Tailor Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Anglers

Tailor, known for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights, are a favourite among anglers especially during the summer and autumn months. Found along the coastal regions of Australia these predatory fish offer exciting opportunities for both novice and seasoned fishermen. This detailed guide will cover everything you need to know about targeting tailor, including the best locations, tackle, rigs, methods, and an important note on using high-quality gear like the lures from ReproBaits. Whether you’re casting from the shore, trolling from a boat, or fishing off the rocks, this article will provide you with the knowledge and strategies to maximize your success.

Tailor Overview: A Prime Target for Anglers

Tailor are prevalent in many Australian waters during the warmer months, especially in estuaries, inlets, and near coastal headlands. These fish are known for their voracious appetite and are easily attracted to both baits and lures. While the average tailor in areas like Pittwater or the Hawkesbury typically weighs around half a kilo, larger specimens can appear unexpectedly, especially offshore. Tailor are best enjoyed fresh—whether grilled, barbecued, or smoked—as they do not freeze well, making them ideal for a quick, fresh meal after a day on the water.

Key Locations for Tailor Fishing

Tailor can be found in various locations, but they tend to move frequently, following schools of baitfish. Successful anglers know to look for signs like flocks of birds diving into the water, which often indicates the presence of feeding tailor. Key locations include:

• Pittwater: Between the Royal Motor Yacht Club and the southern end’s no-wash zone, as well as around Careel Bay and West Head.
• Cowan Creek: The entrance to Smiths Creek and the area around Cottage Point.
• Broken Bay: Look near Juno Point and Flint & Steel.
• Offshore Areas: Behind the surf at Palm Beach or near Whale Beach are prime spots for larger fish.

These areas are known hotspots but tailor can appear anywhere baitfish are present so staying observant is crucial.

Tackle for Tailor: Quality Matters

When targeting tailor, it’s essential to use good quality, well-maintained tackle. While tailor might not push your gear to its limits, there’s always the chance of hooking other species like kingfish, bonito, or even a mackerel tuna. For this reason, your setup should be versatile and reliable.

• Rod and Reel: A 1.7 to 2-meter rod with a baitcasting or threadline reel spooled with 3kg line is ideal to maximize casting distance. For fly fishing, a 6 or 8 weight saltwater fly outfit works well, but be prepared for tailor to damage your fly line with their sharp teeth.
• Lures: A range of metal lures in the 20 to 50-gram range, especially baitfish imitations, are effective. Metal slices like the Zephyr and surface poppers like the Billabong Bubbler are also great choices. For fly tackle, simple flash material tied to a 1/0 hook works best—avoid using expensive flies as tailor can make short work of them.

Importance of Quality Components: ReproBaits Lures

One of the critical aspects of successful tailor fishing is ensuring that your lures are equipped with high-quality components. ReproBaits takes this seriously by using top-notch split rings and hooks, rigorously testing them before full production runs. This attention to detail ensures that when you hook a tailor—or any other fish—you won’t easily lose it due to subpar components. By choosing lures from ReproBaits, you can fish with confidence, knowing your tackle is built to withstand the stress and strains of aggressive fish.

Rigging for Tailor: Simple but Effective

Tailor fishing rigs don’t need to be complicated. Here’s a basic setup that’s both effective and easy to manage:

• Leader Setup: Start with a good mainline and add a short length (10-12 cm) of heavier monofilament (5-7kg breaking strain) to protect against the tailor’s sharp teeth. Heavier or lighter leader can be used to meet fish size and conditions.
• Bait: If you prefer bait, ganged hooks rigged with pilchards or garfish are highly effective. Single hooks in 2/0 or 3/0 work a treat as well with cut bait. 

Effective Methods for Tailor Fishing

The key to successful tailor fishing is locating the schools and presenting your lure or bait effectively:

• Timing: Tailor are most active during a rising tide in the early morning or late evening, but they can feed at any time of day if baitfish are present.
• Locating Schools: Look for splashes on the surface or birds diving—these are telltale signs of tailor feeding. Once located, cast your lure or bait along the edges of the school.
• Retrieving: Tailor are not picky; they will strike at most lures. If you’re not getting hits, try downsizing your lure as they may be feeding on smaller baitfish. For a more sporting experience, consider using surface poppers or stickbaits, especially when fishing from the rocks.

Handling and Releasing Tailor

Tailor are best enjoyed fresh, so only keep what you can consume immediately. To preserve the quality of the fish:

• Handling: Bleed the fish as soon as possible and keep them on ice to prevent the flesh from going soft.
• Releasing: If you plan to release your catch, avoid handling the fish directly as this can damage their scales and protective slime layer. Use pliers to unhook the fish and release it back into the water quickly.

Final Thoughts on Tailor Fishing

Tailor are one of the most exciting fish to catch in Australian waters, offering plenty of action for anglers of all levels. Whether you’re fishing in an estuary, off the rocks, or from a boat, understanding the behavior of tailor and using the right techniques will significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, using high-quality gear like the lures from ReproBaits not only enhances your fishing experience but also helps ensure you land every fish you hook. So, next time you’re out on the water, keep these tips in mind and enjoy the thrill of tailor fishing!

This comprehensive guide should provide anglers with the knowledge and confidence to target tailor effectively, while also promoting responsible fishing practices. With the right approach and gear, tailor fishing can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all.