Nannygai

Nannygai, otherwise known as Bight Redfish, are most commonly caught in offshore reef environments. With a medium to high oil content, the fillets produced are of a mild to delicate flavour making them a desirable table fish.

Catching Nannygai

Habitat: Nannygai can be found in southern waters of Australia, inhabiting deep reefs on the sea floor. Typically found across the Great Australian Bight between Ceduna and Port Lincoln.

Catch: It is best to search for this fish in deeper oceans and particularly where there are large reefs on the sea floor.

Seasonality: The Nannygai spawns in late summer and early autumn, but they can be found all year round.

Bait: Nannygai are not particular with the sort of bait that is used. However, squid, salmon fillets, trout and trevally are the best bait to use.

Size: Must be over 30 cm from the tip of the snout to tip of the tail.

Gear: The best lures to use are between 120 g to160 g butterfly jigs. Squidgies with 1-ounce jig heads can also be used.

Handling: When caught the Nannygai should be bled immediately and then put on ice.

Cooking Nannygai

Texture: Can range from tender to firm, but it is more often firm.

Flavour: Mild with a subtle sweet flavour and a high fat content.

Storing: It is recommended to store using a drip tray on ice, in a sealed container, inside a refrigerator. However, it is much better eaten fresh than stored for extended periods.

Cooking: The Nannygai is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways, including, baking, shallow frying, grilling or barbequing.

Wine pairing: White wine varieties, Chardonnay.