Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike

The long-finned pike or yellowfin pike, Dinolestes lewini, is a species of perciform fish, the only species in the genus Dinolestes, as well as the family Dinolestidae. It is an elongated fish with a pointed snout, and silver in color, similar in appearance to a barracuda, and grows up to 84 cm long. It is endemic to the coastal waters of southern Australia including New South Wales, at depths between 5 and 65 m. Long-finned pike (Dinolestes lewini) are often hooked by anglers trolling for kingfish or Australian salmon, cursed, then wound to the boat on heavy tackle. These small but aggressive predators have been known to spear a meter or so out of the water like a Polaris missile as they attempt to attack a surface lure. Long-finned pike can be caught both in open water and over shallow weed beds and reef. They can also be caught as far north as Queensland and are highly regarded in some circles as a top jewfish or mulloway bait due to their strong smell. Short-finned pike (Sphyraena novaehollandiae) – or snook as they are more commonly known – are a popular target species. They are not big on muscle and rarely put in a 16 round fight, but hit hard enough and grow big enough to provide some thrills. They are popular lure targets because, like their long-finned cousin, they are very aggressive. They are often found in groups of two to six, and several fish can often be spotted tailing a lure.

Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike

Long-finned Pike