Landing the Bigjob

by Jeremy Southern

The Bigjob is one of Australia’s rarest and most elusive fishes. The small number that remain can only be found in Sydney, Melbourne and in isolated instances, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide.

This dwindling stock pretty much ensures that Bigjob are prized above all other fish by the angling fraternity. As a result, competition to land one is intense.

What makes them even more desirable is the extreme skill and patience required to catch them. Bigjob are by nature capricious and easily distracted by something new. Therefore it takes an angler of rare ability and almost superhuman composure to hook one.

And that’s not all. In addition to these attributes, it is also imperative to have the right equipment.

As is the case with many fish, Bigjob are highly attracted to shiny metal. In this case titanium, gold, silver and to a lesser extent bronze. If you don’t have any of this in your tackle box, then your chances of catching a Bigjob become practically non-existent.

To make matters even more difficult, the pond in which you propose to cast your line is already positively heaving with anglers, many of whom have a great deal more shiny metal on their hook than you do.

Some of these fishermen are seasoned campaigners with a wealth of experience, who know exactly when and where to cast their line for optimal results.

But let’s say for the sake of the argument that the fishing gods are smiling on you and a Bigjob is attracted by your shiny lure. It approaches slowly and swims cautiously around it. Then it favours you with a few tentative nibbles.  

At this point it is imperative that you make no sudden movements. The slightest hasty or ill-conceived jerk on the line will send the Bigjob flashing off into the distance, in all likelihood never to return.

If the Bigjob finds your bait to its liking, then it may be encouraged to take the whole thing.  And when it does, you will experience that moment of exultation so beloved of all fishermen as the hook catches, the rod bends in your hands and the line becomes tight as piano wire.

You would be forgiven for thinking at this point that the hardest part is surely behind you. You have successfully lured a Bigjob and got it on your hook. Now all you have to do is reel it in.

But alas, nothing could be further from the truth.  Unfortunately Bigjob are gamefish and will not allow themselves to be landed without a truly herculean struggle. Sometimes this has been known to go on for weeks or even months.

More often than not the line will break under the strain and you will be left with the bitter taste of what could have been.

Even worse, the Bigjob that got away from you will subsequently be caught and successfully landed by another fisherman. To add insult to injury, this will generally happen right under your nose.

The important thing at this point is not to give up.  Dig out all your shiny metal and recast your line.  Better yet, put out multiple lines and exponentially increase your chances. Be the first angler to arrive at dawn and the last to leave at night. After all, a bite can occur at anytime and when it does you need to be ready.

And while you’re at it, say a prayer to Lady Luck.  Because she might just give you that little bit of good fortune that guides your shiny lure slap bang into the path of a hungry Bigjob.

So what about me I hear you ask? Have I in fact landed myself a Bigjob by using the guidelines laid out so assiduously above. Well no to be frank. I have had a few nibbles from medium-sized fish, but so far the Bigjob has steadfastly managed to elude me.  

Perhaps I need to increase my quota of shiny metal. Or maybe I’ll have to start fishing in a different pond.

Cause I’m starting to get very very hungry.

Jeremy Southern (above) is an ex CD who has just returned after two years in NZ and three years in Dubai. He is appalled at the difficulty of finding a gig in Australia and this prompted him to write this piece. If you are a Bigjob and you happen to read this, then please have a look at all Jeremy’s shiny metal. You’ll find it at jeremysouthern.com. And if any of it grabs you, then please give him a call on +61 468 906 068.