Fishing: Camouflaged delicacy

John Dory are one of the most unlikely hunters in the ocean as they resemble a porcupine that has been hit by a Mac truck - but they have a mouth so huge it would put any politician to shame. These crafty, camouflaged critters have the ability and cunning to change colouring to blend into surroundings and often hunt in packs.

In their normal vertical position they are as obvious as a boy scout in a pub to their prey (baitfish, small snapper, etc) so they give them a wide berth. When needing to feed the John Dory turns on its side. Once close enough they quickly extend their ginormous mouth, sucking in their prey.

But who cares what they eat and the fact that they are so ugly? They are still one of the best fish to eat with a delicate texture and taste.

However, very few people actually go out and target them. John Dory are caught by accident on a jig or a pilchard bait but mostly when a small fish has been hooked and not noticed by the angler, which then gives the John Dory the chance to sneak up and swallow it.

If you wish to target John Dory, your best results will come from using live baits such as koheru, slimy mackerel or even big sprats. John Dory always catch and swallow their prey head first as the fins and spine of the prey fold backwards and they do not get caught in the throat.

A mate of mine came up with a cunning rig that is perfect for rigging live baits. A trace half a metre long has a 7/0 live bait hook tied just behind a 3/0 circle hook which is inserted in front of the live bait's tail. Now the live bait is secured by the tail with a 7/0 live bait hook swinging free. John Dory swallow the bait fish head first and are hooked in the mouth by the larger hook.

If you get the John Dory on board quickly, your live bait may be fit enough to be set out again.