SP's for Tilapia?

[TIMMY 666]

G'day all,

After discovering Tilapia at my local bass spot i'm keen to fish for these little pests. So far I've tried some 3" gulp minnows + 3" powerbaits, 35mm scorpions and a small yo-zuri pins minnow with no success. They showed the powerbait some interest but i think 3" is too big, are there any 2" powerbait minnows available? Considering their small size (around 25cm and less) can anyone recommend any sp's that they might have a go at?

Thanks,

Tim.

[Jeremy]

2" powerbaits are available. Also try 2" curl tails, and keep the jig head very light (eg 1/12 or less) so the plastic looks as natural as possible. Same goes for your leader, as light as possible (eg 8 lb fluorocarbon or less). You could also try catch scents on the tails. I haven't caught tilapia on SP, but this might help?

Jeremy

[imnotoriginal]

Timmy,
the 2" are available. I see you're on the sunny coast, anywhere near kawana? That mart that doesn't get named at kawana has a basket in their fishing section which has these for $5 a packet at the moment. I've had success with the silver ghost colour, but they also have ginger beer and pearl/watermelon. Never fished for tilapia before, so can't help you with that sorry.
Joel

[Vaughn M]

Timmy,
I have accidentally caught a large Tilapia on a Prawnstar junior whilst fishing for barra in the Mulgrave River. Subsequent attempts to catch them on lures failed but they are very susceptible to earth worms so a Berkley Gulp worm pattern may be a good starting point.

Vaughn

ps Foodsource also make an earthworm pattern. Check them out at MO tackle.

[Jeremy87]

1/0 or 2/0 treble, 000pea sinker running down to the hook, cast it out and wind back flat stick. This works well when they're schooled up tightly. The most succesful plastic i've used for tilapia are 1 3/4inch paddle tail grubs by atomic in white with a 1/32 ounce #2 or #4 jig head. let them flutter down very slowly and work the whole water column. caught 4 this morning that way in tingalpa creek.

[TIMMY 666]

Jeremy,
Thanks for the info, I'll give the curly tail a try. I think i'll get some 4lb fluoro to go with my 4lb fireline, they get spooked very easily.

Joel,
Thanks for the tip. Not near kawana but i'll check out my local mart for some powerbaits.

Vaughn,
Might try out the gulps too, and i think i'll put out a baited line with live worms as well, thanks.

Jeremy87,
I thought the paddle tails might be the go, definitely give em a try now. Thanks for the tips. Any pics of the tilapia you caught this morning or in the past? How big do they get in Tingalpa?

Cheers,

Tim.