Matt Poulos’ Georges River Fishing Secrets: Jewfish On Lures

Fishing The Georges River: Jewfish On Lures

• Avoid limiting catch rates with preconceived notions about optimal moon phases or tide changes. Fishing the Georges River and Botany Bay for jewfish is a year-round pursuit and isn’t limited by conditions.
• Fish as frequently as possible to maximize opportunities. Dedicate time before work, after work, and during weekends. In jewfish fishing, consistency increases chances of success.
• Tides influence the best fishing spots in Georges River. However, they don’t dictate when the jewfish will feed. Focus on locating areas with abundant bait as fish are more likely to be there with the intention of feeding.
• Vary your techniques when fishing Georges River for jewfish: Experiment with different approaches such as vertical jigging, tea-bagging, or casting with paddle tails. Jewfish behaviour varies, so adapt techniques accordingly.
• Bridges are located in fish highways and create bait and fish holding structure and represent some of the best fishing spots in Georges River. Jewfish must pass through narrow parts of the river, so drift and fish multiple pylons for the best results.
• Eddies hold fish, so work both the eddy face and the swirling eddy around bridge pylons. Adjust lure retrieval techniques to match the eddy type for optimal results.
• Fishing the Georges River for jewfish are more likely to be active in areas with abundant bait. Choose fishing locations based on bait presence, as inactive fish are harder to entice.
• Stay open to disproving fishing theories. Test different ideas and techniques to continuously improve your understanding of Jewfish behaviour.
• Above all, prioritize spending time fishing rather than fixating on specific conditions. Regular fishing sessions increase your chances of success and help refine your skills.
• Don’t be afraid to work lures higher up in the water column. It’s not unusual to hook jewfish well off the bottom.
• Some of the best Georges River fishing spots occur in the upper reaches where 4-5m dropoffs occur. Check your navionics maps and look for these areas as fish can be more concentrated and easier to find, at times.

Georges River Jewfish Fishing Tackle

• For an extended period, Matt utilized a Shimano 7’2” spin rod with a 1-3 kilo rating, coupled with a 3000 Stradic HG reel. He had around 10lb J Braid on it, and he typically paired it with a 12lb or 14lb leader. This combo works well for the majority of Georges River jewfish but falls down for larger fish in heavy structure, particularly where submarine cables present a hazard.
• For tougher fish and conditions Matt now uses a 5-10kg rod with a 5000 size Stradic spin reel and 16lb braid. This outfit might seem like overkill, but it doesn’t put the fish off biting and reduces the stress on fish to be released.

Matt’s Top Lures For Georges River Jewfish

• Berkley’s Shimmer Shrimp is a great option when fishing Georges River for jewfish. The Shimmer Shrimp’s slow sinking action and lifelike tail flutter make it a valuable choice to teabag or cast around bridge pylons.
• The Samaki Vibelicious is one of Matt’s staples when fishing the Georges River for jewfish. Its versatility, from vertical jigging to a slow, deliberate retrieve, offers adaptability to varying conditions and enhances success rates. The 75mm size takes jewfish of all sizes, but the 100mm size is a better option for those fishing deeper water or stronger flows.
• 4-5” Paddle-tailed soft plastics rigged on 3/8 to 1/2 oz jig heads and 4/0 hooks are great – especially in snaggy areas where the cost of losing vibes can be prohibitive. Matt tends to work these lures a bit more aggressively than the previous two styles.