How to Catch John Dory

Every year, as spring progresses the work-ups get more intense, especially from the end of November through to the middle of December. This can be very frustrating if we hear about the great snapper fishing while in the workplace. 

Then the Christmas holidays come, and we’re finally free to take advantage of some leisure time, we find the fishing has slowed right down (spawning mode), with only small snapper around to catch inshore until around the middle or end of January.  

I therefore change from the lure fishing I enjoy so much to target other species. In particular, I find there are a lot of john dory around; I really like the firm texture and subtle flavour of this fine table fish. While these fish are sometimes encountered by those using lures for snapper, you will find the success rate with this species changes dramatically if you target them – it’s amazing just how many are about. 

I believe the john dory are so abundant at this time of year due to the vast numbers of juvenile and small spawning snapper present in our inner harbour - one of the john dory’s favoured prey. 

You do not have to go far to get john dory. As well as being in the harbour, you’ll find them around the East Coast Bays and across to Rangitoto – basically anywhere that holds lots of baitfish and small snapper. The wharves can be great land-based spots for them, too. 
One of my favourite areas for this type of fishing is along the Takapuna Cliffs and over to North Head in Devonport. As a bonus, I have been lucky enough to catch a quite a few kingfish, which ate the baits deployed for JDs.

The best spots will have some structure (i.e. reef and/or weed) and current present, with schools of baitfish nearby (which will show on the fish-finder). Then, having chosen the spot, it pays to put out a berley bomb. While a berley trail is not essential, you’ll entice a ready store of potential live bait to your boat, and the baitfish and small snapper activity will help to attract the john dory. 

I use a small sabiki rig to catch yellowtail mackerel, piper and small kahawai from out of the berley trail. Small blue cod also make great JD live baits if prevalent in your chosen area - but remember, their minimum legal size is 33cm, even when used as bait.

The hook is best inserted through the baitfish’s upper shoulder, not too deeply and ahead of the dorsal fin; this allows the bait to swim freely and put out stronger vibrations that help to attract the predators. I snip the tail fins off kahawai baits to slow them down a bit, and find my success rate is better as a result. (I sometimes use piper too, but they are delicate and don’t last as long as the yellowtail mackerel and kahawai baits.) 

The baits are generally caught as I need them to ensure they are as fresh and active as possible when dropped to the bottom. 

The setup used is quite sturdy - 10-15kg - as I used to lose quite a few kingfish in the shallows and have learnt my lesson. I find a one-hook dropper rig works well, with the terminal tackle incorporating 60-80lb trace armed with a 10/0 hook. 

If not getting any action (you won’t feel bites), check the bait, because sometimes john dory eat the live bait then just sit there, gently finning in the current. Also, as the john dory engulf the baitfish whole and don’t chew it, the same live bait can be used again to catch another fish.
The best time to catch john dory seems to be one hour either side of the low or high tide, when there is lots of current running. 

As it is not always hot fishing (although I once caught nine in one sitting), you can fish more than one rod. Simply drop the rig down to the bottom, and as soon as it hits terra firma, wind it up a turn or two to keep it close to the bottom but not on it; you don’t want the rig to get snagged in the reefy areas generally fished. This also keeps the line under tension, so anglers can be alerted by frantic baitfish movements and any sudden bumps and bangs.

The fight is usually unspectacular, the JD’s wide-open bucket mouth making it a dead weight while being dragged up to the boat on the heavy gear. However, I have occasionally been quite surprised at the fight provided by some of the bigger specimens hooked in shallow water on the lighter gear. When you catch a john dory, make sure you net it, as I have seen many of them fall off as anglers try to lift them into the boat. 

So, next time you are catching lots of undersize snapper, get your sabiki rig out so you can try a yellowtail mackerel live bait for JDs. I think you might be surprised at the outcome. (It’s also far more ethical than catching lots of small snapper, many of which may die after release.)
Good luck, tight lines, and I hope to see you out there!