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(Click for large pic. 37Kb)
Shoals of Tailor congregate off the ocean beaches of our southern coastline, lying in gutters and off rocky headlands where they cause havoc chopping at the surface among the Anchovies, Pilchards, Garfish and Hardy heads; in fact. schooled Tailor are known to gorge themselves in a frenzy of feeding, regurgitate, and then recommence attacks on their unfortunate prey..
The species enters the more southerly estuaries and rivers, penetrating upstream to at least the brackish water limit. Apart from the commercial importance of the species, it is a favourite among anglers. They are generally fished for with baits of whole or filleted Striped Sea pike, Pike or Yellowtail. Pilchards. or anchovies; however a current fashion dictates the use of Pilchards. Tailor are also taken by trolling a lure. drone or plug behind a moving boat or spinning from rocky headlands or the beach; however hooked. they afford spectacular sport on light tackle.
Tailor should be bled immediately on capture. preferably by severing the gills, and must be protected from the sun and heat: otherwise the flesh becomes unpleasantly soft. If correctly treated, the fillets make excellent eating.
This fish is greenish above and silvery on the sides; it has small scales. The jaws are armed with powerful shearing teeth. It grows to a weight of 14.5 kg (32 lb.). Monsters such as these, of course. are rarely seen. All Tailor above 4 kg (9 lb.) is rightly considered a large fish. Smaller fish are known as choppers, or schoolies.
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