How to catch big Mulloway in rivers is a question I get asked constantly, but the answer isn’t found in a tackle shop—it’s found in the “lost art” of the silent drift. If you want to stop chasing schoolies and start landing 30kg+ trophies, you need to step back in time. In this guide, I’m breaking down the exact method I used as a kid in Barwon Heads to consistently find monster river Jewfish.
Why Stealth is Essential When Learning How to Catch Big Mulloway in Rivers
The biggest mistake most fishos make is noise. Big river Mulloway (Jewfish) are incredibly sensitive to hull vibrations and sonar pings. When you are mastering how to catch big Mulloway in rivers, your #1 priority must be silence.
If you’re banging sinkers on the floor or running a loud Sounder, those 50lb+ fish will spook before you even get a bait near them. You need to be sipping coffee, looking at the stars, and keeping dead quiet while you drift.
The Best Gear for River Mulloway
When catching 50lb Mulloway on 10kg line, you don’t need heavy offshore gear. Heavy gear actually works against you in the river current.
- Rod: 10-15kg Short Stroke.
- Reel: The classic Shimano Speedmaster, TLD or a modern spin reel.
- Line: 10kg–15kg Mono (Essential for that “stretch” during the first run).
- Leader: 80lb Trace.
If fishing for Jew offshore around reef try this article.
The Two-Rig Strategy: How to Catch Big Mulloway in Rivers Using Live Bait
To maximize your chances, you should run two specific rigs at different depths. This covers the water column and ensures you’re ready for any fish movement.
1. The Deep Rig (3/4 Depth)
This is your best rig for Mulloway when they are hugging the deeper parts of the channel. Use a running sinker to a swivel, with about a meter of leader and sharp, snelled hooks.
- Placement: Drop this straight under the boat, about 3/4 of the way to the bottom.
2. The Free-Swimmer (Surface Hook)
This is often the “money rod” for the biggest fish. Use snelled 80/0 hooks pinned through the nose and tail of the bait and let it swim 20-30 meters away from the boat. This is a key part of how to catch big Mulloway in rivers because it separates the bait from any boat shadow.
Choosing the Best Live Bait: Salmon vs. Mullet
Live bait for Mulloway is the only way to go for this method.
- Australian Salmon: The gold standard. They are hardy and vibrate like a dinner bell.
- Mullet: A fantastic backup that Jewies can’t resist.
- Silver Trevally: If you use these, clip the tips of the tail fins to create a “distress” vibration.
- Pike / Snook: If you can find either one they are one of the best live baits you will get for large Mulloway.
The Technique: How to Perform the “Silent Drift”
If you want to know how to catch big Mulloway in rivers consistently, you must master the drift.
- The Tide: Focus on a low tide running in.
- The Moon: Target a New Moon or a Rising Moon.
- The Process: Turn your Sounders/Sonar OFF. Use an brushless electric motor or oars only to keep yourself centered in the channel. For accurate tide times, always check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) before heading out.
Landing Your Prize: How to Catch Big Mulloway in Rivers Without Snapping Your Line
When the rod screams, don’t strike! Free-spool the reel, let the fish mouth the bait, and only engage the drag when the fish starts to swim away. Remember, on 10kg line, you have to play the fish, not just “winch” it in.
Summary: 7 Steps to a PB River Jewfish
- Target the low tide running in.
- Fish the New Moon (Midnight to 3 AM).
- Turn off all electronics (Sounders OFF).
- Use live Australian Salmon or Mullet.
- Set one rod deep and one rod free-swimming.
- Stay in the main river channel using an electric motor or oars.
- Be patient and silent.
More Mulloway Fishing Guides
Read the full mulloway fishing guide