The lures work fine, fish can see colours we don't and have acute night vision. What's looks boring silverfish to us can be a bright kaleidoscope of colours to them.
There is a real art cum science in making a quality lure.
The lure he used looked like a 5 inch prawn and also has metal rattle beads inside the soft body and integrated hook. I can't remember the brand but the $20 at the marina fishing shop is a bargain as they work brilliant.
Mate has caught 3 big Jews and lure is still perfect, most don't last long at all. 20kg of fillets @ $40 min a kg- the wholesaler price to quality restaurants is $800 of flesh for a $20 lure!
Buying fresh Jew is not easy, rarely seen even at the markets.
What do I do when bored of such bounty?
Like all poor buggers, I eat Oysters. I ring a friendly guy and he delivers that day $15 a dozen for the best big Sydney rocks. Or I just grab them off the rocks myself.
I also buy quality lamb,beef or organic chook and play chef.
Here is a pick from my best friends houseboat, they are all plate size fish- Tarwhine(fast growing bream).
They are actually treated as pets and love hanging about, like living at the aquarium.