Black Musselcracker
Other Names
Poenskop, Black Steenbras, Bank-Blouer, Swart Biskop
Identification
A robust built fish with a large head and a prominent nose that develops with age. This fish has powerfull jaws and teeth used to crush it's prey. The body colour of the Black Musselcracker is blue to steely black with a white belly. These fish can grow to a size of over 40 kilograms.
Distribution
From Cape Agulhas in the south to the North Eastern border of South Africa.
How to locate
In general these fish tend to favour deep, rocky reefs and ledges closer to shore. The Black Musselcracker can also be found in deep rocky gullies with clear warm waters.
Poenskop can be found off the coast of Arniston towards Witsand, outside the Reserve area along Skipskop in 17 fathom water.
Baits to use
Crabs, fish fillet, Steentjie, Karranteen or whole fish (dead or alive) works well for these fish. Other baits to use include rock lobster, small octopus, red bait or mussels can also be used.
Tackle to use
Heavy tackle with lines of at least 12 kg breaking strain and a good quality multiplier reel is recommended. Hooks to use are between the size of 5/0 and 8/0 and they must be as sharp as possible to increase the chances of a hook-up
| Add a comment |
Neil Bezuidenhout
