Not a commonly caught fish or even a prime target species either, Batfish (moonfish) are occasionally caught in our estuary systems while targeting more principal eating fish.

They will readily take small peeled or live prawn baits, they have a fairly small mouth, fished on the bottom of structured areas using a standard running sinker rig.

They offer a surprisingly spirited fight, using their broad flanks to their advantage in the current and are good sport on light 3-4kg tackle. Usually light brown in colour with darker chocolate to black markings, batfish are not considered good eating with most fish being returned to the water.

Specimens to 12lb have been encountered although fish to 4-5lb more common in our waters.