Mulloway caught four times as part of the Game Fish Tagging Program
by DPIRD Fisheries 25 Jun 20:55 UTC
Mulloway caught four times as part of the Game Fish Tagging Program © DPIRD Fisheries
The NSW Game Fish Tagging Program recently received a fascinating recapture report - a Mulloway caught for the fourth time!
In mid-April 2025, Cooper Black was fishing offshore of Forster. After an unsuccessful session chasing Spanish Mackerel, he decided to target Mulloway on the way home. Among the good-sized fish landed, one had an old looking tag.
Cooper and his father Simon reported the tag, and the number revealed an intriguing history. This Mulloway was originally tagged in the Hunter River system in November 2018 at 81cm. It was caught again in the same area a month later at 83cm, and once more in May 2020 at 109cm, 1 year and 4 months later. Each time, it was re-released.
Fast forward 4 years and 10 months: Cooper's fish was caught over 65 nautical miles (~120km) away, now measuring an impressive 130cm and estimated at 20kg.
This recapture series reflects known Mulloway patterns. Juveniles grow quickly up to around 100cm and tend to stay local. After reaching the 'magic metre', growth slows and movements become broader and offshore. The presence of 'milt' indicates this fish was in prime spawning condition.
Cooper released it again, allowing it to keep contributing to the population, maybe even to be caught again.
If you are lucky enough to recapture a tagged fish please ensure you report it using our online recapture form which can be found here. Each reported recapture contributes to our understanding of pelagic fish species.
Game Fish Tagging Program are great examples of your fishing fees at work!