John dory

John dory - They occasionally reach sizes in excess of half a metre in length

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Saltwater

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These distinctive fish are common in northern waters and may be found in estuaries and harbours, from the shoreline down to depths of about 150m.

They occasionally reach sizes in excess of half a metre in length. These thin, deep-bodied predatory fish are weak swimmers, and their normal strategy is to stalk their prey head on before shooting out an incredible extending tube of a mouth to suck in an unwary victim.

John dory are delicious eating, and although they fight poorly, are a welcome catch to both shore and boat fishermen.

They will sometimes take small cut baits, but are most easily targeted by using any small fish as a livebait fished on the bottom. They may also be caught by jigging, with soft plastic lures particularly successful.

- © Fairfax NZ News