The Ultimate Guide to Fishing for Dusky Morwong
If you’ve ever fished along Australia’s southern coastline, you may have encountered the Dusky Morwong. This large, robust fish is a familiar sight for anglers exploring rocky reefs and kelp forests. While not the most sought-after catch, it puts up a respectable fight and has a distinctive look that makes it a fascinating species to reel in. Whether you’re looking to add an unexpected battle to your fishing trip or simply curious about this often-overlooked fish, the Dusky Morwong has plenty to offer.
How to Identify a Dusky Morwong
The Dusky Morwong is a large, elongated reef fish with a somewhat compressed body and thick, rubbery lips. Adults display a uniform grey to brownish-olive coloration on the back, fading to whitish on the belly. Along the flanks you might notice faint pale orange blotches or spots, especially in younger adults. Juveniles and sub-adults look quite different – they are more deep-bodied and silvery, with rusty-orange bands or spots along their sides and onto the dorsal fin and tail. A distinctive feature of the species is one elongated, unbranched ray at the bottom of each pectoral fin (hence the genus name Dactylophora, meaning “finger-bearing”). Dusky Morwong are one of the bigger fish on the southern reefs, commonly reaching 50–70 cm in length, and capable of growing up to 1.2 m (about 47 inches) long and weighing as much as 12–14 kg in large specimens. They are the only member of their genus and are easily recognized by their size and subdued grey-brown colors once you know what to look for. Anglers who reel one in will also note the thick skin and robust, heavy-bodied form of this fish, built for browsing the reef.
Where to Find the Dusky Morwong
Dusky Morwong are endemic to southern Australia, so you won’t find them outside Aussie waters. Their range extends from about the Houtman Abrolhos Islands off mid-western Western Australia, across the Great Australian Bight, and up to the Clarence River on the New South Wales coast. They are also common around Tasmania and in Victoria’s coastal waters. In fact, if you’re fishing the reefs around Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth’s south coast, there’s a chance of encountering a Dusky Morwong lurking in the kelp or seagrass beds. These fish favor temperate inshore habitats – typically hanging around rocky reefs, coastal reefs, and areas with rich seaweed or seagrass growth. They are often found in the shallows from just 1–30 m deep (3–100 ft), though occasionally they’ve been spotted down to about 50–60 m on deeper reefs. Dusky Morwong tend to shelter in reef structure: divers frequently see them in small groups tucked under ledges or in caves during the day. Juveniles prefer protected nursery areas like seagrass beds inside bays, where their silvery, banded appearance offers camouflage. Overall, look for Dusky Morwong cruising calmly near the seafloor of southern Aussie reefs, especially around kelp-covered rocks and pier pilings – they thrive in these lush, vegetated environments.
Tips for Catching a Dusky Morwong
Catch Methods: The Dusky Morwong isn’t a highly targeted sport fish, but anglers do encounter them, especially when fishing around rocky shores and inshore reefs for mixed species. They are often a by-catch for rock fishermen or those bottom-fishing reefs for snapper or other reefies. Because of their diet, Dusky Morwong are most reliably taken on bait. They aren’t very fussy eaters – prawns are a top bait that they readily accept, and they’ll also nibble at crabs, squid strips, mussels or other shellfish presented near the bottom. In fact, one angler recounts catching a Morwong by patiently offering a mussel right in front of its nose; the fish inspected it several times before finally sucking it in. This highlights an important tip: patience. Dusky Morwong often feed in a leisurely manner, so let them take their time to find and mouth the bait. They generally won’t chase fast-moving lures, but occasionally a well-presented soft plastic or slow jig bounced along the reef might tempt a curious individual. Overall, natural baits fished on the reef floor yield the best results.
Tackle and Technique: Standard reef fishing tackle is sufficient for Dusky Morwong. A medium setup (e.g. 6–10 kg line, a sturdy rod, and a 3/0 to 5/0 hook) works well, as these fish often inhale bait rather than smash it. Use a running sinker or paternoster rig to keep your bait near the seabed where Morwong forage. When a Dusky Morwong bites, give it a moment if it’s mouthing the bait, then strike decisively to set the hook. Be prepared for a strong initial run – “strongfish” isn’t one of its nicknames for nothing! Anglers who have hooked them report that Dusky Morwong fight hard, with powerful, dogged pulls. They won’t streak off like a pelagic speedster, but on light gear a big Morwong will put a solid bend in your rod and test your drag. Fortunately, they don’t have nasty sharp teeth or razor gill plates, so the main challenge is lifting their weight and keeping them out of reef caves. Many Dusky Morwong are actually taken by spearfishers – the species is a common sight for divers and is relatively approachable underwater. This means if you do hook one on rod and line, it can be a surprise catch. Enjoy the fight it gives, as it’s a worthy opponent when hooked in shallow water.
Is Dusky Morwong Good to Eat?
When it comes to eating quality, the Dusky Morwong has a mixed reputation. It’s not highly prized on the table – in fact, many anglers release it or use it for bait/berley rather than for dinner. The flesh is white but tends to be on the softer side, with a mild flavor that’s often described as average or “okay, not great” by those who have tried it. Because of this, dedicated food fishers usually don’t target Morwong specifically. However, it’s certainly edible, and some people do enjoy it. In southern Australia, the fillets of Dusky Morwong have been sold in fish-and-chip shops under the name “butterfish,” owing either to their buttery-soft texture or simply as a market name. If you decide to keep one for the table, treat it well: bleed it upon capture and keep it chilled, as this can improve the eating quality of any fish. Most who keep Morwong prepare it in battered or crumbed form (think classic fish and chips) or curry and casserole dishes where its mildness isn’t a drawback. Cooking it quickly at high heat (grill or deep fry) can help firm up the flesh. While a Dusky Morwong dinner won’t top a foodie’s list, it’s perfectly passable if fresh – just manage your expectations, and you might be pleasantly surprised that it’s not as “bad” as its reputation suggests. As one Aussie angler put it, “alright on the chew, not amazing but not bad”.