Saratoga are an exciting fishing target with a renown spectacular aerial fighting style. The fish usually take to the air when hooked, shaking their heads violently in an attempt to throw the lure...often quite successfully. Saratoga strike flies and lures with a slashing turn and are already on their way back to the snag when they make contact. These fish are not  long distance runners when hooked, but their explosive power enables them to sprint and slug it out, even on heavy tackle, so using light outfits means your pushing your luck. Anyone who owns a Saratoga can attest to their great strength and raw power (especially a large one which is hungry and it's "feeding time"). Saratoga are generally always released as their eating qualities are said to be inferior, the flesh being flavourless and containing many fine bones. I have never taseted one and never intend to do so... What Arowana enthusiast could?

Saratoga can generally be caught throughout the day, they're usually cruising in more open water in the early to mid-morning, retiring to deeper shade and cover as the sun rises higher around midday. Saratoga are generally caught in lagoons, water holes and rivers of Australia, New Guinea and Irian Jaya. The Jardine River in Northern Australia flows virtually fresh right to its mouth and saratoga are often encountered amongst the mangroves. All types of fishing methods may be used to catch these beautiful primitive fish. Saratoga are superb fly fishing targets and other methods include bait fishing and lure casting. Line which is 3-7kg breaking-strain is ideal for handling most of these fish. A heavier shock trace of 15-20kg is a good idea as saratoga have many small sharp teeth, able to shred line while performing their head shaking antics.


The size of fish usually encountered differs depending on the species. Scleropages jardini can be caught up to 11kg+ (24lb) while it's more southern relative S. leichardti usually grows to 4kg (9lb), with 6kg (13lb) specimens recorded. Bait fishing is usually performed by suspending your bait under a float (Baits include shrimp, crayfish, worms, small fish, frogs and large insects). Sharp hooks are a must due to the fishes bony mouth. Fly fishing is generally done by sight, watching for swirls and then casting a foot or two from the swirl. The saratoga are always alert to anything which is happening above them and a fly is usually taken with gusto. Plug or lure casting generally entails casting small lures at structure such as lily-pads, protruding vegetation, snags, drowned timber and pandanus roots. These are areas the fish can hide and ambush their prey or pick up food that has fallen into the water.

Borumba Dam in south-eastern Queensland was stocked with S. leichardti in the late sixties. The lake now has a self sustaining population of southern saratoga which provide great sport for all anglers to enjoy. The heavily timbered areas of this lake is where you will find the saratoga. I have not as yet fished this Dam, but as I live only two hours from this lake. The near future may see pics of saratoga caught by yours truly.

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