Silver Sweep
Scorpis lineolata
Silver Sweep (`Scorpis lineolata`) is a small schooling seabream-like fish from temperate coastal reefs in the southwest Pacific, especially around southern Australia and nearby islands. It’s not a major game species, but it can be taken by light tackle when schools are feeding in midwater over structure.
Identification points
- Silvery body with faint horizontal lines along the sides
- Deep, compressed body with a forked tail
- Small mouth and relatively large eye typical of sweep
Habitat
Temperate coastal reefs, rocky headlands, kelp beds, and offshore pinnacles; usually in schools above broken rock and weed in shallow to moderate depths.
Bait notes
Small pieces of prawn, squid, pilchard, or worm on small hooks work well. Tiny metal slugs, soft plastics, and small baitfish imitations can also take fish when schools are visible.
Behavior
A schooling, plankton- and small crustacean-feeding species that often holds off the bottom and moves with tidal flow. It can be skittish and respond quickly to burley/chum and drifting bait.
Caution
Sharp reef habitat can cut line and hands; beware of boat traffic around pinnacles and headlands. No major consumption hazard is typically noted for this species, but follow local size and bag limits.
Fishing notes
Use light tackle, small hooks, and fine leader; drift baits or present them unweighted or lightly weighted above reef. Chumming/burley helps keep schools near the boat or shore station.