Harlequin as a new target to replace Dhuies
I've been thinking lately after reading so many stories about the demise of the WA Dhufish, what fish might take up the mantle as the prime tucker target if we decisde to shut the Dhufish season down to help it recover. The most stunning looking fish that is readily available in WA Metro waters is probably the Harlequin.
[img_assist|fid=27317|thumb=1|alt=Harlequin|caption=Top tucker, easy to catch, in abundance????]
It doesn't grow nearly as big but it is a great lure target (scoffs those silstar jig-em-rigs with gusto) and I have seen a few pics of Harlequins with other soft plastics in their gobs before.
[img_assist|fid=16492|thumb=1|alt=Huge Harlequin|]
So my question is, if the only way to ensure we can keep catching Dhuies is to close the species as a no-take species for a few years, what would you switch your target species to. I've picked mine, what's your's?
[img_assist|fid=17428|thumb=1|alt=Harlequin on jig-em-rig|]
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Adam Gallash
Posts: 15659
Date Joined: 29/11/05
Breaksea
Definately breaksea cod for myself, or king george as a secondary. Breaksea seem to be out there in good numbers and the flesh is so soft and white, rate them as one of the top dinner plate species. As for something to replace the dhuie fight, I think the plague proportions of sambo's out there will definately be Perth's sport fish of the future.
King george are usually pretty easy to catch with squid or oxheart. Mate got 6 absolute thumpers out off Cott the other day. Each one of them are a feed in themselves.
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Andy Mac
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Date Joined: 03/02/06
Are they elusive enough?
I totally agree on the taste test and the fight factor, but I think Harleys are just so nice looking and elusive enough to make every capture just that little bit special.
Now KG's would have to be my second best bet, as I haven't been too consistent when actually targetting them, they seem to be more of a bycatch for me than anything.
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Andy Mac (Fishwrecked Reeltime Editor & Forum Moderator)
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Ryan Thipthorp (not verified)
Posts: 16
Date Joined: 01/01/70
I dont need to change!
Ironically I go out of my way to "target good ground", not Dhufish so I dont have to change anything!
I'd rather get Baldchin my favourite, big KG's, blackarse etc etc
Harlequin are top tucker, easy to catch, but perhaps not in abundance...JMO
I've caught them over the years and recently on SP. The last few trips in close I've got them but put them with my big KG's as bycatch.
Baldchin for me!
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