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Leatherjacket Fishing — Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Guide

Peak season right now

Lake Mac structure pest turned delicacy. Small hooks essential. One of the most underrated eating fish in the lake. Firm, white, lustrous flesh that's slightly sweet. Must be skinned (not scaled) shortly after capture. Pan fry, steam, or poach. Holds shape well in curries and soups. Don't throw them back - they're a genuine delicacy.

Adaptable: Structure-oriented - feeds around weed beds and reef regardless of clarity
Best Spot Right Now
Best spot for Leatherjacket right now:Lee WharfSheltered from SSW windView spot guide →
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Where to Catch Leatherjacket

Newcastle

Lake Macquarie

Tackle & Setup

Rod & Reel

Rod 7ft light spin, 2-4kg, moderate action
Reel 1000-2500 size spin reel
Mainline 4-8lb braid or mono
Why Light gear for a fun fight on small fish. Sensitivity helps detect their nibbling bites.

Leader

Material Fluorocarbon
Strength 6-10lb (3-5kg)
Length 60cm-1m
Why Their teeth are razor sharp - heavier fluoro resists bite-offs better than mono.

Hooks

Style Long shank (essential - their hard mouth and teeth will bite through short shank)
Size #4-#8 (small is critical)
Brand Mustad Long Shank
Why Small hard mouths need small hooks. Long shank for easier removal and to keep their teeth away from your line.

Bait

  • Squid strips — Small thin strips. Tough and stays on hook.
  • Peeled prawn — Tiny pieces on small hooks.
  • Pilchard pieces — Small chunks. They'll eat almost anything.
  • Chicken — Small pieces of raw chicken. Sounds weird but works.

Tiny baits on small long-shank hooks. Under a float or on a light paternoster rig. They are NOT fussy eaters - just need small presentation.

How to Catch Leatherjacket

Technique

Basic
Fish around any structure - jetty pylons, weed beds, rocky edges, artificial reefs. Small bait under a float set 1-2m deep. Watch for the float to bob and dip - they nibble before committing.
Advanced
Target the Lake Mac artificial reefs (reef balls between Murrays Beach and Pulbah Island at 6m depth). Drift over reef structure with small baits on paternoster rigs.
Retrieve
Let bait sit. When float dips, wait a moment then set the hook with a gentle lift.
Presentation
Small baits, small hooks, light line. If you're getting bites but not hooking up, go smaller.

Pro Tips

  • Often caught while targeting bream - consider it a bonus, not a pest
  • Must be skinned immediately after catching - the skin is tough and leathery (hence the name)
  • Excellent eating - firm, white, sweet flesh that holds shape in cooking
  • Lake Mac artificial reefs between Murrays Beach and Wangi are productive
  • Sixspine and yellowfin leatherjackets are the common species in the lake
  • Year-round but more active in warmer months (Oct-Apr)
  • They have very strong teeth - use long shank hooks and watch your fingers

Best Time to Fish

Best Time of Day
Midday
Best Tide
High tide
Peak Season
October, November, December, January, February, March, April

Size & Bag Limits

None
Min Size
20
Bag Limit
NSW DPI full regulations →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I catch Leatherjacket in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie?

The best spots for Leatherjacket include Lee Wharf, Belmont Wharf, Pulbah Island Reef Edges, Green Point Jetty, Murrays Beach Jetty. Peak season runs October to April. At Lee Wharf: Year-round, more active Oct-Apr. Key spots: Lake Mac artificial reefs, Pulbah Island weed beds, Murrays Beach Jetty, any structure in Lake Mac.

What is the best time to catch Leatherjacket?

Leatherjacket fish best at Midday. Best tide: High tide. Peak season: October, November, December, January, February, March, April.

What bait and lures work best for Leatherjacket?

Best bait: Squid strips, Peeled prawn, Pilchard pieces. Use a 7ft light spin, 2-4kg, moderate action.

See which spots are firing right now for Leatherjacket and more.

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