Perhaps the most well-known of the lutjanidae famiy in Australia, mangrove jack are common throughout tropical estuaries as juveniles and young adults, preferring the migrate to inshore and offshore reefs when they reach a certain size.

They have a classic lutjanus shape, with colouration varying depending on their environment. They can range from bright red, to pale pink and almost white, with some specimens displaying white vertical bands along their body.

Mangrove jack are an agressive species that will take baits and a range of lures, including hard-bodies, soft plastics, topwater lures, and flies. Here are some tackle recommendations for your next jack trip.

Rod: 6’- 7’ medium to heavy Daiwa Spin or Baitcaster Rod

Reel: 3000-5000 Daiwa Spin Reel or 100-300 Daiwa Baitcaster Reel

Line: 15-30lb PE line                    Leader: 16-50lb Flurocarbon Leader

Lures: Bait Junkie 2.5”/3.2”/4.2” Minnow, Bait Junkie Kikker Curly, Steez Popper/Shad 60SP DR/Current Master 93SP-DR, 75SP & 95SP Double Clutch