — Slow and steady is key for soft plastics.
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Ignoring tides — Mulloway are more active on tidal changes, especially the start of the run-in tide.
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Not checking hooks — A slightly bent or dull hook can cost you a trophy fish.
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Fishing only one spot — Move around and cover ground to find active fish.
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FAQ: Mulloway Fishing
Q: What’s the best time of year?
A: Late spring to early autumn sees the most consistent action, but they can be caught year-round.
Q: Do I need a boat?
A: Not necessarily — many are caught from shore, especially around bridges, jetties, and surf beaches.
Q: Can I use scented plastics?
A: Yes, scents can improve your hook-up rate, especially in murky water.
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Why Choose the Favorite X1 for Mulloway Soft Plastics
The Favorite X1 series combines sensitivity for detecting subtle bites with enough strength to handle hard-fighting mulloway.
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Lightweight for long casting sessions
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Responsive tip for working plastics
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Solid butt power for turning big fish in current
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Durable guides for saltwater use
Best models for mulloway:
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X1 7’6” Medium — great all-rounder for estuaries
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X1 8’ Medium-Heavy — extra casting distance for surf and rock platforms
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Final Tips
✔ Fish around tide changes, especially the first hour of the run-in
✔ Use the heaviest jighead you can while still keeping a natural action
✔ Keep noise to a minimum at night
✔ Always stay ready — mulloway often hit without warning
🎣 Tight lines from the Favorite Australia team!