how do i catch tilapia

[fishing_teen]

hey guys, as i walk to and from school along the kedron brook i see tilapia ever where in the creek. I don't do any freshwater fishing so whats is the best way to catch the suckers and dispose of them.

cheers, nathan

[crazywalrus]

hey mate - I am not to far from you. The best way to catch them is to use a small hook either 4 or 6 and use them unweighted. Bait wise you can catch them on worms, bread and prawns. If you can see them it is a little easier as you can cast past them and slowly pull or jump the bait past them until the get interested. I like to leave the line a little slack so they can pick up the bait and run with it. This is the same method I use when I can not see them. Just throw out an unweighted bait, leave a little slack and wait for them to pick it up and run then strike. Good luck mate.

[fishing_teen]

thank for the info, i m planing on givin it a go tomorrow:)

[planetfonz]

where abouts in the brook are they?

[crazywalrus]

good luck - make sure you post a picture of the catch. I often fish for them in Enogerra Creek

[rayke1938]

Best method of disposal if there is not a wheely bin labeled " dispose of tilapia here" is a hot frying pan.:blush: Just dont transport them live.

They are good eating just depends on the water quality where you catch them.

Cheers

Ray

[fishing_teen]

they are in the brook everywhere, u just go to look for them and u will find

[chaujern]

just a short note on how pesky tilipia can be ... I read somewhere that moving dead or alive tilipia is discouraged because they often carry eggs in their mouths / guts (can't remember for sure which is which) ... when disposed incorrectly may lead to a spread of the fish ...

i suppose if care is taken when cleaning and disposing of tilipia ... it does make a good table fish ... in some asian countries, they are bred in ponds for human consumption because they are extremely hardy and decent table fish ...

if they were bred in really muddy waters, then flesh around the guts smell of mud ... often washing in rice water / tamarind water removes the smell ...

[eg_vtec]

i do agreee they are a good table fish. i remember many years ago when i was a kid my dad use to take me to fish them all the time. and was very nice eating.

[crazywalrus]

if they were bred in really muddy waters, then flesh around the guts smell of mud ... often washing in rice water / tamarind water removes the smell ...

Rice water? do you mean water with rice wine or the starchy water when you wash rice?

I reckon they are one of the better eating freshwater fish in the south east.

[chaujern]

if they were bred in really muddy waters, then flesh around the guts smell of mud ... often washing in rice water / tamarind water removes the smell ...

Rice water? do you mean water with rice wine or the starchy water when you wash rice?

the starchy water when washing rice ...

[crazywalrus]

cool thanks

[Lost it]

About 6 months ago we took the kids gar fishing at wivenhoe, and we were catching about 10 tilapia to 1 gar. All tiny suckers, but there was heaps there. Using a simple unweighted rig as mentioned by a few of the others, using mainly bread on a tiny hook, but we suspended the bait under a float so the kids new when they actually had a fish and not dreamt it,

It's great to read that people do actually eat them...I've always been told that they must go in the bin and are not suitable for eating Maybe I've been mislead...when ever I see them my mouth waters as the flesh looks so nice and filling. Might have to try one and see if it kills me I guess

[Luc53]

The 'not suitable for eating' is part of FQ's tactics in not promoting tilapia in any way in case people spread them into virgin waters.

Can't see any problems with keeping fillets as long as the carcass is properly disposed of.

Luc