A TAGGED mulloway has been caught an incredible four times over 8 months in a NSW estuary.
According to NSW DPI, the mulloway was tagged in Port Stephens on 29 March 2019 by Alex Thrift. The fish was measured at 75cm and was released in a “healthy condition”.
First recapture: 54 days later on 22 May 2019, Chris Clarke recaptured the same fish in the same waterway and measured 1cm longer. Chris decided to release the fish as it was still healthy.
Second recapture: 130 days later on 29 September 2019 Josh Hudson recaught the fish in the same area. This time the fish had grown 2cm, measuring 78cm. Josh also chose to release the fish.
Third recapture: The fish was again caught in the same location by an unknown angler 38 days later. The fish was retained and measured 81cm.
The fish was caught four times and was at liberty for 222 days.
NSW DPI says this is a valuable reminder of how with proper handling techniques, mulloway will survive for many other anglers to catch.
