Habitat
Sea sweep are found around rocky areas and inshore shallow coastal waters in depths up to 25 metres. They can form large schools, but around Tasmania tend to be either solitary or found in small groups. They find reef areas with high wave action to their liking as they search for small invertebrates and seaweed fragments that that dislodged from the rocks as a result of the surge.
Fishing information
Sweep are strong fighters that, once hooked, turn on their side and change swimming directions at high speed. Use longer, strong action rods and lines of about 8kg so that the fish will not be able to snag you around the reef once hooked. With fishing rigs, use the least amount of sinker possible to make the bait look like something that the wave action has removed from the rocks. Use prawns, small pieces of fish and raw chicken as baits and continue casting into the wash, not letting the bait too near the bottom.
Handling
There are small sharp dorsal spines which can be avoided by handling the fish around the head area.
Cooking
Sweep have firm, white flesh with a slightly sweet flavour. They are excellent eating when baked, fried or steamed. Kill, bleed and clean sea sweep promptly to improve the taste of the meat.