Found around estuaries, reefs, piers, rocks and other weedy places, luderick have a huge angling following and are largely regarded as one of the gamest fish in Australian waters. Almost exclusively vegetarian, luderick feed mostly on the bottom but will also take well-presented, small portions of fish bait.

SIZE: Generally 0.5 to 1.5kg.

WHERE: Estuaries, tidal rivers and rocky foreshores.

TACKLE: Light line (2-4kg) and a float suitable to the conditions with the aim of keeping the bait at a depth of between 1-5 metres. Sneck or suicide hooks from No. 10 to No. 7.

BAIT: Greenweed, cabbage, sea lettuce. Bottom berley is a definite advantage.

BITE: While shy and suspicious, the fighting prowess of this fish has earned it a major band of devotees. Luderick have relatively small and soft mouths and suck bait in through their close array of teeth. Once a bite is felt a gentle strike is all that is needed to set the hook.

EATING: Flesh deteriorates rapidly after death so bleeding, skinning and filleting as soon as possible is advisable, following with vigorous washing of the fillets in salt water.