How do you fish for fingermark?

[odes20]

Of all the fishing I have ever done, I would have to say that catching fingermark is at present my greatest thrill.
I don't know if its how good they eat or just how awesome a fight they put up for their size, but they have me hooked. What methods can you share with me of how to target them ?

[kingkev]

Fresh squid

Just as it gets dark and just as the last bit of dark dissapears

Pm ronnien

He is the king when it comes to fingermark

[odes20]

Thanks Kev Have done

[trueblue]

live squid is even better.........

[Scott nthQld]

Yep, live squid on a dark night is the preffered method, though they also won't say no to a big yakka or greenback. Heavy gear, sitting right over the structure, and you won't find a more dogged fight.

Also have tried jigging soft plastics over the spots in the late arov/early morning, no success for me yet, but they do get caught. Also in the daylight hours, slow trolling deep diving lures works especially well in the winter when they're pretty shut down.

PS the hotter the water the better

[whiteman]

Troll across squid grounds during the day. Big choppers are happy to eat all day and they chase bait fish. Not unusual to get them while targeting mackerel in 8-10m of water.

[marty+jojo]

Soft plastics
Marty.

[Silent Assassin]

With a locked up Drag!!!

[odes20]

Love that Silent A!!
You can feel the trembling hands writing posts on this thread! Almost all are referring to their beastly characteristics in a fight.

Incidently has anyone on here caught a New Guinea Bass? Cause Im wondering if our big fingermark are in that league?

Beats me how so many fishos go on about barra and others as a great sports fish ?? The fingermark is a total smash machine. I use 55lb Daiwa Saltiga braid with a 60lb leader to fish livies for them up here in Cairns.

Also they are in my opinion the best table fish in our sea, but many others have their own preference. You can buy whole fingermark way cheaper at a sea food shop than say, trout, red emp, barra etc.

Cheers
John

[ronnien]

been fishing for them around 30yr's now, & when i am at home my hands still shake when i rig up for them.

ron.

[kingkev]

Sorry Ron for giving your PM without your permission but being the very helpful person you are I could not think of anyone else with as much quality FINGER experience than you

Happy fishing

[whiteman]

They certainly let you know they are there. I'm not much of a fan of their eating qualities - too "fatty" - or is it because i can't find any of those dang smaller ones? Give me red throat, red emperor, trout, etc anytime.

[kingkev]

Fingermark and jacks are right up there with top quality eatiing fish

[ronnien]

They certainly let you know they are there. I'm not much of a fan of their eating qualities - too "fatty" - or is it because i can't find any of those dang smaller ones? Give me red throat, red emperor, trout, etc anytime.

know what you mean, but i just fillet about 2cm thick seems to be a lot better. 10kg & bigger no way.

ron.