The Gamefish found on the Bottom

Green Jobfish or Kaakap (Aprion virescens) an Indo-Pacific near-shore predator can be an exciting fish to hunt.

Global warming is having a massive negative impact in many parts of the world but according to one of my diving buddies, Angel-eyes, he is seeing many more Kaakap in traditionally more temperate waters. A good example being the Natal South Coast, where according to him, Kaakap were previously a summer visitor to the reefs but now one can expect to see them at any time. The population appears to have become resident. Does this indicate that our coast is warming?

Jobfish/Kaakap have become somewhat of an enigma as far as Nature Conservation is concerned. The Green Jobfish is recognised as a gamefish but in areas like Sodwana the Rosy Jobfish is not regarded as a gamefish. However, the same Nature Conservation body recognises Rosy Jobfish as gamefish in other areas. It is imperative that Spearos make themselves aware of this little idiosyncracy to avoid running foul of the law.

I have hunted Kaakap in Mocambique and Sodwana but initially these fish although curious proved quite a dilemma to nail. Typically I would lie on the edge of a reef and see Kaakap drifting through to take a look at me. They always seemed to approach, just out of reach, displaying an uncertain demeanour. When I focussed attention on them, they immediately fled. The only fish I speared were small and were shot at out of frustration rather than actual intent.

My diving buddies did not seem to be sharing my failure rate. They did not especially target Kaakap but often seemed to bag a few on our trips. Their stories kept repeating a common thread. Lying on the edge of reef, throwing handfuls of sand into the water but not showing much interest in the fish approaching. They also used long guns: 1.3-1.4m. Subconsciously I was planning my approach.

It materialised in Mocambique. I visited a remote temporary fishing camp near Ponto Techobanine. The facilities were Spartan but the fishing awesome. I swam out at a rocky point, quickly negotiating the surf to find deep water close by with little current and spectacular viz. The area experiences little pressure with most of the surf fishing being catch-and-release and skiboats having to travel long distances to exploit this area. The reef was alive, almost deafening, with loud popping and cracking that I have come to associate with a healthy reef.

The other give-away was the number of fish. It was similar to looking at a well stocked aquarium. Large numbers of parrotfish, rubberlips and snappers appeared and disappeared with alacrity. I also noticed the typical slender green sickle tailed shapes in the deeper water that spelled Kaakap. I was going to get one and a good one I decided.

The first dive was at a group of 6 fish cruising along the edge of the reef. The fish disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. Lesson: a direct approach was always going to be unsuccessful. After lying on the reef stalking other species, I saw the group of Kaakap watching me again. As I surfaced, they disappeared again. Lesson: any movement seemed to scare them.

My approach was going to be to lie on the reef while hunting other fish. Try to keep still and not spook the fish by directing my attention at them. If they stayed out of range, I would scratch in the sand and throw it into the water column.

On the next dive my attention was focussed on an approaching River Snapper when I noticed a Kaakap off to my left side. It seemed quite inquisitive but my 1.0m gun was pointed away from the fish. I knew that as I moved it would spook. I allowed the fish to continue ahead of me then pulled my gun in and redirected for a shot. The shot was hurried and poorly aimed. Fortunately the spear held and I soon had my first Kaakap in my hands. The dive ended soon after, when a brisk and inquisite Silvertip Shark made its unwelcome presence known.

Some divers find Kaakap easy to hunt but I don’t think they actually hunt them more than stumble onto them. That is the essence of hunting them. Don’t direct your attention at them, try to remain disinterested, focus your attention on the sand but keep the fish in the corner of your eye. Allow the fish to come in or even move slightly passed you before you shoot. Try to use a longer gun for the improved range, I have found this a great help in improving my success rate.

The bigger fish are usually deeper 20+m and often require a long breathhold. Stick with it, they make great eating.