St Joseph's? Where are thou?

[Monster Line]

Hey everyone,

Where can one find these strange creatures. St Joseph's I believe, I will be back home next week but would love to catch these weird and wonderful creatures.

Where would be the best place to go? What bait and what time of day?

Thanks.

[Bunkerking]

St Joseph/ Elephant fish. I've caught them along the garden route at night on chokka and pilchard baits meant for kob when the water is very cold.

[Monster Line]

Thanks for the response @bunkerking

Is there anywhere I can buy them? Again a bit tricky though becuase if not done right it will release ammonia.

I wanted to catch a few to eat at an upcoming family reunion.
 

[Bunkerking]

Sorry, I have no idea if this is a commercially sold fish. Maybe someone else can shed more light?

[REEFMAN]

SASSI list it as RED - a do not buy fish...

http://wwfsassi.co.za/fish-detail/95/

[Marthin]

they are still trekked if i'm not mistaken by the west coast treknets.
They are quite often caught on the west coast, as mentioned in colder water... will take any worm bait, and soft chokka baits.
4/0 mustad demon circle

Initial bite and take is exactly like the same size kob, as well as the fight, perhaps bit stronger than same size kob.

They are not called "penkabeljou" for nothing and with no bones and much softer flesh than most sharkies, very nice to eat.

[DownUnder]

Very common in this part of Australia, not really targeted by many but a welcome catch due to good fight and good eating quality, mostly caught as bycatch on tjokka, sard and prawn. Very often caught off  the beach too

[Grumpy]

Oi Monster Line don't worry too much about serving them at your gathering,  just serve fresh hake. Nobody will know the diffs. Just make sure you skin the hake beforehand.
Hake probably one of  the  most underrated fish around.

[Monster Line]

Heya everyone,

I have still not been able to catch a St Joseph or 2. Is there any advice someone can give? Perhaps a particular location where these fellas are hiding, time of day, etc.

I would really like to catch a few if possible. Any tips would be appreciated.

[REEFMAN]

Not sure you can specifically target them? Only St Joseph's I've seen caught from the shore, were bycatch targeting Kob. Don't think they are that plentiful that you can specifically target them? 

[Marthin]

colder water.... if you want to target them in struis i'd suggest waiting for the days guys complain the water is too cold. throw prawn bloodworm and soft chokka and combinations.... worst case you get picked up by a steenie which doesnt seem like a bad idea either...

If you are not in struis i'd recommend the west coast.  In fact father in law got one last time we went to Melkbos.

[Monster Line]

Not sure you can specifically target them? Only St Joseph's I've seen caught from the shore, were bycatch targeting Kob. Don't think they are that plentiful that you can specifically target them? 

I'd like to try and go to the best location with the best bait possible with the chance of landing these buggers.

I don't know much about them that's what makes them so interesting. I know they like cooler water but nothing more.

[Monster Line]

colder water.... if you want to target them in struis i'd suggest waiting for the days guys complain the water is too cold. throw prawn bloodworm and soft chokka and combinations.... worst case you get picked up by a steenie which doesnt seem like a bad idea either...

If you are not in struis i'd recommend the west coast.  In fact father in law got one last time we went to Melkbos.

I'm down in the Cape for a few weeks so I want to give down here a bash. I hear that they like colder water but not sure how cold. West coast is really cold compared to False Bay side. Any particular place in Melkbos we should try?

I know the trekkers bring them in occasionally. Maybe I should monitor their nets too.

[Trier]

Usually catch them in False bay after a few days of SE wind and the water has cooled considerably (upwelling). Its usually a by-catch as we target kob but at least it fights like a fish not shark. Apparently quite tasty as well but not for me.

[Monster Line]

Usually catch them in False bay after a few days of SE wind and the water has cooled considerably (upwelling). Its usually a by-catch as we target kob but at least it fights like a fish not shark. Apparently quite tasty as well but not for me.

I really just want to get these. I love them and their weirdness.  Are they frequent in False Bay when the water is cool or are they still few and far.

When would be the next best time to try?

[Trier]

Definately less frequent than cob but they there. Sometimes they are schooling and you can catch quite a few in a session. If you in the Cape now have a throw as you never know. The usual baits pilchard, chokka, pike, bloodworm. Personally i have caught the most on Broken Rd next to Strandfontein pavillion. Safety is never an issue if there are many anglers.

[Monster Line]

Definately less frequent than cob but they there. Sometimes they are schooling and you can catch quite a few in a session. If you in the Cape now have a throw as you never know. The usual baits pilchard, chokka, pike, bloodworm. Personally i have caught the most on Broken Rd next to Strandfontein pavillion. Safety is never an issue if there are many anglers.

I've been trying for some time and didn't know where to go. I'd love to get a few on my line if possible.

I heard prawn and crayfish tails too but if I could get away with below I would be happy.

How many have you caught at Broken Road? Do you fish there often? I would be keen to fish with sometime. Can you PM me your contact details?

[Trier]

I have caught quite a few there but i dont actively target them. 072267514four. Looks like i cant PM. Also have to admit i am not the best surf fisherman out there.