Maximise Your Chances when Chasing Bonito, Tailor, and Australian Salmon with Jackson's G-Control Lure: What You Need to Know

When it comes to targeting aggressive and fast-moving pelagic fishlike bonito, tailor, and Australian salmon, the Jackson G-Control is a top-tier choice. This lure is designed to mimic small baitfish, a favourite meal of these species, and is built to withstand the demanding conditions of surf, rock and offshore fishing. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using the Jackson G-Control to land your next big catch.

The Jackson G-Control: Why It’s Perfect for Bonito, Tailor, and Australian Salmon
The G-Control by Jackson is a sinking stick bait that excels in fast-moving waters, whether you're fishing from the beach, rocks, or offshore. Its aerodynamic shape allows for long casts, and its design ensures it stays in the strike zone longer, making it ideal for species that thrive in choppy conditions.

Features That Make the G-Control Stand Out:

• Long casting ability: There is also nothing worse seeing inshore pelagics when land-based fishing and you can’t reach them! The G-Control is perfectly balanced for long, accurate casts, even in windy conditions, making it ideal for surf and rock fishing.
• Lifelike action: Pelagic predators have attack triggers that respond to size and shape, vibration, different colours etc. This lure has a tight wobble and slight darting action that mimics small baitfish—perfect for enticing aggressive predators like Bonito, Tailor, and Australian Salmon.
• Durability: Often our targeted species are equipped with impressive teeth. Built with tough materials, the G-Control can handle the wear and tear of saltwater fishing, especially when targeting hard-fighting species.

Local Independent Fishing Expert Brett Ferguson is a big fan of Jackson’s G-Control:

“The 28g G-Control is hands-down my go-to for rock and beach fishing. Its weight and streamlined design allow me to reach schools in deeper water and the unique “under-belly” bib holds the lure down in the water even for unusually quick retrieves. This is its BIGGEST SECRET!”

G-Control Sizes:

• 20g: The G-Control 20 allows you to target the same fish when they're being fussy and the baitfish are small, or even target other species in other areas. Whilst smaller and weighing 20g, their compact size still allows awesome casting distances.
• 28g: The more versatile of the two sizes, the 28g G-Control has proven itself again and again on many typically-found beach and rock fish species. Salmon, tailor, tuna, mackerel, queenfish, and other similar species will all take a liking to these lures.
• 40g: The 40g G-Control is much the same; it'll just give you a longer cast (a fair bit longer too) and target fish that're chasing bigger sized baitfish. Work it just the same as the smaller ones, simply target the bigger predators! Be aware that these lures don't come with hooks, you'll have to put those on yourself. The size #1 Shinto Pro Matte Tin Hook are the perfect option here, they're super strong and have a slight curvature on the barb so that they don't scratch the lure up and ensure a great hook up.

Whether you're fishing in a feeding frenzy off the rocks for Tailor, casting from the beach for Australian Salmon, or hunting Bonito offshore, the G-Control’s versatility makes it an essential tool in your tackle box.

Target Species: A Closer Look

Bonito:

Bonito are distinguished by their rapid, unpredictable swimming behaviour and their hunger for small baitfish. Often found in schools, they’re commonly located near headlands, rock ledges, and offshore reefs.

• Best Time to Fish: Bonito are most active during the warmer months and tend to feed during dawn and dusk.
• Feeding Habits: These fish primarily feed on small baitfish like pilchards and anchovies, making the G-Control’s baitfish imitation irresistible to them.
• Ideal Setup: Use a light to medium spinning rod, paired with a 20-30lb braid and a 20-30lb fluorocarbon leader. The G-Control works best with a fast retrieve to match Bonito’s speed and aggressive feeding patterns.
• Best Locations:
  • Rock ledges and headlands: Bonito often patrol the waters around rocky structures where baitfish are plentiful.
  • Offshore reefs: If you have access to a boat, Bonito can be found schooling near reefs and other underwater structures.

Tailor:

Tailor, often found schooling in large numbers, are aggressive predators known for their sharp teeth and explosive strikes. They thrive in coastal waters, surf zones, and around rocky headlands.

• Best Time to Fish: Tailor are most active during low-light conditions, such as early morning and late afternoon.
• Feeding Habits: Tailor feed on baitfish and squid, making the G-Control’s darting action highly effective in drawing strikes.
• Ideal Setup: A medium spinning rod with a 15-25lb braid and a 30-40lb leader works well. Use a fast retrieve with occasional pauses to simulate an injured baitfish, which will trigger Tailor's predatory instincts.
• Best Locations:
  • Surf beaches: Tailor are often caught in the surf zone, especially where rips and gutters form along the shoreline.
  • Headlands and estuary mouths: These areas are prime hunting grounds for Tailor, as baitfish are funnelled through these points during tidal changes.

Australian Salmon:

Australian Salmon are powerful fish commonly found in the surf zone and estuaries along the southern and eastern coasts of Australia. They are known for their strength and stamina, making them a favourite among surf anglers.

• Best Time to Fish: Australian Salmon are most active in the cooler months, particularly during the winter, though they can be caught year-round.
• Feeding Habits: These fish feed on schools of small fish and can often be seen busting up bait balls in the surf. The G-Control’s ability to mimic a fleeing baitfish makes it an ideal lure for Australian Salmon.
• Ideal Setup: Use a medium spinning rod with a 20-30lb braid and a 20-30lb leader. A medium-fast retrieve with the G-Control will keep it in the strike zone, mimicking the frantic movements of a baitfish trying to escape.
• Best Locations:
  • Surf gutters: Australian Salmon can be found feeding in the surf, particularly in deeper gutters formed by waves.
  • Estuary mouths: During certain times of the year, Salmon will move into estuary systems to feed on baitfish, making these areas prime spots to target.

How to Maximize the G-Control’s Effectiveness

1. Retrieval Techniques

The way you retrieve the G-Control can make a huge difference when targeting bonito, tailor, and Australian salmon.

In murky water: Bonito and tailor are triggered by erratic, jerky motions that suggest struggling prey. For these conditions, consider a ‘two-pull-pause’ technique where you snap the lure hard twice, then pause for a moment to let the lure settle and mimic a stunned fish.

In clear water: A slower, more consistent retrieve works well, especially for bonito, which can be cautious. For salmon, mix in intermittent rod jerks every 4–6 cranks to give the lure a “flutter” before it settles—this mimics the natural movement of an injured fish, which they’re hard-wired to attack.

2. Adjusting Colour Selection for Water Conditions

In murky water: Use brighter or more vibrant lure colours to increase visibility. The G-Control comes in a range of colours, and brighter tones can help catch the attention of fish in low-visibility conditions, which is particularly useful for Tailor and Australian Salmon.

In clear water: More natural colours work best to mimic the baitfish that these species naturally feed on. Bonito and Australian Salmon, in particular, are less likely to strike at overly flashy lures in clear conditions. Australian salmon can be very weary in clear water, so replace the standard hooks with smaller, low-profile single hooks to keep the lure’s natural swimming motion intact and avoid spooking these often-cautious fish.

Water currents and wave action: When fishing in turbulent surf, especially where currents pull perpendicular to shore, cast diagonally to keep your G-Control lure within the strike zone longer. By casting up-current and retrieving with the current, you can naturally drift the lure back toward predatory zones, maximizing “fishy” movements without needing aggressive retrieves. In high-swell conditions, a fast, jerky retrieve is optimal; aim for a “V” retrieval path by alternating the rod tip to simulate a wounded baitfish battling waves—perfect for salmon and tailor in heavy surf.

3. Rigging the G-Control for Success

Proper rigging is essential for maximizing the performance of the G-Control.

For bonito, consider attaching a rear treble hook with slightly offset points to improve hookup on glancing strikes often common in their frenetic feeding patterns. For tailor, swap to single hooks with a longer shank to avoid tooth damage to your line and prevent fish from shaking the hook too easily. Use a fluorocarbon leader of 30-40lb for these toothy predators but attach it with a loop knot to allow free lure movement and maintain natural action, essential for drawing strikes in high-visibility conditions.

Gear recommendations by Environment:

For rocky headlands, a 10-foot heavy-action rod with a fast tip provides the sensitivity needed for accurate retrieval control, while also giving enough backbone to pull fish from structure quickly.

When beach casting for Australian salmon, go for a longer 12-foot rod to increase casting distance and manage surf better. Match with a 5000-series reel for rock or surf, spooled with 30lb braid for maximum casting range and abrasion resistance.

For line, choose a high-vis braid for rock fishing to quickly spot line position, avoiding snags on

Season-Specific Strategies for Each Target Species

For winter salmon, time your sessions during dusk or dawn around high tides. These fish often patrol the surf zone aggressively in low-light conditions during cooler months, providing the perfect opportunity to use the G-Control with a slower, low-to-medium retrieve to mimic winter baitfish activity.

Tailor are best targeted during late spring and early summer; during this time, they feed heavily in preparation for the warmer months.

Specific Tips on Handling Techniques and Conservation Practices

When landing bonito, tailor, or salmon, avoid tailing the fish (grabbing by the tail), as this can cause spinal injury in large specimens. Use a wet hand or rubberized gloves to prevent scale loss, essential for fish health. For catch-and-release, submerge the fish as soon as possible and allow it to regain strength before release, especially after prolonged fights typical in the surf. Minimizing air exposure, particularly for salmon, helps avoid lactic acid buildup, which can lead to delayed mortality.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Fishing Game with G-Control

Let’s hear it from Brett Wilson from Jackson:

“The Jackson G-Control is a game-changer for high-speed retrieves. Unlike most small minnows, which blow out of the water when retrieved fast, the G-Control stays stable thanks to its unique additional bib midway along the body. At 93mm and 28g, it's perfect for long casts, whether you're fishing off the rocks, the beach, or chasing feeding fish from a boat. The design, finish, and colour range are top-notch, making it one of the most versatile lures out there. Give it a go—you’re going to love it.” – Brett Jackson

The Jackson G-Control is a must-have lure for anglers targeting bonito, tailor, and Australian salmon. Its long casting ability, lifelike action, and durability make it the perfect choice for surf, rock, and offshore fishing. Whether you're fishing the turbulent surf for Australian Salmon, casting into rocky headlands for Tailor, or chasing the fast and furious Bonito offshore (with extra trolling speed), the G-Control’s versatility and performance will help you land your next big catch.

By mastering the right retrieval techniques, adjusting for water conditions, and choosing the appropriate gear, you’ll maximize your chances of success. Ready to take on tailor, salmon, or bonito with the G-Control? Pick one up at your local Tackle World and share your results on our social media platforms!