Seasons
| 15 January - 14 February inclusive: | All waters north of a line from Cape Grim east to Cape Naturaliste (the same as the North Coast squid closure area). See map under Area Restrictions.
|
| 15 November - 14 December inclusive: | All waters south of the above line. |
See the
seasons page for up to date information.
Area Restrictions
See map below for garfish spawning closure areas:
Habitat
Southern garfish are a schooling fish found in sheltered bays, inshore coastal areas, estuaries and especially where seagrass meadows are established. They are found near the surface at night and on the bottom to midwater during the day.
Fishing information
They are excellent fighters when hooked on light gear. They have small mouths and a delicate bite. Most anglers find using a float and a swivel produces more successful results. berley can be used to ensure that a school of fish remains near the fisher. Favoured baits include prawns, sandworms, fish flesh and raw chicken. They will occasionally take a small fly.
Cooking
Garfish are excellent eating providing the time is taken to properly remove the numerous small bones. Do this by putting the fish bellyside down on a board. Roll a rolling pin along the length of the spine several times then lift out the bone structure. Can be filleted with practice. The flesh is translucent when raw and cooks white. It has a delicate, sweet flavour and medium oil content. Suitable to bake, barbeque, shallow or deep fry or foil bake.
Recipe: Sandwiched Garfish:
12 garfish; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups soft white breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp parsley, chopped; ½ lemon; 6 tbsp dry white wine; salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil and saute the breadcrumbs and parsley until oil is absorbed. Place half this mixture in the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Rub the fish with the lemon and season with salt and pepper. Arrange on breadcrumbs in dish and top with remaining breadcrumbs. Bake in a moderate oven 180°C for 10 minutes then add the wine and cook a further 15 minutes.