Target species: White Mussle Cracker

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sparodon durbanensis
COMMON NAMES: White musselcracker

Image obtained from: www.ori.org.za

DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES:
Endemic, Cape Point (SWC) to Tugela (KZN)
HABITAT
ADULTS: High profile, inshore reefs doJUVENILES: Tidal pools, gullies and
shallow subtidal reefs <12m wn to 20m
MIGRATION
To date 24(2.8%) of the 874 tagged white mussel cracker have been recaptured. Juveniles <600mm TL are extremely resident, while adults appear to undertake an annual winter spawning migration, moving in a north-easterly direction towards KZN (Sedgwick's/ORI/WWF Tagging Programme). Reduced abundance in northern TKI and KZN waters during summer months suggest adults return to Cape waters on completion of spawning
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
White mussel cracker are an extremely important trophy fish for both the recreational shore fishery and spear fishery. Their large size, slow growth, late maturity and longevity make this species extremely susceptible to overfishing and a conservative management strategy should be adopted
The above information is obtained from: www.ori.org.za
The White Mussel Cracker is found in rocky areas with a sandy bottom and white working water. They can also be found occasionally in clear water, but only during the early mornings or late afternoons as these fish tend to be shy feeders. The White Mussel Cracker feeds mainly on Crab, Black Mussel, Crayfish, Redbait, Shrimp and Prawn. They do feed on sardine depending on the abundance of bait in the area and may take live/dead bait of karanteen.
They move in shoals and it seems they feed in pairs closer to the waters edge. The White Mussel Cracker is a strong fighter, and considered to be a dirty fighter at that. Once hooked he will head straight for cover, either within rocks or whatever structure he can find.
Tackle to consider should be strong and up to the task of pulling him away from the rocks and gullies. A good reel with a good drag and a 12 to 14 foot Rod is essential. Lines should be between 0.45 to 0.55mm with a strong leader of around 0.7 or 0.8mm. Other terminal tackle like hooks and swivels should be strong as well. A good strong chemically sharpened hook is a must as these fish have crushing teeth and will smash a weak hook to pieces with one slam of it's powerful jaws.

Your baits should look as natural as possible and use a running trace as they are shy feeders and will leave your bait if they feel any resistance, they normally take the bait and run to the open sea or head for the rocks hence the sharp hook although they sometimes come forward and if this happens you will have to reel quickly and set the hook but do not strike too hard as this might pull the hook right out of it’s mouth.

The preferred trace to use is as follows: An 8/0 hook (preferably a chemically sharpened), 0.8mm clear trace line. +/- 700mm (low water) or 900mm (high water), a power swivel, bead and ball sinker (3 or 4 oz). (See Trace Below)
The Baits:

Sand Crab:

There are two good ways of using sand Crab as bait. One of them is by pushing the hook through the crab and ensuring it is firmly embedded in the crab, and the other is to attach the hook onto the back of the crab either by using a rubber band, cotton or superglue.
Guide your hook through the crab just behind the legs, and push it through until it comes out on the other side just behind the legs again.
Using Glue:
Wipe the top of the crab dry using a clean rag. Ensure that the crab shell is clean and dry so that the glue can hold firmly. Then using a small piece of foam, thread the hook through the foam so the foam sits on the shank of the hook.

Smear a bit of Superglue onto the foam behind the Shank.

Attach the foam to the crab shell as indicated above.

Using Mussel:

Again there are two ways of attaching a mussel to your hook. One of them is by pushing the hook through the shell of the mussel and the other is to split the mussel and embed the hook within the mussel.
Using a sharp pointed knife, gently make a hole on one side of the mussel. You can achieve this by swiveling the knife in a drilling fashion. Make a second hole on the other side of the mussel at the point where the hook would emerge.
Using a pliers, pull the hook through the second hole until the hook is proud. Using ghost cotton, wrap the mussel tight ensuring it is firm and closed.

Opening the Mussel:

Using your knife split the mussel revealing the inside flesh. Place your hook inside the mussel and then close the mussel.

Using cotton bind the mussel tightly ensuring the the hook is firm and the hook remains proud.