Jacks are close combat specialists. Preferring to lurk with intent in the shadows and nooks of heavy structure, they are ever-ready to launch short but violent attacks on unsuspecting passing prey.

They are well camouflaged fish and their colour varies according to their habitat. They have a broad nuggety build, beginning with a very powerful paddle tail designed to deliver powerful acceleration. The business end is equipped with a respectable set of pointy knashers to inflict mortal wounds at first bite. In some parts they are known as dog bream due to the sharp dog-like dental apparatus.

It's a heavily armed total package that adds up to close quarters ambush - and that's exactly how to catch them too.

Although they can be caught on reefs and rock bars, and even beaches, by prospecting likely looking spots, the most exciting method is to work esturine snags at close range with large flies. Casting close to and into cover is what gets those smash takes capable of leaving even the most experienced anglers weak at the knees.

Jacks are most common in Northern tropical waters but will penetrate particular estuaries down the West coast to Shark Bay and the East coast to Lake Illawarra.

Smaller Jacks are common in tropical estuaries with good specimens about 40 - 50cm. In estuaries they usually appear reddish-brown or copper coloured. Bigger Jacks prefer ocean reefs, where they can attain 150cm and weights of up to 16kg.

Tackle and leader choices must be made with 'punishment' in mind. Strikes are fast and furious wich makes for really exciting close range fly fishing.