Garfish

Garfish (Hemiramphidae spp.) are a small narrow fish which are a silvery-blue colour with occassional dark spots and bands along the back. 

The Garfish is found around the world with the more common Australian species including the eastern (Hyporhamphus australis) and southern sea garfish ( and H. melanochir), the river garfish (H. regularis), the robust garfish or (Hemiramphus robustus) and the snub-nosed garfish (Arrhamphus sclerolepis). Within Australia they are also known as gars, gardies and beakies.

The largest of the Australian species are the southern sea garfish and the robust which can both occasionally reach more than 45 cm in length and weights of 0.4 kg. Most garfish are more common at lengths of 25 to 35 centimetres and weights of 0.1 to 0.2 kg. Very small garfish, which are popular as bait, are sometimes called "pencil" or "splinter" gar.

Garfish are found in as diverse locations as distant shallow offshore waters to inland reefs and estuaries. They are best caught by recreational anglers on float-suspended baits of bread, dough, fish strips, prawn pieces, marine worm, cut squid strips or maggots. Use the smaller No. 14 to No. 6 hooks. Garfish also respond well to a berley mix of pollard, crushed wheat or bread crumbs, especially if a little fish oil is added.