(family: lutjanidae)

Mangrove Jack are from the same family as the Fingermark, and are equally good eating. Like the Fingermark, they too are found in the estuary and inshore reef, with a liking for fresh baits and lures.

These hard fighting fish are a brutal test for tackle and the angler, as they typically hit baits and lures while they are already heading for cover, and bust offs on snags and reef are not uncommon.

Jacks should be treated with care when boated, as what may seem to be an inactive fish before de-hooking, will turn into a snapping cantankerous bastard, its sharp teeth a source of much pain for the unweary!

It should be mentioned that the mangrove jack can be confused with the Red Bass, which can be affected by ciguatera. Identification can be sorted between these fish, by recognising the deep pit before the eye, which is a characteristic of the bass, but not the jack*.

Bag Limits in Qld apply, a min size of 35cm. There is no max size or possession limit. *Grants fishes of Australia