Habitat zones, depth ranges, bait ratings, fight ratings, world records & more — 79 species covered.
Showing all 79 species
Murray Cod
Maccullochella peelii
Freshwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Large surface lures (night)SpinnerbaitsBig swimbaitsBardi grubs / yabbies (bait, where legal)Large soft plasticsDeep-diving hardbodiesTiny luresLight tackle near snagsFast presentations in cold water
Optimal Lure Colour
Dark and natural for night surface work; bright/contrast in coloured water
Retrieve Speed
Slow with pauses; explosive surface walking at dusk
Movement Pattern
Large surface lures walked over snags at dusk and night; spinnerbaits and swimbaits rolled past timber; big soft plastics hopped near structure.
Gear
Heavy baitcast 6–7 ft rods, 30–80 lb braid, heavy leader, large surface lures, swimbaits and spinnerbaits.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Large inland rivers and impoundments of the Murray-Darling basin; snag-rich slow water
Depth Range
1–10 m / 3–33 ft, holding tight to structure
Structure
Submerged timber, fallen trees, rock bars, undercut banks, deep holes
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Brutal, structure-bound power — a large Murray cod will try to bury you in the snags instantly. Heavy tackle and locked-up drags are essential. Australia's iconic freshwater fish.
Eating Quality
Good historically, but now almost exclusively catch-and-release — a slow-growing, long-lived native that anglers protect.
Size Range
1–40+ kg · 2–88+ lb
World Record
Fish over 1.8 m and well above 110 kg have been recorded historically; modern rod-caught trophies exceed 1.3 m — verify specifics against current Australian records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dusk, Night, Dawn
Best Season
Spring & Summer (warm water); closed season over spawning in many states
Water Temp
15–24°C / 59–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm, stable conditions and low light drive feeding; barometric changes and warm summer nights are prime
Water Clarity
Tolerates coloured inland river water; hunts by vibration and sight
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Ambush apex predator
Spawning
Spring (Oct–Dec), lays eggs on hard surfaces and logs, male guards
Activity Pattern
Largely nocturnal and crepuscular ambush predator holding tight to timber and structure
Schooling
Solitary and highly territorial; prime snags held by dominant fish
Predator / Prey
Eats: fish, yabbies, crayfish, frogs, ducklings, water birds. Apex native predator with few enemies as an adult
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A protected and slow-growing icon — minimise handling, use a large knotless net and mat, support horizontally, and return quickly. Closed seasons protect spawning fish.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Strict size and bag limits and closed spawning seasons across all Murray-Darling states; rules vary by state. Always check current state fisheries regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
⚠ Managed native; historically declined, now supported by stocking and strict regulation
Endemic to the Murray-Darling river system of south-eastern Australia — the continent's largest and most iconic native freshwater fish. Populations are carefully managed through stocking, closed seasons, and catch-and-release culture after historical decline.
Barramundi
Lates calcarifer
Both
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Live mullet / herringHardbody luresSoft plastic swimbaitsLive prawnsSurface luresVibration baitsCold-water presentationsTiny luresLight leader near oysters and snags
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural mullet/herring tones in clear water; gold, chartreuse and dark in run-off
Retrieve Speed
Slow with pauses — barra often hit on the pause near structure
Movement Pattern
Hardbody and soft-plastic lures worked tight to snags and drains on the run-off tide; live bait (mullet, prawns) drifted past structure; surface lures at dawn.
Gear
Medium-heavy baitcast/spin 6–7 ft, 20–50 lb braid, 30–60 lb leader, hardbody lures, soft plastics, and live bait.
Snags, rock bars, drains, mangrove edges, current seams, drop-offs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Spectacular gill-rattling jumps and powerful structure-seeking runs — the most prized tropical sportfish in Australia. Large 'metre-plus' barra are bucket-list fish.
Eating Quality
Excellent — prized white-fleshed table fish, though many trophy fish are released under slot rules.
Size Range
1–40+ kg · 2–88+ lb
World Record
Fish exceeding 1.3 m and 40+ kg have been recorded — verify specifics against current IGFA/Australian records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Moving tide
Best Season
Wet-season build-up and run-off (warm months); barra shut down in cold water
Water Temp
20–32°C / 68–90°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm, building wet-season conditions and moving tides are prime; cold water kills the bite
Water Clarity
Clear to coloured; ambushes well in stained run-off water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Ambush estuarine and freshwater predator
Spawning
Spring–Summer in estuary mouths (protandrous — most mature as males, then become female)
Activity Pattern
Tide- and temperature-driven ambush predator; sits in structure and current edges to engulf prey with a signature gill-flaring strike
Schooling
Loose aggregations around prime structure; larger fish often solitary
Support horizontally with wet hands or a lip grip plus body support; mind the sharp gill rakers. Release promptly, especially trophy fish under slot limits.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Slot and bag limits and closed seasons apply across northern Australian states; rules differ by state and impoundment. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Found across the tropical Indo-Pacific; in Australia it ranges across the northern coast from Queensland through the Northern Territory to Western Australia, in estuaries, tidal rivers, and stocked impoundments. The premier tropical sportfish of northern Australia.
Yellowtail Kingfish
Seriola lalandi
Saltwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Live yakkas / squidKnife (speed) jigsStickbaitsLive slimy mackerelSoft plasticsTrolled luresSlow presentations away from structureLight leader near reefStationary dead baits in slack water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish and squid tones; bright for stickbaits and jigs
Retrieve Speed
Fast — speed jigging and high-speed stickbait retrieves; live bait drifted naturally
Movement Pattern
Knife jigs worked fast and vertically over reef; stickbaits cast at washes and surface schools; live yakkas or squid drifted near structure.
Gear
Heavy spin/jig 7 ft rods, 30–80 lb braid, heavy leader, live bait, knife jigs, and stickbaits.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Reefs, bommies, headlands, washes, offshore pinnacles, harbours, and around bait schools
Depth Range
0–50 m / 0–165 ft
Structure
Reef edges, bommies, current lines, FADs, wharves, anchored structure
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Relentless, reef-seeking power — pound for pound one of the hardest-pulling inshore fish in Australia. Large kingies are a brutal, drag-burning, structure-busting battle.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm flesh prized for sashimi (hiramasa) and grilling; among the most sought-after table fish.
Size Range
2–50 kg · 4–110 lb
World Record
Fish exceeding 50 kg have been recorded — verify specifics against current IGFA records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Moving tide
Best Season
Spring through Autumn (warmer water peak)
Water Temp
16–24°C / 61–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Active in warm, moving water; tide changes and current lines concentrate them
Water Clarity
Clear to slightly stained reef and current water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast pelagic pack-hunting predator
Spawning
Spring–Summer (offshore)
Activity Pattern
Fast diurnal pack hunter; herds baitfish around reefs, bommies, and structure and smashes them in coordinated runs
Schooling
Strongly schooling, often by size class; large 'hoodlums' can be more solitary
Strong and resilient; revive in moving water and release quickly. Heavier tackle keeps fights short and reduces exhaustion near reef.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits apply and vary by state. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Found in temperate and subtropical waters around southern Australia, New Zealand, and across the southern hemisphere. A premier inshore and offshore sportfish prized for its power and table quality throughout Australian and New Zealand waters.
Mulloway
Argyrosomus japonicus
Saltwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Live mullet / squidSoft plastics (hopped)Vibration baitsFresh fish baits (tailor, mullet)PrawnsLive herringBright daytime presentations in clear slack waterLight leader near structureFast retrieves
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural mullet/herring tones; dark profiles for night
Retrieve Speed
Slow — hop soft plastics and vibes near the bottom; live bait drifted on tide
Movement Pattern
Live mullet or squid fished in deep estuary holes on the tide; soft plastics and vibration baits hopped along the bottom; surf baits in gutters on dark, moving water.
Gear
Medium-heavy estuary or surf rods, 20–50 lb braid, strong leader, live bait, soft plastics and vibes.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Estuaries, surf beaches, river mouths, deep holes, breakwalls, and offshore reefs
Depth Range
1–40 m / 3–130 ft
Structure
Deep estuary holes, bridge pylons, breakwalls, surf gutters, reef edges
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Powerful head-shaking runs and dogged resistance, especially big surf and estuary fish; their soft mouths mean hooks pull, so steady pressure is key. A prized 'jewie' is a major Australian capture.
Eating Quality
Good — firm white flesh, well regarded; larger fish coarser, and many are released.
Size Range
1–50 kg · 2–110 lb
World Record
Fish exceeding 1.5 m and 50+ kg have been recorded — verify specifics against current records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Night, Dusk, Dawn, Tide change
Best Season
Autumn through Spring; run-off and tide-driven bites year-round
Water Temp
16–24°C / 61–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Dark of the moon, moving tide, and dawn/dusk are classic; run-off after rain triggers estuary fish
Water Clarity
Often best in stained run-off water and low light; surf colour after swell helps
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Estuary and surf bottom-and-mid-water predator
Spawning
Spring–Summer in estuary mouths and coastal waters
Activity Pattern
Largely nocturnal and tide-driven; hunts baitfish and prawns in estuaries, surf gutters, and around structure, especially on dark and moving water
Schooling
Loose schools, especially smaller 'soapies'; big fish often solitary
Support horizontally and revive in moving water; mind the soft mouth when handling. Larger breeding fish are often released.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits apply and vary by state; some states have tightened mulloway rules. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Found around southern Australia from Queensland to Western Australia, and closely related to the kob of southern Africa. A prized estuary, surf, and offshore target known to anglers as 'jewfish' — one of the most coveted captures in Australian shore and estuary angling.
Giant Trevally
Caranx ignobilis
Saltwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Large surface poppersStickbaitsLive baitfishHeavy jigsLarge soft plasticsTrolled luresLight tackle near reefSlow presentationsSmall lures
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright and high-contrast surface poppers; natural baitfish stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Fast, aggressive popping and stickbait sweeps
Movement Pattern
Large surface poppers and stickbaits worked aggressively over reefs, flats, and bommies; cast at busting fish and current edges; live bait near structure.
Gear
Heavy popping/spin 8 ft rods, 50–100 lb braid, heavy leader, large surface poppers and stickbaits.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Coral reefs, flats, lagoons, headlands, river mouths, and offshore bommies of tropical Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0–40 m / 0–130 ft; often hunting skinny flats water
Structure
Reef edges, bommies, channels, drop-offs, current lines, flats
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Ferocious, drag-screaming, reef-seeking power — the GT is one of the hardest-fighting inshore fish on earth and a bucket-list popper target. Heavy gear is mandatory.
Eating Quality
Fair — edible but coarse and not prized; almost universally released as a pure sportfish.
Size Range
3–50 kg · 6–110 lb
World Record
Fish exceeding 70 kg have been recorded — verify specifics against current IGFA records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Moving tide
Best Season
Warm months; year-round in the tropics
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Moving tides and low light trigger explosive feeding; new/full moon periods are prime
Water Clarity
Clear tropical water for sight casting; hunts in all conditions
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Apex reef and flats pack-hunting predator
Spawning
Warm season, around new and full moons offshore
Activity Pattern
Aggressive diurnal hunter that smashes bait on reefs, flats, and around structure with explosive surface attacks
Schooling
Sub-adults school; large adults often hunt alone or in small packs
Predator / Prey
Eats: baitfish, squid, crustaceans, smaller trevally, even birds and turtles. Eaten by: large sharks
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Powerful and resilient; use heavy tackle to keep fights short, support the body horizontally, and revive fully before release. Mind the sharp scutes near the tail.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits apply and vary by state; many anglers release all GTs. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific; in Australia found across the northern reefs and flats from Queensland to Western Australia, and throughout the Pacific islands. The premier inshore popper and sportfishing target of tropical waters.
Australian Snapper
Chrysophrys auratus
Saltwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Fresh squid / pilchard baitsSoft plasticsSlow-pitch jigsCut fish baitsOctopusBait jigs / flasher rigsFast presentationsOverly heavy rigs in shallow reefStale bait
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish and squid tones; pink and gold for plastics and jigs
Retrieve Speed
Slow — hop plastics near the bottom; slow-pitch jigging; baits in a berley trail
Movement Pattern
Baits fished on the bottom in a berley trail; soft plastics and slow-pitch jigs worked over reef; lighter rigs let big snapper come up in the trail.
Gear
Medium 6–7 ft boat or spin rods, 15–30 lb braid, fluorocarbon leader, baits, soft plastics and slow jigs.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Coastal reefs, broken bottom, bays, gulfs, and offshore lumps around southern Australia and New Zealand
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — Strong initial runs and dogged head shakes, with big 'reds' giving a determined account on appropriate tackle. A hugely popular and iconic Australian table and sportfish.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm, sweet white flesh; one of the most prized table fish in southern Australia.
Size Range
0.5―15 kg · 1–33 lb
World Record
Fish exceeding 17 kg have been recorded — verify specifics against current records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Tide change
Best Season
Autumn through Spring; spawning aggregations seasonally
Water Temp
14–22°C / 57–72°F
Weather Sensitivity
Low light, tide changes, and overcast conditions improve the bite
Water Clarity
Clear to lightly stained; berley (chum) draws them up the water column
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Reef and bottom-feeding predator
Spawning
Spring–Summer (inshore aggregations)
Activity Pattern
Feeds along reef edges and over broken bottom, moving inshore to feed at low light and on tide changes
Schooling
Aggregates over reef and during spawning; larger fish often more solitary
Watch for barotrauma from deeper water — use a release weight or venting tool where appropriate. Support horizontally and return promptly.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits and seasonal closures apply and vary by state (some with strict spawning closures). Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Found around southern Australia from Queensland to Western Australia and throughout New Zealand. One of the most iconic and prized inshore reef species of southern Australian and New Zealand waters, sought by both bait and lure anglers.
Australian Bass
Percalates novemaculeata
Both
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Surface lures (cicada/insect style)SpinnerbaitsSoft plasticsLive shrimp / worms (where legal)Blade baitsDeep crankbaitsOversized luresHeavy tackle in tight creeksDaytime surface in bright clear water
Optimal Lure Colour
Dark and natural for surface (cicada/insect imitations); bright for deeper impoundment work
Retrieve Speed
Slow surface walking; varied for spinnerbaits and plastics
Movement Pattern
Surface lures walked over snags and edges at dawn and dusk; spinnerbaits and soft plastics around timber; deep cranking and blades in impoundments.
Coastal rivers, creeks, and impoundments of eastern Australia; estuaries during the winter spawning run
Depth Range
0.5–8 m / 2–26 ft
Structure
Snags, rock bars, weed edges, overhanging trees, deep impoundment timber
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Pound for pound a brilliant scrapper — explosive surface strikes and dogged, structure-seeking runs make the Australian bass a beloved light-tackle native target.
Eating Quality
Good but almost exclusively catch-and-release — a prized native sportfish protected by closed seasons.
Size Range
0.2–3 kg · 0.4–7 lb
World Record
Trophy fish around 3 kg are exceptional — verify specifics against current Australian records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Night
Best Season
Warmer months in freshwater; winter estuary spawning run
A protected native with closed seasons over the estuary spawning run — handle minimally, use a mat and wet hands, and return promptly. Respect bass closures.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Closed seasons protect the winter spawning run; size and bag limits apply and vary by state. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
⚠ Managed native; protected by closed spawning seasons and stocking
Native to the coastal rivers and creeks of eastern Australia from southern Queensland to Victoria, running to brackish estuaries to spawn in winter. A much-loved native light-tackle sportfish and a cornerstone of Australian lure angling.
Dusky Flathead
Platycephalus fuscus
Saltwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Soft plastics (bottom-hopped)Vibration baitsLive mullet / prawnsFresh fish strip baitsBladesTrolled hardbodiesFast mid-water retrievesPresentations off the bottomSlack-water stationary baits
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural prawn and baitfish tones; pink, white and motor-oil for plastics
Retrieve Speed
Slow — hop soft plastics and vibes along the bottom
Movement Pattern
Soft plastics and vibration baits hopped along the bottom across flats and drains on the drift; live bait (mullet, prawns) drifted on the tide; cover ground to find ambush spots.
Gear
Light–medium spin 6–7 ft, 8–20 lb braid, 15–30 lb leader, soft plastics, vibes and live bait.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Estuary sand and mud flats, drains, channels, and weed edges along the east coast
Depth Range
0.5–8 m / 2–26 ft
Structure
Drop-offs into channels, drains, weed edges, sand-mud transitions, flats
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — Big 'crocodile' flathead give strong, head-shaking thumps and dogged runs; the most popular estuary lure target in Australia. Mind the sharp gill spikes.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm, clean white fillets; one of the most prized estuary table fish (smaller fish kept, big breeding females released).
Size Range
0.3―10 kg · 0.7–22 lb
World Record
Fish exceeding 1 m and 6–10 kg are exceptional — verify specifics against current records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Daytime, Moving tide
Best Season
Warmer months (Spring–Autumn) in estuaries
Water Temp
16–26°C / 61–79°F
Weather Sensitivity
Moving tide draining flats and drains concentrates fish and triggers feeding
Water Clarity
Clear to lightly stained; ambushes on the drift regardless of clarity
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Camouflaged ambush bottom predator
Spawning
Spring–Summer in estuaries and coastal waters
Activity Pattern
Lies buried in sand or mud, eyes up, ambushing prey that passes — a classic sit-and-wait predator on the drift of the tide
Schooling
Solitary ambusher; numbers concentrate on prime drains and flats
Mind the sharp gill and head spikes — handle with care. Release large breeding females (over slot) horizontally with wet hands; they recover well.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Slot and bag limits apply (protecting large breeding females) and vary by state. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Found along the east coast of Australia from Queensland to Victoria in estuaries and coastal waters. The most popular estuary lure-fishing target on the east coast and a prized light-tackle and table species.
Bright and natural (gold, green, red) for lipless cranks and spinnerbaits in coloured water
Retrieve Speed
Slow to medium with lifts and pauses
Movement Pattern
Lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits worked around timber; soft plastics and blades hopped near structure; bardi grubs, yabbies and shrimp on bait rigs.
Inland rivers and impoundments of the Murray-Darling basin and inland drainages
Depth Range
1–10 m / 3–33 ft
Structure
Submerged timber, rock bars, weed edges, drop-offs, standing timber in impoundments
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — Strong, dogged, structure-seeking fight for its size — 'yellowbelly' are a hugely popular and accessible native target for lure and bait anglers across inland Australia.
Eating Quality
Good — firm white flesh, traditionally eaten, though many are released; a popular inland table and sportfish.
Size Range
0.5―5 kg · 1–11 lb
World Record
Fish around 5–7 kg are exceptional — verify specifics against current Australian records
Hardy native; handle with wet hands over a mat and return promptly. Watch for barotrauma from deep impoundment water.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits apply and vary by state; closed seasons in some waters. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Native to the Murray-Darling basin and other inland drainages of eastern Australia, widely stocked in impoundments. Known affectionately as 'yellowbelly', it is one of the most popular and accessible native sportfish of inland Australia.
Australian Salmon
Arripis trutta
Saltwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Metal slugs / spinnersSoft plasticsPilchard / whitebait baitsSurface luresFly (where targeted)Bait jigsSlow stationary presentationsHeavy tackle that masks the fightOff-colour baits
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright chrome and white metals; natural baitfish soft plastics
Retrieve Speed
Fast — high-speed metal slugs through schools; varied for plastics
Movement Pattern
Metal slugs cast and burned through surface-feeding schools; soft plastics and surface lures at busting fish; pilchard baits in surf gutters.
Gear
Light–medium surf or spin 7–10 ft, 10–20 lb line, metal slugs, soft plastics and surf baits.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Surf beaches, headlands, bays, estuary mouths, and coastal washes of southern Australia and New Zealand
Depth Range
0–20 m / 0–65 ft; often feeding right in the surf and surface
Structure
Surf gutters, headlands, washes, current lines, bait schools
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Hard, fast runs and dogged head shakes well above their weight — a brilliant, accessible light-tackle and surf sportfish that pulls drag and tests anglers off the beach.
Eating Quality
Fair — dark, oily, strong-flavoured flesh best eaten very fresh, bled, or used as bait; valued more for sport than table.
Size Range
0.5―5 kg · 1–11 lb
World Record
Fish around 5–9 kg are exceptional — verify specifics against current records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Moving tide
Best Season
Autumn through Spring (cooler-water schools); year-round in places
Water Temp
12–20°C / 54–68°F
Weather Sensitivity
Active in cooler water and moving conditions; surface schools easy to spot in calm patches
Water Clarity
Clear to lightly stained surf and bay water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast schooling surf and pelagic predator
Spawning
Spring–Summer (coastal waters)
Activity Pattern
Fast-moving schooling predator that smashes baitfish in surf gutters, bays, and along headlands, often creating visible surface feeding
Schooling
Strongly schooling, often in large numbers — spectacular surface feeding frenzies
Resilient and revives quickly; if released, return promptly in moving water. Bleed immediately if kept for the table or bait.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits apply and vary by state. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Found around southern Australia from southern Queensland to Western Australia, and in New Zealand (where the related kahawai is prized). One of the most accessible and spirited light-tackle and surf sportfish of southern Australian waters — not a true salmon despite the name.
Spanish Mackerel (Narrow-barred)
Scomberomorus commerson
Saltwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Trolled hardbody luresFloated live / dead pilchards (wire trace)Metal slugsGarfish baitsSpoonsLarge soft plasticsLight leader without wire (bite-offs)Slow presentationsStationary deep baits
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright chrome and natural baitfish tones; flashy trolled lures
Retrieve Speed
Fast — high-speed trolling and slugs; floated baits drift naturally
Movement Pattern
Trolled minnows and spoons at speed around reefs and current lines; high-speed metal slugs through bait; floated live or dead pilchards on wire trace.
Gear
Medium-heavy spin/troll 6–7 ft, 20–50 lb braid, wire or heavy fluorocarbon trace, trolled lures, live bait and floated pilchards.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Tropical and subtropical reefs, shoals, headlands, and current lines across northern Australia
Depth Range
0–50 m / 0–165 ft
Structure
Reef edges, shoals, current lines, bait schools, headlands, FADs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Sizzling first runs and slashing speed — a 'spaniard' on light tackle is a blistering battle. Their razor teeth demand wire or heavy leader. A premier northern pelagic.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm, full-flavoured flesh prized for steaks and sashimi (best eaten fresh).
Size Range
3–40 kg · 6–88 lb
World Record
Fish exceeding 40 kg have been recorded — verify specifics against current IGFA records
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Moving tide
Best Season
Warmer months; annual runs around reefs and headlands
Water Temp
22–30°C / 72–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Moving tides and bait concentrations trigger feeding; annual seasonal runs are prime
Water Clarity
Clear to lightly stained tropical water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
High-speed pelagic predator
Spawning
Spring–Summer in tropical and subtropical waters
Activity Pattern
Fast-moving pelagic hunter that slashes through bait schools around reefs, shoals, and current lines with blistering runs
Schooling
Loose aggregations following bait; large fish often solitary
Handle with care — extremely sharp teeth; use a dehooker and gloves. Revive in moving water and release promptly if not kept.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits apply and vary by state; some with tight mackerel rules. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific; in Australia found across the northern coast from central Queensland through the Northern Territory to Western Australia. A premier fast pelagic sport and table fish of northern Australian waters.
Sooty Grunter
Hephaestus fuliginosus
Freshwater
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small hardbody luresSpinnerbaitsSoft plasticsSurface lures (early/late)Fly (nymphs/poppers)Live insects/wormOversized barra luresDeep still waterHeavy dead baits
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural and bright small hardbodies; gold and dark patterns in stained water
Retrieve Speed
Vary — pauses and twitches around cover draw crunching strikes
Movement Pattern
Small hardbodies, spinnerbaits and soft plastics worked tight to rock bars and snags.
Gear
Light baitcaster/spin 6–10 kg, braid and a leader; small hardbodies, spinnerbaits and soft plastics around structure.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Clear, flowing tropical rivers and gorges of northern Australia
Depth Range
0.5–4 m / 2–13 ft
Structure
Rock bars, snags, undercut banks, faster runs and pools
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Pound for pound one of the hardest-fighting Australian freshwater natives — savage lure-crunching takes and dogged runs for the snags.
Eating Quality
Fair — firm but often released as a sport fish.
Size Range
0.5–2.5 kg · 1–5.5 lb (specimens to 4 kg+)
World Record
a hard-fighting native — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk
Best Season
The wet-season build-up and early wet (spring–summer)
Water Temp
22–32°C / 72–90°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm, stable conditions and the pre-wet build-up switch them on hard
Water Clarity
Clear to lightly stained flowing water; hunts by sight
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Aggressive omnivorous ambush feeder
Spawning
Wet season over gravel and among snags
Activity Pattern
A pugnacious tropical native that holds around snags and rock bars and smashes lures aggressively
Schooling
Loose groups around structure
Predator / Prey
Eats: insects, fruit, small fish, crustaceans. Eaten by: barramundi, cod, birds of prey
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A hardy, hard-hitting native — unhook quickly with pliers and release; barbless helps for repeat-hooked fish around snags.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state/territory freshwater rules (QLD, NT, WA) with size and bag limits and closed waters. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A pugnacious grunter native to the clear tropical rivers and gorges of northern Australia. A cult light-lure sport fish famed for savage strikes and a fight well above its size, often sharing water with barramundi and jungle perch.
Natural and dark surface lures; subtle patterns in clear water
Retrieve Speed
Slow surface walking with pauses; twitch small hardbodies
Movement Pattern
Surface walkers, fizzers and small hardbodies worked slowly along weed and timber edges for cruising fish.
Gear
Light spin/baitcast, braid and leader; surface lures, small hardbodies, soft plastics and fly.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Still and slow tropical/subtropical rivers, billabongs and impoundments (Fitzroy/Dawson systems, stocked dams)
Depth Range
0.3–3 m / 1–10 ft
Structure
Weed edges, lily margins, timber, surface film in warm shallow bays
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Explosive surface strikes and wild gill-rattling leaps — a spectacular, acrobatic fight from a living fossil, though the bony mouth throws hooks easily.
Eating Quality
Poor — bony; a prized catch-and-release sport and heritage fish.
Size Range
1–4 kg · 2–9 lb (specimens to 5 kg+)
World Record
a native icon — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk
Best Season
Warmer months (spring–autumn)
Water Temp
20–30°C / 68–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm, calm, low-light conditions bring them up to feed on the surface
Water Clarity
Clear to lightly tannin-stained still water; a sight surface feeder
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Surface ambush predator
Spawning
Spring; a mouth-brooder that carries eggs and young
Activity Pattern
An ancient, primitive surface hunter that cruises just under the film and engulfs prey off the top
Handle this ancient native gently, support it and release — the bony mouth and heritage value make quick, careful release important.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A protected/regulated native in parts of its range with size and bag limits and closed waters; often stocked in dams. Check state rules.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
An ancient, primitive bonytongue native to the Fitzroy and Dawson systems of Queensland and widely stocked in impoundments. A prized surface sport fish — a living fossil that erupts on topwater and cartwheels across the surface when hooked.
Silver Perch
Bidyanus bidyanus
Freshwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Yabbies / wormsBardi grubsSmall lures & fliesShrimpSmall soft plasticsBread/dough (dams)Large predator luresHeavy dead baitsStagnant water
Optimal Lure Colour
Small natural lures and flies; subtle patterns
Retrieve Speed
Slow to medium; nymphs dead-drifted
Movement Pattern
Small lures, flies and natural baits worked in flowing water and below weirs for schooling fish.
Gear
Light bait/lure gear; small yabbies, worms, bardi grubs, or small lures and flies.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Flowing reaches of the Murray-Darling and stocked impoundments
Depth Range
1–5 m / 3–16 ft
Structure
Current lines, races below weirs, snags, open flowing water
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — A strong, dogged, bulldogging fight in current on light tackle — a spirited native, especially in flowing water.
Eating Quality
Good but the wild population is threatened, so release is strongly encouraged (stocked-dam fish differ).
Size Range
0.5–2.5 kg · 1–5.5 lb (specimens to 4 kg+)
World Record
a native species — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dusk
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
18–28°C / 64–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Rising flows and warmer water trigger movement and feeding
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and lightly coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Omnivorous midwater and bottom feeder
Spawning
Spring–summer, migrating and spawning on rising flows
Activity Pattern
A schooling Murray-Darling native that grazes and forages through the water column in flowing water
Schooling
Shoals, especially in flowing reaches
Predator / Prey
Eats: algae, insects, molluscs, small crustaceans. Eaten by: Murray cod, golden perch, cormorants
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Wild silver perch are threatened — handle gently and release. Keep only stocked-impoundment fish within limits.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Wild populations are threatened and often protected (closed seasons, release-only in rivers); stocked dams may allow take within limits. Check state rules.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
⚠ Vulnerable (wild population)
A schooling Murray-Darling native of flowing rivers, now threatened in the wild but widely stocked in impoundments. A spirited light-tackle sport fish that bulldogs hard in current — best released from wild river systems.
Estuary Perch
Percalates colonorum
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Soft plasticsSmall hardbodiesBlades / vibesLive prawns / poddy mulletSpinnerbaitsSurface lures (low light)Large luresHeavy dead baitsBright midday shallow water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish and dark patterns; subtle in clear water
Retrieve Speed
Slow with pauses; hop blades/vibes near structure
Movement Pattern
Small hardbodies, soft plastics, blades and vibes worked tight to snags, walls and pylons on the tide.
Gear
Light spin/baitcast, braid and leader; small hardbodies, soft plastics, blades and vibes around structure.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Tidal estuaries and lower reaches of south-eastern Australian rivers
Depth Range
0.5–6 m / 2–20 ft
Structure
Snags, rock walls, bridge pylons, drop-offs, deep holes
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Hard, dogged runs for cover on light tackle — a bass-like scrapper that fights above its size around structure.
Eating Quality
Fair — usually released as a sport fish.
Size Range
0.4–1.5 kg · 1–3 lb (specimens to 2.5 kg+)
World Record
a native sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Night
Best Season
Autumn–winter (pre-spawn aggregations in estuaries)
Water Temp
12–24°C / 54–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Low light, tide movement and cooler pre-spawn months fish best
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and tannin/coloured estuary water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Ambush predator
Spawning
Winter in brackish estuary water
Activity Pattern
A close relative of the Australian bass that ambushes prey around structure in tidal estuaries and lower rivers
Schooling
Aggregates around structure and pre-spawn
Predator / Prey
Eats: prawns, small fish, insects, crustaceans. Eaten by: mulloway, cormorants, larger fish
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Handle carefully and release, especially pre-spawn aggregations which are vulnerable. Barbless helps around structure.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; pre-spawn aggregations may be protected. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A structure-loving relative of the Australian bass, at home in the tidal estuaries and lower rivers of south-eastern Australia. A prized light-lure sport fish that fights hard for cover — often caught alongside bass and best released.
Jungle Perch
Kuhlia rupestris
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small surface luresSmall hardbodiesFly (poppers/dries)Soft plasticsBladesLive insects (where legal)Large luresDeep still waterClumsy approach in clear water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural and subtle surface lures; clear-water finesse
Retrieve Speed
Fast walking/twitching on top; quick hardbody retrieves
Movement Pattern
Small surface walkers and poppers cast accurately to pools and rock bars, plus hardbodies and flies for wary fish.
Gear
Light spin, braid and leader; small surface lures, hardbodies, soft plastics and fly with a careful approach.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Clear, rocky coastal streams and gorges of tropical north-east Australia
Depth Range
0.3–3 m / 1–10 ft
Structure
Rock bars, boulders, plunge pools, log jams, faster runs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Explosive surface takes and blistering runs in clear water — a cult tropical sport fish that fights hard and demands stealth and accuracy.
Eating Quality
Fair — a prized catch-and-release light-tackle target.
Size Range
0.3–1.2 kg · 0.7–2.6 lb (specimens to 2 kg+)
World Record
a cult native — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months and clear flows
Water Temp
22–30°C / 72–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Bright, warm conditions with clear flow give the best sight fishing
Water Clarity
Gin-clear tropical streams; extremely sharp-eyed and wary
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast surface and midwater ambush feeder
Spawning
Catadromous — moves to estuaries/sea to spawn
Activity Pattern
A lightning-fast clear-stream predator that smashes surface lures and darts from cover in rocky pools
A wary, prized native — approach quietly, handle quickly and release. Their catadromous life cycle depends on clear, connected streams.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; sensitive to habitat loss and barriers. Check local regulations and release where possible.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A dazzlingly fast, sharp-eyed predator of clear rocky streams in tropical north-east Australia. A cult surface-lure and fly target prized for explosive topwater strikes and clear-water sight fishing — best enjoyed catch-and-release.
Spangled Perch
Leiopotherapon unicolor
Freshwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Worms / small baitsMicro luresSmall fliesGrubsBread/doughTiny soft plasticsLarge luresHeavy tackleDeep still water
Optimal Lure Colour
Small bright and natural lures
Retrieve Speed
Steady; small lures and flies
Movement Pattern
Small baits, micro lures and flies worked around cover for aggressive little fish.
Gear
Ultralight bait or lure gear; small hooks, worms, or tiny lures and flies.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Inland rivers, waterholes, bores and outback pools across most of Australia
Depth Range
0.3–3 m / 1–10 ft
Structure
Snags, weed, waterhole margins, any available cover
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★☆☆☆ 2/5 — A game little scrapper on ultralight tackle — great fun for kids and a reliable outback bite.
Eating Quality
Fair — small; often released.
Size Range
0.1–0.4 kg · 0.2–0.9 lb (specimens to 0.7 kg+)
World Record
a small native — verify against ANSA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dusk
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
18–34°C / 64–93°F
Weather Sensitivity
Extremely hardy; feeds across a huge temperature range
Water Clarity
Tolerant of turbid, warm and harsh water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Aggressive opportunistic omnivore
Spawning
Spring–summer on rising water; highly prolific
Activity Pattern
Australia's most widespread native — a hardy, aggressive little fish that colonises almost any inland water and hits baits and lures readily
Schooling
Loose groups
Predator / Prey
Eats: insects, small fish, crustaceans, almost anything. Eaten by: cod, larger natives, birds
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Hardy and abundant; unhook and release small fish. A great introductory native for young anglers.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under general state freshwater rules; abundant and widespread. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
Australia's most widely distributed native freshwater fish, a hardy, aggressive little grunter found from coastal creeks to remote outback waterholes and bores. A reliable, fun ultralight target and a classic first native for young anglers.
Eel-tailed Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Freshwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
YabbiesWormsShrimpBardi grubsChicken/scented baitsSmall fish piecesFast luresFine tackle near spinesBright shallow midday water
Optimal Lure Colour
n/a — a scent/bait fish
Retrieve Speed
n/a; static/slow
Movement Pattern
Scented baits (yabbies, worms, shrimp) fished static on the bottom, especially after dark.
Gear
Bait gear with scented baits on the bottom; handle carefully for the spines.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Slow rivers, lakes and impoundments of eastern/inland Australia
Depth Range
1–6 m / 3–20 ft
Structure
Soft and gravel bottoms, weed, margins, nesting flats
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★☆☆☆ 2/5 — A steady, thumping bottom fight rather than a runner; mind the venomous pectoral and dorsal spines.
Eating Quality
Good — firm white flesh, though wild populations are patchy so consider release.
Size Range
0.5–3 kg · 1–7 lb (specimens to 5 kg+)
World Record
a native species — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dusk, Night
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
18–28°C / 64–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm nights bring the best bottom feeding
Water Clarity
Feeds by scent and touch in clear and coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Bottom-feeding predator/scavenger
Spawning
Spring–summer; builds and guards a gravel nest
Activity Pattern
A native catfish that roots the bottom by scent for invertebrates and small fish, most active after dark
Mind the venomous spines — handle with care. Wild numbers have declined in places, so consider releasing river fish.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; declining in parts of its range. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A whiskered native catfish of eastern and inland Australian rivers, lakes and dams, named for its eel-like tail. A characterful after-dark bottom target on scented baits — just mind the venomous spines and release where stocks are thin.
Trout Cod
Maccullochella macquariensis
Freshwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
(Incidental) large lures(Incidental) spinnerbaits(Incidental) bait near snagsSwimbaitsDeep hardbodiesSurface lures (low light)Any targeting where prohibitedDeep hookingExtended handling
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural cod lures where incidental captures occur
Retrieve Speed
Slow deliberate; deep lures near cover
Movement Pattern
Usually caught incidentally on Murray-cod tactics — large lures and baits near snags; release without delay.
Gear
Where legally caught (incidental), heavy lure/bait cod gear with strong leaders; release immediately.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Cooler flowing reaches of the southern Murray-Darling (and stocked recovery waters)
Depth Range
1–6 m / 3–20 ft
Structure
Snags, rock bars, deep runs, undercut banks
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — A powerful, cod-like fight that heads straight for cover — but this is a protected native and, in most waters, must not be targeted or kept.
Eating Quality
n/a — protected; release only.
Size Range
1–5 kg · 2–11 lb (specimens larger, mostly protected)
World Record
a protected native — no take in most waters; verify status
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk
Best Season
Warmer months (where legally targetable)
Water Temp
14–24°C / 57–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Stable warm conditions in flowing water fish best
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and lightly coloured flowing water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Ambush predator
Spawning
Spring over hard structure
Activity Pattern
A close, streamlined relative of the Murray cod that ambushes prey from cover in flowing rivers
Schooling
Solitary and territorial
Predator / Prey
Eats: fish, yabbies, insects. Eaten by: apex native — adults have few predators
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Protected — do not target where prohibited; if caught incidentally, keep it in the water, unhook quickly and release with full support. A recovering endangered native.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A threatened, protected native across most of its range — targeting and take are prohibited or tightly restricted; often confused with Murray cod. Know the difference and check state rules.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
⚠ Endangered
A streamlined, protected relative of the Murray cod, once widespread in the southern Murray-Darling and now the focus of recovery stocking. Legally protected in most waters — a fish to identify, release carefully, and never target where prohibited.
Barbless hooks, wet hands and quick release keep wild fish healthy; keep put-and-take fish humanely for the table.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under NZ (licence/Fish & Game) and Australian state rules with seasons, bag limits and methods. A sports fish, not for sale. Check local rules.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A North American salmonid introduced across New Zealand and southern/highland Australia, where it forms world-famous wild fisheries as well as stocked lakes. A premier fly and light-lure target prized for acrobatic fights and clear-water sight fishing.
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Nymphs & dry fliesCicada / mouse patternsSmall natural luresStreamers / smelt fliesSmall spoonsSoft plasticsClumsy approach in clear waterOversized luresWarm lowland still water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural nymphs/dries, cicada and mouse patterns; subtle lures in clear water
Retrieve Speed
Dead-drift flies; slow, careful lure work
Movement Pattern
Stalked, sight-fished nymphs and dries in clear water; cicada and mouse patterns in summer; small lures in lakes.
Gear
Fly 5–7 wt for sight fishing, or light spin; nymphs, dries, cicada/mouse patterns, small lures; stealth essential.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Clear rivers, lakes and highland streams of NZ and southern Australia; sea-run in some estuaries
Depth Range
0.5–12 m / 2–39 ft
Structure
Undercut banks, willow cover, runs and pools, drop-offs, inflows
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Strong, dogged runs and determined use of cover — big browns are powerful and cunning, the ultimate wary clear-water fly challenge.
Eating Quality
Excellent — fine table trout; many trophy fish are released.
Size Range
0.5–4 kg · 1–9 lb (NZ trophy fish to 6 kg+)
World Record
specimens exceed 20 kg / 44 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Night
Best Season
Spring & Autumn; summer for terrestrials and sea-run fish
Water Temp
6–17°C / 43–63°F
Weather Sensitivity
Overcast, hatches, cicada and terrestrial falls, and dusk/night bring big fish out to feed
Water Clarity
Famed for gin-clear NZ waters where fish are stalked by sight; also fishes coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Opportunistic ambush and drift feeder
Spawning
Autumn–winter in gravel headwaters (self-sustaining)
Activity Pattern
A wary, structure-holding salmonid that grows large and cautious, the trophy quarry of southern clear-water fly fishing
Wet hands, barbless hooks and quick release protect wary trophy fish; keep only for the table where stocks allow.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under NZ (licence/Fish & Game) and Australian state rules with seasons and bag limits. A sports fish, not for sale. Check local rules.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The wild brown trout of New Zealand and southern Australia, a self-sustaining introduction that grows large and famously wary. The blue-riband quarry of clear-water sight fishing, especially in New Zealand's storied rivers — powerful, cunning and prized.
Chinook (Quinnat) Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Heavy river spinners (zedders/ticers)Ticer-style metalsFly (streamers)Soft baitsSpoonsBait at river mouths (where legal)Light finesse gearStill lowland waterSmall lures
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright and metallic river spinners (zedders, ticers); flashy in colour
Retrieve Speed
Steady across and down the current
Movement Pattern
Heavy river spinners cast across and swung down through runs and river mouths to intercept running fish; fly for holding fish.
Gear
Salmon spin gear with zedders/ticers and heavy spinners, or fly gear; strong line for big river fish.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Braided east-coast South Island rivers (Rakaia, Rangitata, Waimakariri) and the sea
Depth Range
0.5–5 m / 2–16 ft
Structure
River mouths, runs, pool tails, braided-river holding water
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Powerful, deep, dogged runs from a big sea-conditioned fish — the hardest-pulling salmonid of the southern fishery and a prized run-timing challenge.
Eating Quality
Excellent — prime salmon flesh; a valued table and sport fish.
Size Range
3–12 kg · 7–26 lb (specimens to 15 kg+)
World Record
~30 kg / 66 lb class (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Summer–autumn spawning run (Jan–Apr in NZ)
Water Temp
8–16°C / 46–61°F
Weather Sensitivity
River flow and fresh runs of fish from the sea drive the fishing
Water Clarity
Clearing snow-melt/braided-river water; running fish are current-oriented
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Migratory predator (largely non-feeding on the spawning run)
Spawning
Autumn in gravel headwaters after a sea migration; dies after spawning
Activity Pattern
An anadromous Pacific salmon that runs New Zealand's east-coast rivers in summer, sought as it moves upstream
Schooling
Runs in loose numbers; holds in pools and runs
Predator / Prey
Eats: fish and squid at sea; little in freshwater. Eaten by: seals at sea, few in rivers
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Handle running fish wet and revive them; follow river-mouth and run-timing rules that protect the fishery.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under NZ Fish & Game licence with seasons, bag limits and river rules; a sea-run sports fishery, not for sale. Check local rules.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A Pacific salmon established in New Zealand's braided east-coast rivers, where sea-run 'quinnat' or king salmon are chased on their summer spawning run. The hardest-fighting salmonid of the southern fishery and a celebrated run-timing sport target.
Redfin Perch
Perca fluviatilis
FreshwaterInvasive in parts
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Soft plasticsBlades / vibesWorms / yabbiesSmall hardbodiesLipless cranksBait under a floatLarge predator luresHeavy dead baitsWarm stagnant shallows
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright and natural small lures; red/orange accents work well
Retrieve Speed
Hop and pause blades/plastics; steady small lures
Movement Pattern
Small soft plastics, blades and lures hopped near weed and timber for shoaling fish.
Gear
Light spin/bait; small soft plastics, blades, lures and worms/yabbies.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Lakes, impoundments and slow rivers of southern Australia (introduced)
Depth Range
1–8 m / 3–26 ft
Structure
Weed beds, timber, drop-offs, rock walls, deeper flats
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★☆☆☆ 2/5 — A honest, dogged little fight in numbers on light tackle — reliable sport and fine eating, though an unwelcome pest in native waters.
Eating Quality
Excellent — sweet white flesh; anglers are encouraged to keep them.
Size Range
0.2–1.5 kg · 0.5–3 lb (specimens to 2.5 kg+)
World Record
a widespread introduced species — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Autumn & Spring; through winter in lakes
Water Temp
8–22°C / 46–72°F
Weather Sensitivity
Stable conditions and cooler water concentrate feeding shoals
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and lightly coloured water; hunts by sight
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Aggressive shoaling predator
Spawning
Spring, laying ribbon egg masses on weed/timber; very prolific
Activity Pattern
An introduced European perch that shoals and hunts small fish and invertebrates aggressively in southern lakes and rivers
Schooling
Strong shoals, often by size
Predator / Prey
Eats: small fish, yabbies, insects. Eaten by: cod, trout, cormorants
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A declared pest in much of Australia — do not release live redfin into new waters, and keep your catch for the table where required.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
An introduced pest species; release into new waters is prohibited and take is often encouraged/unrestricted. Check state rules on transport and disposal.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A European perch introduced to southern Australian lakes and rivers, now a widespread and aggressive pest — but a fine light-tackle sport and table fish. Anglers are encouraged to keep them and never move live fish between waters.
A wary, popular sport fish — handle quickly and release, or keep a few for the table within limits. Fine tackle earns more bites.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; spawning aggregations are seasonally sensitive. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
One of Australia's most popular and widespread estuary sport fish, wary and adaptable across oyster racks, rock walls, flats and beaches of the east coast. A finesse light-tackle icon prized for tricky, structure-diving fights and fine eating.
Black Bream
Acanthopagrus butcheri
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Soft plasticsSmall crankbaits / hardbodiesBlades / vibesPeeled prawn / nippersSurface lures (low light)Fish stripHeavy tackleLarge luresFast retrieves in clear water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural and dark tones; subtle in clear/stained water
Retrieve Speed
Slow with pauses; deadstick around structure
Movement Pattern
Finesse plastics, small cranks, blades and surface lures worked tight to snags and walls; bait on light rigs.
Gear
Light spin, braid and fine leader; small soft plastics, hardbodies, blades, cranks and bait.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Southern Australian estuaries, coastal lakes and landlocked systems
Depth Range
0.5–8 m / 2–26 ft
Structure
Snags, rock walls, jetty pylons, weed edges, drop-offs, flats
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — A stubborn, structure-diving fight on finesse tackle — a southern light-lure favourite that punches above its size.
Eating Quality
Good — sweet white flesh, a fine table fish.
Size Range
0.3–1.2 kg · 0.7–2.6 lb (specimens to 2.5 kg+)
World Record
a finesse sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk
Best Season
Cooler months and stable estuary conditions
Water Temp
12–24°C / 54–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Stable conditions, low light and tide movement fish best
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and tannin-stained water; wary in clear shallows
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Estuary omnivore
Spawning
Spring in the upper brackish estuary
Activity Pattern
A resident southern-estuary fish, often landlocked in coastal systems, that forages structure and flats and rewards finesse lure work
A slow-growing resident — handle quickly and release, or keep a few within limits. Finesse and stealth pay off.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; resident estuary stocks are sensitive. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The southern cousin of the yellowfin bream, a resident of southern Australian estuaries and coastal lakes, often landlocked. A hugely popular finesse lure target — slow-growing, structure-loving and famed for testing light tackle to the limit.
Sand Whiting
Sillago ciliata
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Beachworm / bloodwormNippers (yabbies)Small surface luresPipisSmall soft plasticsSquid stripLarge baitsBig luresDeep still water
Keep a feed within limits and return the rest; handle the small mouth gently. A superb accessible flats target.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A sleek sand-flat feeder of eastern and southern Australian estuaries and surf beaches, prized as both a light-tackle sport fish — including on surface lures — and one of the sweetest eating fish in the sea.
Keep a feed within limits and return the rest; a slower-growing prized species worth respecting.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits (notably strong in SA). Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The prized large whiting of southern Australia, foraging seagrass and broken reef in SA, Victoria, WA and Tasmania. Widely regarded as the finest-eating whiting of all and a much-loved southern bait-fishing target.
Tailor
Pomatomus saltatrix
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Metal slugs / spoonsSurface poppers / stickbaitsGanged pilchardsHardbody minnowsSoft plasticsFish strip on a traceFine unwired leaders (bitten off)Slow tacticsDead flat still water
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright chrome and white metals and surface lures
Retrieve Speed
Fast and erratic — tailor chase and smash moving lures
Movement Pattern
Fast-retrieved metal slugs and poppers through the wash, or ganged pilchards drifted in the gutters.
Gear
Surf/spin gear with wire or heavy mono trace; metal slugs, poppers, pilchards on gang hooks.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Surf beaches, headlands, estuary mouths and inshore reef of eastern/southern/WA coasts
Depth Range
0–15 m / 0–49 ft
Structure
Beach gutters, wash zones, headlands, bait schools, river mouths
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Fast, slashing takes and hard runs with head-shaking leaps — a thrilling surf and headland sport fish, though the teeth demand a trace.
Eating Quality
Good very fresh (oily, bleeds a lot) — best bled and iced immediately.
Size Range
0.5–3 kg · 1–7 lb (specimens to 5 kg+)
World Record
an iconic surf sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk
Best Season
Autumn–winter run along the coast
Water Temp
16–24°C / 61–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Low light, a run of bait and moving water trigger frenzied feeding
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clean and lightly coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Aggressive fast pack predator
Spawning
Spring–summer inshore/offshore
Activity Pattern
A savage, sharp-toothed pack hunter that smashes baitfish in the surf and along headlands, often in a frenzy
Mind the very sharp teeth — use a trace and pliers. Bleed and ice any kept for the table quickly; return the rest.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; important spawning runs are seasonally sensitive. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The savage, sharp-toothed 'chopper' of Australian surf beaches and headlands (the same species as the Northern-Hemisphere bluefish). A thrilling fast-lure and bait target famous for frenzied feeding runs — just remember the wire trace against those teeth.
Green weed suspended under a float and drifted naturally along weed banks and rock walls on the tide.
Gear
Long float rod, running float, fine trace and small hooks; green weed or cabbage weed bait.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Estuaries, breakwalls, rock ledges and ocean rocks of eastern/southern Australia
Depth Range
0.5–6 m / 2–20 ft
Structure
Weed banks, rock walls, bridge pylons, wash zones, ledges
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — A dogged, boring fight that heads for the weed and rocks — a deceptively strong, tackle-testing fish on light float gear.
Eating Quality
Fair — better when bled and cared for; a mixed table reputation.
Size Range
0.4–1.5 kg · 1–3 lb (specimens to 2.5 kg+)
World Record
a float-fishing icon — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Autumn–winter
Water Temp
14–22°C / 57–72°F
Weather Sensitivity
Tide movement over weed and a bit of wash concentrate feeding
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and lightly coloured water along weed
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Herbivore (green weed and algae)
Spawning
Winter–spring near ocean entrances
Activity Pattern
A weed-grazing estuary and rock fish taken on float-suspended green weed, a specialist finesse discipline
Schooling
Shoals along weed and structure
Predator / Prey
Eats: green weed, algae, cabbage weed. Eaten by: mulloway, sharks, larger fish
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A specialist finesse target — handle quickly and release, or keep a few bled for the table. Rewards dedicated float technique.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A weed-grazing 'blackfish' of Australian estuaries, breakwalls and ocean rocks, targeted with suspended green weed under a float. A cult finesse discipline in its own right — deceptively strong and dogged for its size on light float tackle.
A vital forage and bait fish — take responsibly for the table or bait, and return excess. Handle small poddy mullet gently for livebait.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; commercial runs are separately managed. Livebait use and cast-net rules vary. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A hardy schooling mullet of Australian estuaries and coasts that runs to sea each autumn to spawn. Good light-tackle and fly sport in its own right, prized for its roe, and the single most important live and dead bait for mulloway, tailor and other predators.
Handle minimally; keep a feed or bait supply within limits and return the rest. A great berley-trail light-tackle session.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A slim, beaked surface fish of sheltered Australian bays and estuaries, gathered to a berley trail and taken on tiny baits. A fun, delicate light-tackle target, a tasty pan fish, and one of the best fresh baits for tailor, salmon and kingfish.
Silver Trevally
Pseudocaranx georgianus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Soft plastics / bladesSmall jigsFish/squid bait & berleyPeeled prawnCut baitsFlies over berleyOversized luresHeavy dead baits aloneSlack line over reef
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish and crustacean tones; bright jigs in deeper water
Retrieve Speed
Slow to medium; hop plastics/blades near structure
Movement Pattern
Soft plastics, blades and small jigs worked over reef and wash, plus bait and fly over a berley trail.
Gear
Light spin, braid and leader; soft plastics, blades, small jigs, bait and fly over structure and berley.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Reefs, rock walls, estuaries, wash zones and offshore lumps of AU and NZ
Depth Range
1–80 m / 3–260 ft
Structure
Reef edges, rock walls, wash zones, current lines, bait schools
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — A dogged, deep, dour fight well above its size — silver trevally pull hard and stubborn, a great light-tackle sport fish on bait, lure and fly.
Eating Quality
Good — firm flesh, best bled; a fine table fish, prized in NZ.
Size Range
0.5–2.5 kg · 1–5.5 lb (specimens to 4 kg+)
World Record
a strong sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months; year-round on many marks
Water Temp
14–22°C / 57–72°F
Weather Sensitivity
Tide, current and a run of bait switch schools on
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and lightly coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Midwater and bottom shoal predator
Spawning
Spring–summer offshore
Activity Pattern
A hard-fighting schooling trevally of reefs, estuaries and wash zones across Australia and New Zealand, taken on bait, lure and fly
Handle quickly, bleed any kept for the table, and release the rest; a slower-growing, hard-pulling sport fish worth respecting.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under AU state and NZ rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A hard-fighting schooling trevally of Australian and New Zealand reefs, estuaries and wash zones — 'skippy' in WA, simply 'trevally' in New Zealand. A superb light-tackle sport fish on bait, lure and fly, famed for a dour, deep, size-defying fight.
Golden Trevally
Gnathanodon speciosus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Soft plastics / vibesJigsFlies (on flats)Peeled prawn / crabLive baitSmall hardbodiesFine leaders around structureSlow static tactics offshoreCold water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural crustacean/baitfish tones; bright jigs and flies
Retrieve Speed
Slow hops on flats; steady jigging on reef
Movement Pattern
Soft plastics, vibes and flies worked on flats and around structure; jigs on reef; bait near jetties and pylons.
Gear
Medium spin, braid and leader; soft plastics, jigs, vibes, flies, and bait around structure.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Tropical flats, reefs, jetties and harbours of northern Australia and the Pacific
A hard-pulling, striking sport fish — handle quickly, bleed any kept, and release most. Great catch-and-release flats sport.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A striking gold-and-black trevally of tropical Australian and Pacific flats, reefs and harbours. A brilliant light-tackle sport fish that noses the flats like a bonefish yet fights like a jack — superb on soft plastics, vibes and fly.
Mangrove Jack
Lutjanus argentimaculatus
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Live baits (mullet/prawn)Hardbody luresSoft plasticsFresh cut baitsSurface lures (low light)VibesLight leaders near coverSlow reactions on the strikeOpen-water tactics
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural mullet/prawn tones; dark patterns at night
Retrieve Speed
Twitch and pause tight to cover; live baits held near snags
Movement Pattern
Hardbodies and soft plastics cast hard against snags and rock, plus live baits fished close to cover — strike and hold instantly.
Gear
Strong baitcast/spin, heavy braid and leader, locked drag; hardbodies, soft plastics, live baits fished tight to cover.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Mangrove estuaries, snags, rock bars and coastal reef of northern/eastern Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0.5–40 m / 2–130 ft
Structure
Snags, mangrove roots, rock bars, pontoons, reef ledges
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — A savage, instant strike and a brutal drag-locked bolt for the snags — pound for pound one of the hardest, dirtiest fighters in the estuary; you win or lose in the first second.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm sweet white flesh, a top table fish.
Size Range
0.5–4 kg · 1–9 lb (estuary); reef adults to 10 kg+
World Record
an iconic estuary brawler — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dusk, Night
Best Season
Warmer months (build-up and wet) in estuaries
Water Temp
22–30°C / 72–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm build-up nights, low light and tide movement fire them up
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and tannin/coloured estuary water; ambushes from cover
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Explosive ambush predator
Spawning
Adults spawn on offshore reef; juveniles live in estuaries
Activity Pattern
A snarling estuary ambush predator that erupts from snags and rock and bolts straight back to cover — brutal on light tackle
Handle quickly, mind the teeth and gill plates, and release or keep a few within limits. Big estuary jacks are prized — many anglers return them.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A snarling red ambush predator of northern and eastern Australian mangrove estuaries, snags and coastal reef. One of the most explosive, hardest-fighting estuary sport fish there is — a brutal cover-bolting brawler that's won or lost in the first second.
Estuary Cod
Epinephelus coioides
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Live baitsFresh cut fish baitsSoft plastics / hardbodiesPrawnsSquidVibesLight leaders near coverSlow strikesOpen-water tactics
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish tones; dark patterns near cover
Retrieve Speed
Hold hard on the strike; live baits near cover
Movement Pattern
Live and dead baits, soft plastics and hardbodies fished tight to snags and reef — winch fish clear of cover instantly.
Gear
Heavy baitcast/spin or bottom gear, heavy leader, locked drag; live and dead baits or lures fished tight to cover.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Mangrove estuaries, rock bars, jetties and inshore reef of northern/eastern Australia and the Indo-Pacific
Depth Range
1–40 m / 3–130 ft
Structure
Snags, rock bars, reef holes, jetty pylons, bridge foundations
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — A brutal, immediate power dive for cover — a big estuary cod is almost immovable and will bury you in the structure if you give an inch.
Eating Quality
Good — firm white flesh; larger fish are often protected or best released.
Size Range
1–8 kg · 2–18 lb (specimens much larger; big fish protected)
World Record
a powerful grouper — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings (mind size limits)
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dusk, Night, Day
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
22–30°C / 72–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm conditions and low light bring them onto the prowl
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and coloured water; ambushes from cover
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Ambush grouper predator
Spawning
Warm months (protogynous hermaphrodite)
Activity Pattern
A powerful estuary and inshore grouper that lurks in snags, rock and reef and inhales prey with a huge mouth, bolting for cover
Respect size and possession limits — large cod are important breeders and often protected. Handle carefully and release big fish with support.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; large groupers are protected in places. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A powerful ambush grouper of northern and eastern Australian estuaries, rock bars and inshore reef. A brutal structure-bolting brawler on live baits and lures — with large fish important breeders that are often protected and best released.
John Dory
Zeus faber
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Live baitfish (yakkas/slimies)Soft plastics (slow)Fresh fish stripSmall hardbodiesSquidCut baitsFast luresHeavy static bottom baitsCold featureless deep mud
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish tones; live bait is deadliest
Retrieve Speed
Slow; live baits fished naturally
Movement Pattern
Live small baitfish drifted near reef edges and bait schools, or slow soft plastics — the take is a slow, heavy inhale.
Gear
Light bait/lure gear with live baits (yakkas, slimies) or slow lures near reef and bait schools.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Reef edges, sand-and-reef ground and bays of southern Australia and New Zealand
★★☆☆☆ 2/5 — A modest fight — prized far more as a superb table fish than a battler; often an unexpected live-bait catch.
Eating Quality
Excellent — a premium white table fish, highly valued.
Size Range
0.5–2.5 kg · 1–5.5 lb (specimens to 4 kg+)
World Record
a prized table/sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dusk
Best Season
Cooler months over reef and sand
Water Temp
12–20°C / 54–68°F
Weather Sensitivity
A mark-and-bait-dependent fish; often near concentrations of small baitfish
Water Clarity
Stalks by sight in clear water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Slow-stalking ambush predator
Spawning
Winter–spring
Activity Pattern
A thin, stalking ambush fish that eases up to small fish and engulfs them with a huge extendable mouth — often caught on live bait
Schooling
Solitary
Predator / Prey
Eats: small fish, squid. Eaten by: larger predators, humans (prized)
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Keep a feed within limits and return the rest; handle the spiny fish carefully. A prized table catch, often incidental on live baits.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under AU state and NZ rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A thin, comically shaped stalking predator of southern Australian and New Zealand reef and sand, famous for engulfing small fish with a huge extendable mouth. Prized above almost all others on the table and a classic live-bait surprise.
Keep a feed within limits and return the rest; handle carefully around the pectoral spines. An underrated sweet-eating fish.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under AU state and NZ rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A colourful sand-dwelling fish of southern Australian and New Zealand waters that 'walks' the bottom on finger-like fin rays. A reliable drift-fishing bycatch and an underrated, sweet-eating table fish — 'kumukumu' to New Zealand anglers.
Greenback Flounder
Rhombosolea tapirina
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small fish / worm baitsNippersSmall soft plasticsPrawnSquid stripCut baitsLarge baitsFast luresDeep reef
Optimal Lure Colour
Small natural soft plastics work at times
Retrieve Speed
Slow hops on the bottom
Movement Pattern
Small baits and slow soft plastics worked on sand, or traditional night gigging on shallow flats (where legal).
Gear
Light bait gear with small baits on the bottom, or a light and spear/gig at night (where legal).
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Estuaries, coastal lakes and sand flats of southern Australia and New Zealand
Depth Range
0.3–20 m / 1–66 ft
Structure
Sand and mud flats, channels, estuary shallows
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★☆☆☆☆ 1/5 — Little fight — prized chiefly as excellent eating and for the tradition of night gigging on the flats.
Eating Quality
Excellent — delicate white flesh, a prized table flatfish.
Size Range
0.2–0.8 kg · 0.5–1.8 lb (specimens to 1.2 kg+)
World Record
a table/sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Night, Dusk
Best Season
Cooler months in estuaries
Water Temp
10–20°C / 50–68°F
Weather Sensitivity
Calm nights suit flounder gigging; tide movement helps bait fishing
Water Clarity
Ambushes in clear and lightly coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Ambush flatfish feeder
Spawning
Winter
Activity Pattern
A left-eyed flatfish of estuaries and coastal sand that lies buried to ambush prey, often taken by spearing/gigging at night or on bait
Keep a feed within limits and return the rest; handle gently. Where gigging is legal, take only legal-sized fish.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under AU state and NZ rules with size and bag limits; flounder gigging/spearing rules vary. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A left-eyed flatfish of southern Australian and New Zealand estuaries and sand flats, buried to ambush prey. A prized delicate table fish, taken on light baits and small plastics — or by the long-standing tradition of night gigging on calm, shallow flats.
Coral Trout
Plectropomus leopardus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Vertical jigsSoft plasticsLive baitsFresh fish baitsTrolled deep diversVibesLight leaders over coralSlow strikesSlack line on the reef
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural reef-fish tones; bright jigs in deeper water
Retrieve Speed
Aggressive jigging; hold hard on the strike
Movement Pattern
Vertical jigs, soft plastics and live baits worked over coral and bommies — lift fish clear of the reef instantly.
Gear
Medium-heavy spin/jig or bottom gear, heavy leader, locked drag; jigs, plastics, live baits fished over reef.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Coral reefs and bommies of the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea and tropical Australia/Pacific
Respect size and possession limits and green-zone closures; handle for release with reef-fish care (venting/barotrauma) or keep a legal feed. Be ciguatera-aware.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under Queensland/reef rules with size and bag limits, closed seasons around spawning and Marine Park green zones. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The brilliant red ambush grouper of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, one of the most prized reef sport and table fish in Australia. A savage striker that bolts instantly for the coral — win the first seconds or lose it to the reef.
Red Emperor
Lutjanus sebae
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Fresh fish / squid baitsVertical jigsLive baitsCut baitsSoft plastics (deep)Flesh baitsLight tackleFast luresFeatureless deep mud
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish tones; bright deep jigs
Retrieve Speed
Slow lift over structure; static big baits
Movement Pattern
Fresh fish and squid baits and vertical jigs worked hard on the bottom over deeper reef and coral shoals.
Gear
Heavy bottom/jig gear, heavy leader; fish and squid baits or jigs fished on the bottom over reef and shoals.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Deeper reef, coral shoals and rubble ground of tropical northern Australia
★★★★☆ 4/5 — A strong, dogged, deep fight with heavy runs for structure — a hard-pulling and hugely prized bottom sport fish.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm white flesh, among the most prized reef table fish.
Size Range
2–10 kg · 4–22 lb (specimens to 20 kg+)
World Record
a prized reef sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dusk
Best Season
Warmer months over reef and shoals
Water Temp
22–28°C / 72–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Tide and current over the right ground are key; a mark-dependent fish
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear tropical water by sight and scent
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Reef and deep-ground predator/scavenger
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
A prized deep-reef snapper (an emperor by name only) that works reef, rubble and shoal ground for fish and crustaceans
Schooling
Groups over productive ground
Predator / Prey
Eats: fish, crabs, prawns, cephalopods. Eaten by: sharks, larger fish
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Deep fish suffer barotrauma — vent or use a release weight, or keep a legal feed. Respect size and possession limits.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under Queensland/WA/NT reef rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A deep-reef snapper of tropical northern Australia — an 'emperor' in name only — and one of the most prized bottom sport and table fish on the reef. A hard-pulling, deep-fighting target sought over coral shoals and rubble ground.
Deep fish suffer barotrauma — vent or use a release weight, or keep a legal feed. Respect size and possession limits.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under Queensland/WA/NT reef rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A deep-water tropical snapper (the large-mouth nannygai or saddletail) that schools over reef, wrecks and shoal ground across northern Australia. A reliable, hard-pulling bottom sport fish and a prized red reef fish on the table.
Spangled Emperor
Lethrinus nebulosus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Fresh fish / squid baitsSoft plastics / jigsCrab / prawn baitsCut baitsVibesLive baitsLight leaders over reefFast luresFeatureless deep mud
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural crustacean/baitfish tones; jigs on reef
Retrieve Speed
Slow hops on sand; steady jigging on reef
Movement Pattern
Baits, soft plastics and jigs worked over reef edges and adjacent sand for foraging fish.
Gear
Medium-heavy bottom/spin gear, heavy leader; fish/squid baits, plastics and jigs over reef and sand.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Reef edges, coral and adjacent sand of tropical/subtropical Australia (strong in WA's north-west)
★★★★☆ 4/5 — A powerful, dogged fight with strong runs for the reef — a prized, hard-pulling emperor especially in WA's north-west.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm white flesh, a prized table fish.
Size Range
1–5 kg · 2–11 lb (specimens to 8 kg+)
World Record
a prized reef sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
22–28°C / 72–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Tide and current over reef edges and sand are key
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear tropical water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Reef and sand foraging predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A hard-pulling emperor that forages reef edges and adjacent sand for crustaceans and molluscs, strong on bait and lure
Schooling
Loose groups over reef and sand
Predator / Prey
Eats: crustaceans, molluscs, small fish, urchins. Eaten by: sharks, larger fish
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Vent or release-weight deep fish, or keep a legal feed; respect size and possession limits. A prized WA and northern target.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under WA/QLD/NT reef rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A hard-pulling emperor of tropical and subtropical Australian reefs and sand, especially prized in WA's north-west as 'nor'west snapper'. A strong, dogged bottom sport fish on bait, plastics and jigs, and fine on the table.
Grass Sweetlip
Lethrinus laticaudis
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Fresh fish / squid baitsSoft plasticsPrawn / crab baitsCut baitsSmall jigsLive baitsLight leaders over reefFast luresFeatureless mud
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural tones; small jigs on reef
Retrieve Speed
Slow hops and static baits near reef
Movement Pattern
Fresh baits and soft plastics worked over inshore reef and coral rubble, best in low light.
Gear
Medium bait/bottom gear, heavy-ish leader; fish/squid baits and plastics over reef and rubble.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Inshore reef, coral rubble and headland ground of tropical/subtropical Australia
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — A solid, dogged fight for cover — a game inshore-reef bottom fish on light-to-medium tackle.
Eating Quality
Excellent — sweet white flesh, a prized table fish.
Size Range
0.5–2.5 kg · 1–5.5 lb (specimens to 4 kg+)
World Record
a reef sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dusk, Night, Day
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
22–28°C / 72–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Tide and low light over reef fish best
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and lightly coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Reef and rubble foraging predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
An inshore-reef emperor that forages coral rubble and reef edges for crustaceans and molluscs, a strong bottom bite
Schooling
Loose groups over reef
Predator / Prey
Eats: crustaceans, molluscs, small fish. Eaten by: cod, sharks, larger fish
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Keep a legal feed and release the rest; respect size and possession limits. A sweet-eating inshore reef staple.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under QLD/WA/NT reef rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
An inshore-reef emperor of tropical and subtropical Australia, foraging coral rubble and headland reef. A game, dogged bottom sport fish on bait and plastics — and, true to its name, a sweet and prized reef table fish.
Fingermark
Lutjanus johnii
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Live baitsSoft plastics / vibesHardbody luresFresh cut baitsJigsPrawnsLight leaders near coverSlow strikesOpen-water tactics
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish tones; dark patterns at night
Retrieve Speed
Twitch and pause near cover; hold hard on the strike
Movement Pattern
Hardbodies, vibes, soft plastics and live baits worked tight to snags and reef — winch fish clear instantly.
Gear
Medium-heavy baitcast/spin, heavy leader, locked drag; hardbodies, plastics, vibes and live baits near cover.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Estuary snags, rock bars and inshore/coastal reef of tropical northern Australia
Depth Range
2–50 m / 7–165 ft
Structure
Snags, rock bars, reef edges, wrecks, bridge pylons
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — A hard, immediate power dive for structure — a prized, tough-fighting golden snapper that tests locked drags on light-to-medium gear.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm white flesh, a top table fish.
Size Range
1–5 kg · 2–11 lb (specimens to 8 kg+)
World Record
a prized tropical sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dusk, Night
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm nights, low light and tide movement fire them up
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear and coloured water; ambushes from cover
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Ambush reef/estuary predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A golden tropical snapper that holds tight to snags, rock and reef in estuaries and inshore, hitting lures and baits hard
Schooling
Groups around structure
Predator / Prey
Eats: fish, prawns, crustaceans. Eaten by: sharks, cod, larger fish
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Handle quickly, mind the teeth, and release or keep within limits; slower-growing structure fish worth respecting.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under QLD/WA/NT rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A golden tropical snapper of northern Australian estuaries, rock bars and inshore reef. A prized, hard-fighting light-to-medium tackle target that bolts for cover on the strike — and one of the finest reef table fish.
Red Bass
Lutjanus bohar
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Poppers / stickbaitsVertical jigsLive baitsLarge soft plasticsTrolled luresFresh fish baitsLight tackleSlow tacticsKeeping for the table
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright poppers/stickbaits and flashy jigs
Retrieve Speed
Fast, aggressive surface work and jigging
Movement Pattern
Poppers and stickbaits worked over reef edges and bommies, plus jigs — hold hard the instant they strike.
Gear
Heavy popping/jigging gear, heavy leader, locked drag; poppers, stickbaits and jigs over reef.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Coral reefs and bommies of the Coral Sea, GBR and tropical Pacific
Depth Range
3–80 m / 10–260 ft
Structure
Coral heads, bommies, reef edges, drop-offs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — A savage strike and a brutal, unstoppable dive for the reef — one of the hardest-pulling reef fish, testing heavy popping and jigging gear to the limit.
Eating Quality
n/a — a notorious ciguatera carrier; release only, not for the table.
Size Range
2–8 kg · 4–18 lb (specimens to 12 kg+)
World Record
a hard-fighting reef sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months on tropical reefs
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Tide and current over the reef fire them up
Water Clarity
Feeds by sight in clear tropical water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Aggressive reef ambush predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A powerful, aggressive coral-reef snapper that smashes lures and bolts for the reef — a superb catch-and-release brawler
Schooling
Groups over reef; larger fish looser
Predator / Prey
Eats: reef fish, crustaceans, cephalopods. Eaten by: sharks, larger fish
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A ciguatera risk — do not eat; a pure catch-and-release sport fish. Handle quickly, mind the teeth, and release over the reef.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Not for consumption due to ciguatera risk; managed under reef rules and best released. Check local regulations and green-zone closures.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A powerful, aggressive coral-reef snapper of the Coral Sea and tropical Pacific, and a superb catch-and-release brawler on poppers and jigs. Notorious as a ciguatera carrier, so it's strictly a sport fish — never one for the table.
Green Jobfish
Aprion virescens
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Speed / vertical jigsStickbaitsLive baitsSoft plasticsTrolled luresFresh fish baitsSlow static tacticsLight tackle over reefCold water
Optimal Lure Colour
Flashy silver/blue jigs; natural stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Fast jigging and lure work
Movement Pattern
Speed jigs, stickbaits and live baits worked over reef edges and drop-offs for fast, roaming fish.
Gear
Medium-heavy spin/jig, braid and leader; speed jigs, stickbaits, plastics and live baits over reef edges.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Reef edges, drop-offs and lumps of the tropical Pacific and northern Australia
Depth Range
5–120 m / 16–390 ft
Structure
Reef edges, drop-offs, pinnacles, current lines
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Fast, powerful runs and dogged head-shaking on jig and lure — a superb, hard-pulling tropical sport fish that fights above its size.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm white flesh, prized (the Hawaiian 'uku').
Size Range
2–10 kg · 4–22 lb (specimens to 15 kg+)
World Record
a prized Pacific sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months over tropical reef and drop-offs
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Current over reef edges and drop-offs concentrates feeding
Water Clarity
Feeds by sight in clear tropical water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast reef-associated pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A sleek, fast jobfish that roams reef edges and drop-offs in midwater, hitting jigs, lures and baits with speed and power
Handle quickly, bleed any kept for the table, and release the rest; a prized, fast sport fish across the Pacific.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under regional/Pacific and northern-Australian rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A sleek, fast jobfish of tropical Pacific and northern Australian reef edges and drop-offs — the celebrated 'uku' of Hawaii. A superb hard-pulling jigging and lure target that roams midwater and fights well above its size, and prime on the table.
Wahoo
Acanthocybium solandri
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
High-speed trolled luresBibbed minnowsStickbaits / jigsRigged gar / fish baitsSkirted luresLive baitsFine unwired leaders (cut off)Slow tacticsCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Flashy dark/purple and natural high-speed skirts and minnows
Retrieve Speed
Very fast — high-speed trolling and fast lure work
Movement Pattern
High-speed trolled skirts and bibbed minnows over reef edges and current lines; fast-cast stickbaits to surface fish.
Tropical and subtropical blue water, reef edges and currents of northern Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0–60 m / 0–200 ft
Structure
Reef edges, drop-offs, current lines, FADs, temperature edges
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — A scorching, reel-screaming first run at extraordinary speed — one of the fastest, most exciting pelagic strikes, though the razor teeth demand wire.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm white flesh, prime eating (the Hawaiian 'ono').
Size Range
5–25 kg · 11–55 lb (specimens to 40 kg+)
World Record
~83 kg / 184 lb class (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months over tropical and subtropical blue water
Water Temp
22–28°C / 72–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm blue water and bait/current edges concentrate fish
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clear blue water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
High-speed pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
One of the fastest fish in the sea — a sleek, toothy pelagic that slashes bait at blistering speed near reefs, currents and structure
Mind the razor teeth — use wire and pliers. Bleed and ice any kept for the table; a prime eating pelagic.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under regional rules with possession limits in places; take responsibly for the table. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
One of the fastest fish in the ocean, a sleek toothy pelagic of tropical and subtropical blue water off northern Australia and across the Pacific. A high-speed trolling icon famed for scorching runs — and, as Hawaii's 'ono', superb on the plate.
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish)
Coryphaena hippurus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Skirted trolled luresStickbaits / plasticsLive baitsRigged fish baitsFliesSmall metalsSlow deep tacticsCold green waterHeavy static baits
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright green/yellow, pink and flashy skirts and lures
Retrieve Speed
Fast lure work; trolled skirts
Movement Pattern
Trolled skirts and casting lures/flies around FADs, weed lines and flotsam; keep a hooked fish in the water to hold the school.
Gear
Medium spin/trolling; skirts, stickbaits, plastics, flies and live baits around FADs and debris.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Warm blue water, FADs, current lines and floating debris off Australia and across the Pacific
Depth Range
0–40 m / 0–130 ft
Structure
FADs, weed lines, flotsam, current edges, temperature breaks
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Fast, dazzling runs and spectacular greyhounding leaps — a brilliant, acrobatic light-tackle pelagic and a blaze of colour boatside.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm, versatile white flesh, prime eating.
Size Range
2–15 kg · 4–33 lb (bulls to 20 kg+)
World Record
~39 kg / 87 lb class (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months around FADs, current lines and floating debris
Water Temp
22–30°C / 72–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm blue water and any floating structure gather fish
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear warm water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast surface pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months, fast-growing and short-lived
Activity Pattern
A brilliantly coloured, fast-growing surface pelagic that gathers around FADs, weed lines and flotsam, feeding in fast schools
Bleed and ice any kept for the table; fast-growing and abundant but take responsibly. Keeping one hooked fish in the water often holds the school.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under regional rules with possession limits in places. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A brilliantly coloured, fast-growing surface pelagic that gathers around FADs, weed lines and flotsam in warm water off Australia and across the Pacific. A dazzling, acrobatic light-tackle gamefish — and prime eating as dorado or mahi mahi.
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Live baitsBig soft plastics / jigsCast lures to sighted fishFresh crab / fish baitsTrolled luresStickbaitsLight tackleSlow deep tacticsCold water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural crab/baitfish tones; bright jigs
Retrieve Speed
Steady to fast; cast to sighted fish
Movement Pattern
Big soft plastics, jigs and live baits cast to fish sighted around structure, buoys and rays, or worked over wrecks.
Gear
Heavy spin/jig, heavy leader; big soft plastics, jigs, live baits and cast lures to sighted fish around structure.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Inshore and offshore structure, wrecks, buoys and reefs of tropical/subtropical Australia
A hard-pulling prize — handle carefully boatside, bleed any kept for the table, and release the rest within limits.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A powerful, curious pelagic that shadows wrecks, buoys, reefs and even large rays off tropical and subtropical Australia. A hard-pulling, dogged sport fish that's a thrill to sight-cast to around structure — and prime eating.
Queenfish
Scomberoides commersonnianus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Metal slugs / stickbaitsSurface poppersSoft plastics / fliesSmall hardbodiesLive baitsVibesSlow tacticsHeavy static baitsCold water
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright chrome/white metals and surface lures
Retrieve Speed
Fast, erratic surface work
Movement Pattern
Fast-retrieved metals, stickbaits and poppers over flats and around structure; flies for surface feeders.
Gear
Light-medium spin, braid and leader; surface lures, metals, stickbaits, plastics and flies.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Tropical flats, headlands, estuary mouths, jetties and inshore reef of northern Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0–20 m / 0–66 ft
Structure
Flats, headlands, jetties, current lines, bait schools
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Blistering runs and spectacular leaps on light tackle — a fantastic, acrobatic sport fish that fights hard and jumps repeatedly.
Eating Quality
Fair — dark, dry flesh; usually released as a sport fish.
Size Range
1–6 kg · 2–13 lb (specimens to 10 kg+)
World Record
a light-tackle sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months in the tropics
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm conditions and a run of bait bring surface feeding
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clear tropical water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast surface pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A slim, fast tropical pelagic that smashes bait on the surface around flats, headlands and structure — brilliant, acrobatic light-tackle sport
Schooling
Fast schools
Predator / Prey
Eats: small fish, prawns, squid. Eaten by: sharks, larger pelagics
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A great catch-and-release sport fish — handle quickly (they're slimy 'leatherskins'), and release; keep only for bait if needed.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A slim, fast tropical pelagic of northern Australian flats, headlands and estuary mouths. A brilliant, acrobatic light-tackle and fly sport fish famed for blistering runs and repeated leaps — mostly enjoyed catch-and-release.
Spotted Mackerel
Scomberomorus munroi
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small metal slugs / spoonsFast-retrieved metalsFlies over baitSmall stickbaitsPilchards (float/berley)Live small baitsFine unwired leaders (bite-offs)Slow tacticsCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright chrome and white small metals
Retrieve Speed
Very fast — burn small metals through schools
Movement Pattern
Small metal slugs and spoons cast into and burned through surface-feeding schools; flies over frenzies.
Gear
Light spin with a short wire/heavy leader; small metal slugs, spoons and flies cast to feeding schools.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Coastal and inshore waters, headlands and bait grounds of eastern/northern Australia
Depth Range
0–30 m / 0–100 ft
Structure
Bait schools, headlands, current lines, reef edges
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — Fast, sizzling runs on light tackle — great sport in the frenzy, and superb light-line action when schools are feeding.
Eating Quality
Good — best bled and iced immediately; a fine eating mackerel.
Size Range
1–4 kg · 2–9 lb (specimens to 6 kg+)
World Record
a schooling sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months on the migration
Water Temp
22–28°C / 72–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
A run of bait and settled conditions bring feeding schools inshore
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clean water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast schooling pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A fast, schooling mackerel that migrates along the coast smashing baitfish, often in spectacular surface feeding frenzies
Mind the sharp teeth — a short trace helps. Bleed and ice any kept immediately; take responsibly within limits.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits; migratory schools are seasonally important. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A fast, schooling mackerel that migrates along the eastern and northern Australian coast in spectacular surface frenzies. A brilliant light-line sport fish when the schools fire up on bait — burn a small metal through them and hang on.
Mackerel Tuna
Euthynnus affinis
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small metal slugsStickbaits / plasticsFliesSmall trolled luresLive small baitsSpoonsSlow tacticsHeavy static baitsCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright small metals; natural stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Fast — burn metals through busts
Movement Pattern
Small metals, stickbaits and flies cast into surface busts and retrieved fast for hard-pulling little tuna.
Gear
Light spin, braid and leader; small metals, stickbaits, plastics and flies cast to busts; also caught for bait.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Coastal and offshore surface water of tropical/subtropical Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0–40 m / 0–130 ft
Structure
Surface bait busts, current lines, headlands, FADs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — Fast, powerful runs on light tackle well above its size — genuine tuna-style sport in miniature, and a favourite light-line target.
Eating Quality
Fair — dark, strong flesh; prized more as prime live/dead bait for marlin and sharks.
Size Range
2–8 kg · 4–18 lb (specimens to 12 kg+)
World Record
a light-tackle tuna — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
22–30°C / 72–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Bait and settled conditions bring surface feeding busts
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clear water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast schooling tuna predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A fast little tuna that busts baitfish on the surface in schools, providing hard light-tackle sport and prime bait
Schooling
Fast surface schools
Predator / Prey
Eats: small baitfish, squid. Eaten by: marlin, sharks, larger tuna
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Great catch-and-release light-tackle sport; if keeping for bait, bleed and ice promptly. A key marlin and shark bait.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under regional rules; take responsibly, often used for bait. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A fast little tuna (the kawakawa or 'mack tuna') that busts baitfish on the surface in schools off tropical and subtropical Australia and the Pacific. Hard, tuna-style light-tackle sport well above its size — and one of the premier live and dead baits for marlin and sharks.
Longtail Tuna
Thunnus tonggol
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small metals / stickbaitsSoft plasticsFlies (to match bait)Small trolled luresLive baitsSpoonsOversized luresSlow tacticsHeavy visible leaders
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish-matching metals and stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Fast, matching the fleeing bait
Movement Pattern
Small metals, stickbaits, plastics and flies cast ahead of fast busts and matched to the bait size for fussy fish.
Gear
Light-medium spin, braid and long fluoro leader; small metals, stickbaits, plastics and flies to match the bait.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Coastal and inshore surface water of northern/eastern Australia
Depth Range
0–40 m / 0–130 ft
Structure
Surface bait busts, headlands, current lines, bait grounds
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Long, blistering, dogged runs on light tackle from a genuine tuna — a prized inshore sport fish that tests drags and stamina, and can be maddeningly fussy to hook.
Eating Quality
Fair to good — pale flesh, best bled and iced; better than its 'northern bluefin' reputation.
Size Range
4–15 kg · 9–33 lb (specimens to 25 kg+)
World Record
~35 kg / 79 lb class — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months inshore
Water Temp
20–28°C / 68–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Bait runs and settled conditions bring fussy surface busts
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clean water; often line-shy in clear water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast schooling tuna predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
A prized inshore tuna that busts baitfish in fast, fussy surface schools along the coast, giving blistering light-tackle sport
Schooling
Fast surface schools, often feeding selectively
Predator / Prey
Eats: small baitfish, prawns, squid. Eaten by: sharks, larger predators
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A prized inshore sport fish — handle quickly, bleed any kept, and release most. Great catch-and-release light-tackle tuna action.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with possession limits in places. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A prized inshore tuna (the Australian 'northern bluefin' or longtail) that busts baitfish in fast, fussy surface schools along the northern and eastern coast. A blistering light-tackle sport fish that tests drags, stamina and lure choice in equal measure.
Australian Bonito
Sarda australis
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small metal slugsTrolled small skirtsStickbaits / fliesSpoonsLive small baitsPilchardsSlow tacticsHeavy static baitsCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright small metals; natural stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Fast — burn metals through schools
Movement Pattern
Small metals and stickbaits cast to schools around headlands and washes, or small skirts trolled along the wash.
Gear
Light spin, braid and leader; small metals, stickbaits, small skirts trolled, and flies.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Headlands, washes, bays and inshore water of eastern/southern Australia
Depth Range
0–30 m / 0–100 ft
Structure
Headlands, washes, bommies, bait schools, current lines
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — Fast, powerful runs on light tackle for its size — spirited sport, and a prized live and dead bait for kingfish and marlin.
Eating Quality
Fair — dark, strong flesh; prized more as bait, though good bled and fresh.
Size Range
1–4 kg · 2–9 lb (specimens to 6 kg+)
World Record
a light-tackle pelagic — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months around headlands and washes
Water Temp
16–24°C / 61–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Bait and settled conditions bring feeding schools inshore
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clean water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast schooling pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A fast, striped schooling pelagic that harries baitfish around headlands, washes and bait schools — spirited light-tackle sport and prime bait
Schooling
Fast schools
Predator / Prey
Eats: small baitfish, squid. Eaten by: kingfish, tuna, sharks
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Spirited catch-and-release sport; if keeping for bait, bleed and ice promptly. A prime kingfish and marlin bait.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules; take responsibly, often used for bait. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A fast, striped schooling pelagic of eastern and southern Australian headlands and washes. Spirited light-tackle sport on small metals and stickbaits — and one of the most prized live and dead baits for kingfish and marlin.
Samson Fish
Seriola hippos
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Speed / vertical jigsLive baitsStickbaitsLarge soft plasticsTrolled luresFresh fish baitsLight tackleSlow tacticsSlack line over reef
Optimal Lure Colour
Flashy silver/blue speed jigs; natural stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Fast, aggressive jigging; live baits over structure
Movement Pattern
High-speed vertical jigging over deep reef and wrecks, plus live baits and stickbaits — hold hard the instant they strike.
Gear
Heavy jigging/popping gear, heavy leader, locked drag; speed jigs, stickbaits and live baits over structure.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Deep reef, wrecks and lumps of southern/western Australia (famed off Perth)
Depth Range
10–120 m / 33–390 ft
Structure
Deep reef, wrecks, lumps, pinnacles, drop-offs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Savage, unstoppable power — a big samson crash-dives for the reef and can be almost impossible to turn; a benchmark test of heavy jigging tackle and stamina.
Eating Quality
Fair — often released as a sport fish (larger fish can carry parasites); a jigging sport target above all.
Size Range
5–25 kg · 11–55 lb (specimens to 40 kg+)
World Record
~53 kg / 117 lb class — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Cooler–warmer months over deep reef and structure
Water Temp
16–24°C / 61–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Current over deep structure and spawning windows fish best
Water Clarity
Feeds by sight and speed over structure
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Powerful reef/structure pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months (famous spawning aggregations off WA)
Activity Pattern
A brutally powerful relative of the kingfish and amberjack that holds over deep reef, wrecks and lumps and crash-dives when hooked
Schooling
Groups over structure; big spawning aggregations off WA
A hard-pulling sport target — handle quickly and release, especially spawning aggregations. Respect any closures protecting them.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under WA/state rules with size and bag limits and protections on spawning aggregations. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A brutally powerful relative of the kingfish and amberjack, holding over deep reef, wrecks and lumps in southern and western Australia — with famous spawning aggregations off Perth. A benchmark heavy-jigging sport fish that crash-dives with unstoppable power.
Yellowfin Tuna
Thunnus albacares
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Trolled skirtsCube / berley baitsStickbaits / jigsLive baitsRigged fish baitsTrolled minnowsLight tackleHeavy visible leadersCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural and dark skirts; flashy stickbaits/jigs
Retrieve Speed
Trolled skirts; fast lure work; cube-drift baits
Movement Pattern
Trolled skirts along current edges, cube/berley baiting on the drift, and cast stickbaits or jigs to surface-feeding schools.
Gear
Heavy stand-up trolling/spin gear; skirts, cube/berley baiting, stickbaits and jigs; strong leaders.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Blue water, shelf edges and currents off Australia and across the Pacific
Depth Range
0–150 m / 0–490 ft
Structure
Shelf edges, current lines, temperature breaks, bird/bait schools, FADs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Brutal, deep, dogged runs and a punishing down-and-under fight — one of the great tests of stand-up tackle and stamina, pound for pound a heavyweight.
Eating Quality
Excellent — prime sashimi-grade flesh when bled and iced.
Size Range
10–60 kg · 22–132 lb (specimens to 100 kg+)
World Record
~193 kg / 427 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months over blue water and shelf
Water Temp
20–28°C / 68–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm blue water, current edges and bait/bird activity concentrate fish
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear blue water; can be leader-shy
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Powerful pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
A fast, immensely powerful blue-water tuna that roams the shelf and currents in schools, feeding hard and running deep
A prime table and sport fish — bleed and ice immediately, and take responsibly within limits; release fish not needed.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under Commonwealth/regional rules with possession limits; a highly migratory species. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A fast, immensely powerful blue-water tuna that roams shelf edges and currents off Australia and across the Pacific. One of the great heavyweight sport fish on stand-up tackle — punishing to fight and prime sashimi on the table.
Southern Bluefin Tuna
Thunnus maccoyii
Saltwater⚠ Species at Risk
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🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Trolled skirts / minnowsCube / berley baitsStickbaitsLive baitsRigged fish baitsJigsUndergunned tackleHeavy visible leadersWarm green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural and dark skirts; flashy stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Trolled skirts/minnows; cube-drift; fast lures to busts
Movement Pattern
Trolled skirts and minnows along shelf edges, cube/berley baiting on the drift, and stickbaits cast to surface busts.
Gear
Heavy trolling/stand-up gear; skirts, trolled minnows, cube baiting, stickbaits; very strong tackle for barrels.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Cool southern blue water and shelf off SA, VIC, TAS, NSW and WA
Depth Range
0–100 m / 0–330 ft
Structure
Shelf edges, current lines, bird/bait schools, temperature breaks
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Relentless, brutal power — a big SBT 'barrel' is one of the ultimate stand-up battles, testing tackle, drag and angler to the absolute limit.
Eating Quality
Excellent — premium sashimi-grade flesh (also a valued conservation species).
Size Range
8–80 kg · 18–176 lb (barrels to 150 kg+)
World Record
~167 kg / 368 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Autumn–winter along the southern coast
Water Temp
12–20°C / 54–68°F
Weather Sensitivity
Winter migration, bait and bird activity drive the fishing
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear cool water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Powerful cool-water pelagic predator
Spawning
Spring–summer in the Indian Ocean; slow to mature
Activity Pattern
A powerful, cool-water bluefin that migrates along southern Australia in winter, feeding hard in schools and giving world-class heavy-tackle sport
A slow-growing, conservation-dependent species — observe strict possession limits, take only what you need, and release fish carefully.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A quota-managed, conservation-dependent species with strict possession limits and rules; historically overfished. Check current Commonwealth/state regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
⚠ Endangered / conservation-dependent
A powerful cool-water bluefin that migrates along southern Australia each winter, giving world-class heavy-tackle sport — big 'barrels' are among the ultimate stand-up battles. A slow-growing, conservation-dependent species to be fished within strict limits.
Albacore Tuna
Thunnus alalunga
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Trolled skirts / minnowsCube baitsJigsLive baitsStickbaitsRigged baitsLight tackleHeavy visible leadersWarm green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural and dark small-medium skirts
Retrieve Speed
Trolled skirts; cube-drift baits
Movement Pattern
Small to medium trolled skirts and minnows along shelf edges, plus cube baiting and jigs on holding fish.
Gear
Medium-heavy trolling/spin; small-medium skirts, minnows, cube baits and jigs.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Blue water and shelf edges off southern/eastern Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0–100 m / 0–330 ft
Structure
Shelf edges, current lines, temperature breaks, bait schools
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Strong, dogged, deep runs and circling for a mid-size tuna — reliable, hard-pulling trolling and cube sport.
Bleed and ice immediately for premium flesh; take responsibly within limits and release fish not needed.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under Commonwealth/regional rules with possession limits; a highly migratory species. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A long-finned tuna that schools over blue water and shelf edges off southern and eastern Australia and the Pacific. Reliable, hard-pulling trolling and cube sport — and the classic 'albacore', pale-fleshed and prime on the plate.
Skipjack Tuna
Katsuwonus pelamis
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small metals / stickbaitsSmall trolled skirtsFlies / plasticsLive small baitsSpoonsJigsSlow tacticsHeavy static baitsCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright small metals; natural stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Fast — burn metals through busts
Movement Pattern
Small metals, stickbaits and flies cast into surface busts, plus small trolled skirts; a favourite marlin livebait.
Gear
Light-medium spin, braid and leader; small metals, stickbaits, jigs and flies to busts; also a key bait.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Blue water, shelf edges and current lines off Australia and across the Pacific
Depth Range
0–60 m / 0–200 ft
Structure
Surface busts, current lines, FADs, bird/bait schools
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — Fast, powerful runs on light tackle well above its size — genuine tuna sport in miniature, and a prime marlin bait.
Eating Quality
Fair — dark, strong flesh; prized more as prime live/dead bait, though good bled and fresh.
Size Range
2–8 kg · 4–18 lb (specimens to 12 kg+)
World Record
~20 kg / 45 lb class (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months
Water Temp
20–28°C / 68–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Bait, birds and current edges bring surface busts
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clear water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast schooling tuna predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
A fast, striped little tuna that busts baitfish on the surface in big schools, giving hard light-tackle sport and prime bait
Great light-tackle sport; if keeping for bait, bleed and ice promptly. A prime live and dead marlin bait.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under Commonwealth/regional rules; take responsibly, often used for bait. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A fast, striped little tuna that busts baitfish on the surface in big schools over blue water off Australia and across the Pacific. Genuine tuna sport in miniature on light tackle — and one of the premier live and dead baits for marlin.
Striped Marlin
Kajikia audax
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Trolled skirts / teasersSwitch / live baitsRigged swim baitsTrolled minnowsDead-bait skip baitsStickbaits (rare)Light tacklePoor hookset habitsCold green water
Trolled skirts and teasers, switch-baiting to raised fish, and live/rigged baits along shelf edges and current lines.
Gear
Heavy game/trolling gear; skirted lures, switch-baiting, live and rigged baits; circle hooks for release.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Blue water and shelf edges off eastern Australia and New Zealand (and the Pacific)
Depth Range
0–100 m / 0–330 ft
Structure
Shelf edges, current lines, bait schools, temperature breaks, FADs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Blistering runs and dazzling tail-walking leaps — one of the most acrobatic and spectacular billfish, a blue-riband gamefish prized for the show as much as the fight.
Eating Quality
Good but almost always tagged and released as a premier gamefish.
Size Range
40–120 kg · 88–265 lb (specimens to 180 kg+)
World Record
~224 kg / 494 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Late summer–autumn on the game grounds
Water Temp
18–25°C / 64–77°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm blue water and bait concentrations drive the fishing
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear blue water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Apex pelagic billfish predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
A spectacular, acrobatic billfish that hunts bait schools on the surface and is famed for tail-walking, greyhounding fights — a premier gamefish, especially off NZ and eastern Australia
Schooling
Solitary or loose groups; gather on bait
Predator / Prey
Eats: tuna, squid, baitfish. Eaten by: large sharks (apex otherwise)
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A premier gamefish — use circle hooks, minimise fight time, and tag and release. Support billfish carefully boatside and revive before release.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A premier gamefish, tag-and-release strongly encouraged; managed under game-fishing and Commonwealth/NZ rules. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A spectacular, acrobatic billfish famed for tail-walking, greyhounding fights over the game grounds of eastern Australia and New Zealand. A blue-riband sport fish, prized for the show as much as the battle — and almost always tagged and released.
Black Marlin
Istiompax indica
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Large trolled skirtsSwimming / rigged baitsLive baitsTrolled dead baitsTeasers + pitch baitsStickbaits (small fish)Undergunned tacklePoor leadering/tag techniqueCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Large bright game skirts; natural rigged baits
Retrieve Speed
Trolled large lures and swim baits
Movement Pattern
Large trolled skirts and swimming/rigged baits worked along ribbon reefs and current lines for giant fish.
Gear
Heavy game gear (24–60 kg); large skirted lures and swimming/rigged baits (scaly mackerel, tuna); circle hooks for release.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Blue water and reef edges off the northern GBR and tropical/subtropical Australia
Depth Range
0–100 m / 0–330 ft
Structure
Reef edges, ribbon reefs, current lines, bait concentrations
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Awesome power and spectacular leaps from a fish that can top 1000 lb — the ultimate heavy-tackle big-game battle, the fish that made Cairns world-famous.
Eating Quality
n/a — a premier gamefish, tagged and released.
Size Range
50–200 kg · 110–440 lb (Cairns 'granders' to 450 kg+ / 1000 lb+)
World Record
~708 kg / 1560 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Spring–early summer (Sep–Dec) on the Great Barrier Reef
Water Temp
22–28°C / 72–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
The spring GBR run and bait concentrations drive the giant fishery
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear blue water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Apex pelagic billfish predator
Spawning
Spring–summer off the northern GBR
Activity Pattern
The giant of Australian gamefishing — huge black marlin gather off the northern Great Barrier Reef to feed and spawn, the pinnacle of heavy-tackle big-game fishing
Schooling
Solitary; gather seasonally to feed/spawn
Predator / Prey
Eats: tuna, mackerel, squid. Eaten by: large sharks (apex otherwise)
♻ Catch & Release Notes
The pinnacle gamefish — use appropriate heavy tackle, minimise fight time, and tag and release. Careful leadering and reviving are essential for these giants.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A premier gamefish, tag-and-release strongly encouraged (especially large females); managed under game-fishing and reef rules. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The giant of Australian gamefishing — huge black marlin gather off the northern Great Barrier Reef each spring to feed and spawn, the fish that made Cairns a world big-game capital. 'Granders' over 1000 lb are the ultimate heavy-tackle prize, tagged and released.
Blue Marlin
Makaira nigricans
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Large trolled skirtsRigged swim baitsLive baitsTrolled minnows (large)Teasers + pitch baitsDead baitsUndergunned tacklePoor leadering techniqueCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Large bright and dark game skirts
Retrieve Speed
Trolled large lures at game speed
Movement Pattern
Large trolled skirts and rigged swim baits worked over deep blue water, currents and seamounts for roaming fish.
Gear
Heavy game/trolling gear; large skirted lures and rigged swim baits; circle hooks on baits for release.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Deep blue water, currents and seamounts off Australia and across the Pacific
Depth Range
0–120 m / 0–390 ft
Structure
Current lines, seamounts, temperature breaks, bait concentrations, FADs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Raw, brutal power and blistering runs with jarring leaps — the heavyweight bruiser of the billfish, a punishing deep-water big-game battle.
Eating Quality
n/a — a premier gamefish, tagged and released.
Size Range
80–250 kg · 176–550 lb (specimens to 400 kg+)
World Record
~636 kg / 1402 lb (Pacific, non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months over deep blue water
Water Temp
24–28°C / 75–82°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm blue water, currents and bait concentrations drive the fishing
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear deep-blue water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Apex blue-water billfish predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
A powerful deep-blue-water billfish that roams far offshore currents and seamounts, giving raw, brutal big-game fights
Schooling
Solitary
Predator / Prey
Eats: tuna, dolphinfish, squid. Eaten by: large sharks (apex otherwise)
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A premier gamefish — use appropriate heavy tackle, minimise fight time, and tag and release with careful leadering and reviving.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A premier gamefish, tag-and-release strongly encouraged; managed under game-fishing and Commonwealth rules. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The heavyweight bruiser of the billfish, roaming deep blue water, currents and seamounts off Australia and across the Pacific. A raw, brutal big-game fight prized by offshore anglers — tagged and released as a premier sport fish.
Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Trolled small skirts / teasersSwitch / live baitsStickbaitsRigged skip baitsTrolled minnowsPoppers (raised fish)Heavy dull tacklePoor hookset habitsCold green water
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright small game skirts; natural switch/live baits
Retrieve Speed
Trolled lures/teasers; bait-and-switch
Movement Pattern
Trolled small skirts and teasers, switch-baiting to raised fish, and live baits and stickbaits over current lines and reef edges.
Gear
Light-medium game/spin; small skirts, switch-baiting, live baits, stickbaits; circle hooks for release.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Tropical blue water, reef edges and current lines off northern Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0–60 m / 0–200 ft
Structure
Current lines, reef edges, bait schools, temperature breaks, FADs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Explosive, greyhounding leaps and blistering runs on light tackle — one of the most spectacular, acrobatic gamefish, all show and speed.
Eating Quality
Good but almost always tagged and released as a premier light-tackle gamefish.
Size Range
15–45 kg · 33–99 lb (specimens to 60 kg+)
World Record
~100 kg / 221 lb (Pacific, non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months in the tropics
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm water and bait concentrations bring feeding fish up
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear tropical water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast pelagic billfish predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
The fastest-accelerating billfish — a spectacular, acrobatic sailfish that herds baitfish with its huge sail and is a premier light-tackle gamefish
Schooling
Solitary or loose groups on bait
Predator / Prey
Eats: baitfish, squid, small tuna. Eaten by: large sharks, marlin
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A premier light-tackle gamefish — use circle hooks, minimise fight time, and tag and release; support and revive carefully boatside.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A premier gamefish, tag-and-release strongly encouraged; managed under game-fishing rules. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The fastest-accelerating billfish, herding baitfish with its huge sail in tropical waters off northern Australia and across the Pacific. A spectacular, acrobatic light-tackle gamefish — all speed and greyhounding leaps — and almost always tagged and released.
Broadbill Swordfish
Xiphias gladius
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Rigged squid baits (deep-drop)Rigged fish baitsLighted deep rigsNight surface baitsLarge trolled baits (rare)Live baitsLight tackleShallow tactics by dayPoor depth control
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural squid/fish baits with lights (deep-drop)
Retrieve Speed
n/a — deep-set baits with depth control
Movement Pattern
Rigged squid and fish baits deep-set with weights and lights on the daytime grounds; drifting baits at night.
Gear
Heavy deep-drop gear (electric or manual), heavy leaders, lights and deep-set squid/fish baits; specialised rigs.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Deep blue water and shelf drop-offs off eastern/southern Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
300–700 m / 985–2300 ft (daytime), shallower at night
Structure
Deep drop-offs, canyons, current lines, deep bait concentrations
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — An immense, dogged deep-water battle from hundreds of metres down — physically punishing, technical and demanding, the ultimate deep-drop big-game challenge.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm, meaty flesh, highly prized.
Size Range
40–200 kg · 88–440 lb (specimens to 300 kg+)
World Record
~536 kg / 1182 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Night, Day (deep)
Best Season
Year-round on the deep grounds (daytime deep-dropping)
Water Temp
Surface 18–24°C; feeds deep in cold water
Weather Sensitivity
A deep-dropping fishery driven by drift, current and depth control rather than surface conditions
Water Clarity
Hunts deep by sensory means and sight; often in the dark depths
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Deep and surface pelagic billfish predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
A powerful, deep-dwelling billfish that hunts squid and fish in the depths by day and rises at night — targeted by demanding daytime deep-dropping
Schooling
Solitary
Predator / Prey
Eats: squid, fish, deep prey. Eaten by: large sharks (apex otherwise)
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A demanding deep-water fishery — respect possession limits, handle carefully, and release fish not needed. Deep fish need proper handling.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under Commonwealth/regional rules with possession limits; a highly migratory species. Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A powerful, deep-dwelling billfish that hunts the depths by day and rises at night, targeted off eastern and southern Australia by demanding daytime deep-dropping. The ultimate deep-water big-game challenge — physically punishing, technical, and prime on the table.
Dogtooth Tuna
Gymnosarda unicolor
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Speed / vertical jigsStickbaits / poppersLive baitsLarge soft plasticsTrolled luresFresh fish baitsLight tackleSlow tacticsSlack line over reef
Optimal Lure Colour
Flashy silver/blue speed jigs; natural stickbaits
Retrieve Speed
Fast, aggressive jigging and popping
Movement Pattern
High-speed vertical jigs and stickbaits/poppers worked over bommies and reef edges — hold hard the instant they strike.
Gear
Heavy jigging/popping gear, heavy leader, locked drag; speed jigs, stickbaits and poppers over reef.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Tropical reef edges, bommies and drop-offs of the Coral Sea and Pacific
Depth Range
5–150 m / 16–490 ft
Structure
Bommies, reef edges, drop-offs, pinnacles, current lines
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — An instant, savage, unstoppable dive for the reef — pound for pound one of the hardest-pulling fish in the sea, a benchmark test of heavy jigging and popping gear.
Eating Quality
Variable — can carry ciguatera in some areas; often released as a sport fish.
Size Range
5–40 kg · 11–88 lb (specimens to 80 kg+)
World Record
~131 kg / 289 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day, Dawn
Best Season
Warmer months over tropical reef and drop-offs
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Current over reef edges and bommies fires them up
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear tropical water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Powerful reef-associated pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A brutally powerful reef-associated tuna of the Coral Sea and Pacific that ambushes prey around bommies and drop-offs — the ultimate jigging and popping bruiser
A hard-pulling sport fish — handle quickly and release (mind ciguatera before eating). Big fish are important; support and revive over the reef.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under reef/regional rules; ciguatera risk in places, best released. Check local regulations and green-zone closures.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A brutally powerful reef-associated tuna of the Coral Sea and Pacific, ambushing prey around bommies and drop-offs. Pound for pound one of the hardest-pulling fish in the sea — the ultimate jigging and popping bruiser, usually released as a pure sport fish.
Bright and flashy stickbaits, metals and tube lures
Retrieve Speed
Very fast — barracuda love a fleeing lure
Movement Pattern
Fast-retrieved stickbaits, metals and long tube lures worked over reef edges and flats for explosive strikes.
Gear
Medium spin, wire trace; fast-retrieved stickbaits, metals, hardbodies and tube lures over reef and flats.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Reef edges, flats, wrecks and inshore structure of tropical Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0–40 m / 0–130 ft
Structure
Reef edges, flats, wrecks, jetties, current lines, bait schools
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Explosive, slashing strikes and fast runs with head-shaking leaps — a thrilling, hard-hitting sport fish, though the fearsome teeth demand wire.
Eating Quality
n/a — a notable ciguatera carrier (especially large fish); release only.
Size Range
3–15 kg · 7–33 lb (specimens to 25 kg+)
World Record
~46 kg / 102 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months in the tropics
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm settled conditions around structure and bait fish best
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clear tropical water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast ambush pelagic predator
Spawning
Warm months
Activity Pattern
A large, toothy tropical predator that hangs around reef edges, flats and structure and hits lures with explosive, slashing speed
Mind the fearsome teeth — use wire and pliers, and don't eat large fish (ciguatera). A superb catch-and-release sport fish.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Best released due to ciguatera risk (especially large fish); managed under reef/regional rules. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A large, toothy tropical predator that hangs around reef edges, flats and structure off Australia and across the Pacific, hitting lures with explosive, slashing speed. A thrilling catch-and-release sport fish on fast lures — just mind the teeth, and the ciguatera risk in big fish.
Hapuku (Groper)
Polyprion oxygeneios
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Large fish / squid baits (deep-drop)Heavy deep jigsLive baitsCut baitsFlesh baitsDeep soft plasticsLight tackleFast luresFeatureless deep mud
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural big baits; heavy deep jigs
Retrieve Speed
n/a — deep baits and slow heavy jigging
Movement Pattern
Large fish and squid baits deep-dropped over pinnacles and foul, plus heavy jigs worked near the bottom.
Gear
Heavy deep-drop gear (electric or manual), heavy leader; large fish/squid baits and deep jigs over structure.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Deep reef, pinnacles and foul off New Zealand and southern Australia
Depth Range
50–400 m / 165–1310 ft
Structure
Pinnacles, deep reef, drop-offs, foul ground, lumps
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — A strong, heavy, dogged fight from deep water — hard, dead-weight pulling that tests deep-drop gear and stamina.
Eating Quality
Excellent — firm white flesh, one of the most prized deep table fish.
Size Range
5–30 kg · 11–66 lb (specimens to 60 kg+)
World Record
a prized deep sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Year-round on the deep grounds
Water Temp
8–16°C / 46–61°F
Weather Sensitivity
A deep-drop fishery driven by drift and depth control over structure
Water Clarity
Feeds deep by scent and sight
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Deep-reef ambush predator
Spawning
Winter–spring in deep water
Activity Pattern
A powerful deep-reef fish of New Zealand and southern Australia that holds over pinnacles, foul and drop-offs in deep water, prized on the table
Deep fish suffer severe barotrauma — keep a legal feed and avoid over-harvesting slow-growing deep stocks; use release weights if returning fish.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under NZ and AU state rules with size and bag limits; a slow-growing deep species. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A powerful deep-reef fish of New Zealand and southern Australia, holding over pinnacles and foul in deep water — 'hapuka' or 'groper' to Kiwi anglers. A hard, dead-weight deep-drop battle and one of the most prized white table fish in the south.
Bluenose
Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Fish / squid baits (deep-drop)Deep rigsLive baitsCut baitsFlesh baitsHeavy jigsLight tackleFast luresFeatureless deep mud
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural big baits (deep-drop)
Retrieve Speed
n/a — deep baits with depth control
Movement Pattern
Fish and squid baits deep-dropped over pinnacles and canyon edges, often on the same grounds as hapuku.
Gear
Heavy deep-drop gear; fish/squid baits and deep rigs over deep structure.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Deep reef, pinnacles and canyons off New Zealand and southern Australia
Depth Range
100–500 m / 330–1640 ft
Structure
Pinnacles, deep reef, canyon edges, foul ground
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — A solid, heavy deep-water pull; prized chiefly as an excellent deep table fish, often caught alongside hapuku.
Eating Quality
Excellent — rich white flesh, a prized deep table fish.
Size Range
3–20 kg · 7–44 lb (specimens to 30 kg+)
World Record
a deep sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Year-round on the deep grounds
Water Temp
6–14°C / 43–57°F
Weather Sensitivity
A deep-drop fishery driven by drift and depth control
Water Clarity
Feeds deep by scent and sight
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Deep midwater/reef predator
Spawning
Winter in deep water
Activity Pattern
A deep-water fish of New Zealand and southern Australia that holds over deep reef, pinnacles and canyons, often near hapuku
Deep fish suffer barotrauma — keep a legal feed and avoid over-harvesting slow-growing deep stocks; use release weights if returning fish.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under NZ and AU state rules with size and bag limits; a slow-growing deep species. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A deep-water fish of New Zealand and southern Australian pinnacles and canyons, often sharing ground with hapuku. A heavy deep-drop target prized above all as a rich, excellent deep-water table fish.
Blue Cod
Parapercis colias
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Fish / squid baitsSoft plasticsSmall jigsCut baitsFlesh baitsBait jigsFast surface luresHeavy deep tackleFeatureless deep mud
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural baitfish tones; small jigs and plastics
Retrieve Speed
Slow hops near the bottom
Movement Pattern
Fish and squid baits, soft plastics and small jigs worked over reef, foul and sand edges.
Gear
Light-medium bait/lure gear; fish/squid baits, soft plastics and small jigs over reef and sand.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Reef, foul and sand of southern New Zealand (especially the south and Stewart Island) and sub-Antarctic
A slow-growing, tightly managed fish — observe size and bag limits and area rules carefully, and release undersized fish (mind barotrauma).
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under NZ rules with size and bag limits and area restrictions/closures (notably in the Marlborough Sounds). Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
An iconic New Zealand reef and sand fish, especially of the south and Stewart Island, that takes baits and lures readily. A modest fighter but a celebrated Kiwi table favourite — slow-growing and tightly managed, so mind the size and area rules.
Tarakihi
Nemadactylus macropterus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Fish / squid stripBaited flasher rigsShellfish baitsCut baitsSmall soft baitsPrawnLarge baitsFast luresFeatureless deep mud
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright beads/flashers over bait
Retrieve Speed
n/a — slow drift/lift
Movement Pattern
Baited flasher and dropper rigs drifted over reef edges and sand for schooling fish.
Gear
Light bait gear, flasher/dropper rigs and fish/squid baits drifted over reef and sand.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Reef edges and sand of New Zealand and southern Australia
Keep a legal feed and return the rest; a popular, tightly managed table fish in NZ. Mind bag limits.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under NZ and AU state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A schooling bottom fish of New Zealand and southern Australia — the 'jackass morwong' down south — foraging reef edges and sand. A modest fighter but a sweet, popular and prized table fish on baited flasher rigs.
Fresh fish and squid baits deep-fished over reef and foul; a mark-and-drift target.
Gear
Medium-heavy bottom/deep gear, heavy leader; fish/squid baits and deep rigs over reef.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Deep reef and foul off Tasmania, southern NZ and sub-Antarctic
Depth Range
20–250 m / 66–820 ft
Structure
Deep reef, foul ground, pinnacles, drop-offs
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — A solid, dogged deep-reef fight; prized above all as arguably the finest table fish in the south.
Eating Quality
Excellent — widely rated among the best-eating fish in Australia/NZ.
Size Range
1–8 kg · 2–18 lb (specimens to 15 kg+)
World Record
a prized deep sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Year-round on deep southern reef
Water Temp
8–16°C / 46–61°F
Weather Sensitivity
Drift and depth control over deep reef are key
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear deep water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Reef foraging predator
Spawning
Winter
Activity Pattern
A prized deep-reef fish of Tasmania and New Zealand's south that forages reef and foul, rated among the very best table fish in the south
Schooling
Groups over deep reef
Predator / Prey
Eats: crustaceans, molluscs, small fish. Eaten by: sharks, larger fish
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Deep fish suffer barotrauma — keep a legal feed and avoid over-harvesting; use release weights if returning fish.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under Tasmanian/AU state and NZ rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A prized deep-reef fish of Tasmania and southern New Zealand, foraging reef and foul ground. A solid deep-water target — and, above all, widely rated among the very finest table fish in the whole region.
Shortfin Mako
Isurus oxyrinchus
Saltwater⚠ Species at Risk
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Drifted fish baits (berley)Live baitsRigged baitsCast lures to raised fishCube baitsTrolled baitsLight tackleFine unwired leadersCareless boatside handling
Optimal Lure Colour
Natural drifted baits over a berley trail
Retrieve Speed
n/a — drifted baits in a berley trail
Movement Pattern
Fresh fish baits drifted at varying depths over a steady berley trail on the shelf; occasionally cast lures to raised fish.
Gear
Heavy game gear, wire/heavy leader; berley trails with drifted baits; tag-and-release tackle and technique.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Blue water and shelf off southern/eastern Australia and New Zealand
Depth Range
0–150 m / 0–490 ft
Structure
Shelf edges, current lines, temperature breaks, bait/tuna concentrations
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — Blistering runs and astonishing clear-water leaps — the fastest, most acrobatic of sharks and a world-class game fight, though a dangerous fish to handle boatside.
Eating Quality
Good but a threatened species — release is strongly encouraged rather than harvest.
Size Range
20–120 kg · 44–265 lb (specimens to 300 kg+)
World Record
~554 kg / 1221 lb (non-regional) — verify against current IGFA listing
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months over blue water and shelf
Water Temp
15–24°C / 59–75°F
Weather Sensitivity
Warm blue water and bait/tuna concentrations drive the fishing
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear blue water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast apex pelagic shark predator
Spawning
Live-bearing; slow to mature
Activity Pattern
The fastest shark in the sea — a spectacular, acrobatic pelagic predator that leaps clear of the water when hooked, a world-class game shark
A threatened, slow-growing shark — tag and release with wire-trace and pliers, cutting the trace for a clean release; harvest is discouraged. Handle with extreme care (a dangerous fish boatside).
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A threatened species with tightening protections and possession rules; tag-and-release strongly encouraged. Check current Commonwealth/state/NZ regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
⚠ Endangered
The fastest shark in the sea and a world-class game fish — a spectacular pelagic predator that leaps clear of the water off southern and eastern Australia and New Zealand. A threatened, slow-growing species best tagged and released, and handled with great care boatside.
Gummy Shark
Mustelus antarcticus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Fresh fish baitsSquidSalmon / tuna flesh baitsCut baitsOctopusShellfishFast luresFine leaders (abrasion)Featureless deep mud
Optimal Lure Colour
n/a — a scent/bait fish
Retrieve Speed
n/a — static/slow on the bottom
Movement Pattern
Fresh fish and squid baits fished on the bottom over sand and reef edges, especially in low light.
Gear
Medium bait gear, heavy-ish leader; fresh fish and squid baits on the bottom (a wire/heavy trace helps).
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Sand, reef edges and bays of southern Australia
Depth Range
2–80 m / 7–260 ft
Structure
Sand flats, reef edges, gutters, bays, channels
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — A strong, steady, dogged fight with good runs; a reliable and popular southern sport and table target.
Eating Quality
Excellent — the classic 'flake', firm boneless white flesh, prized on the table.
Size Range
3–15 kg · 7–33 lb (specimens to 25 kg+)
World Record
a table/sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dusk, Night, Day
Best Season
Year-round over southern sand and reef edges
Water Temp
12–20°C / 54–68°F
Weather Sensitivity
Tide movement and low light bring the best bottom feeding
Water Clarity
Feeds by scent in clear and coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Bottom-feeding shark predator/scavenger
Spawning
Live-bearing
Activity Pattern
A harmless bottom-feeding shark of southern Australia that roots sand and reef edges for crustaceans and small fish, a popular bait target and fine eating
Schooling
Loose over productive ground
Predator / Prey
Eats: crabs, shellfish, worms, small fish. Eaten by: larger sharks
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A popular, well-managed table shark — keep a legal feed and release the rest; handle carefully. Fresh baits and heavier traces work best.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under southern state rules with size and bag limits; a well-managed fishery. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A harmless, bottom-feeding shark of southern Australian sand and reef edges — the classic 'flake' at the fish shop. A reliable, hard-pulling bait target and one of the finest boneless white-fleshed table sharks.
A hard-pulling sport shark — use wire trace and pliers, handle with care, and release most (cut the trace for a clean release) or keep a legal feed.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state/NZ rules with possession limits; handle and release carefully. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A powerful coastal whaler shark that hunts bait along beaches, headlands and inshore reef in southern Australia and New Zealand. A benchmark land-based and boat sport target — hard-pulling and dogged, and best handled with care and released.
★★★★★ 5/5 — A scorching, reel-melting run the instant it's hooked — pound for pound one of the fastest, hardest-running light-tackle fish, the classic fly-rod flats prize.
Eating Quality
n/a — a prized catch-and-release sport fish (bony).
Size Range
0.5–3 kg · 1–7 lb (specimens to 5 kg+)
World Record
a premier flats sportfish — verify against IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months on tropical flats
Water Temp
22–30°C / 72–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Sun, calm and a run-in tide over the flats give the best sight fishing
Water Clarity
Gin-clear flats; extremely wary and spooky — a sight-fishing target
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Flats-foraging bottom feeder
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
The 'ghost of the flats' — a wary, silver flats fish that tails and cruises shallow sand and coral flats, prized for sight fishing and blistering runs
A prized catch-and-release flats sport fish — wet hands, quick photos and careful release, reviving fish fully before letting go.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
A premier catch-and-release sport fish; managed under regional/Pacific and northern-Australian rules. Check local regulations and release carefully.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
The 'ghost of the flats' — a wary, silver flats fish that tails over tropical sand and coral flats across the Pacific and northern Australia. The classic fly-rod prize, prized for nerve-testing sight fishing and one of the fastest, hardest runs in light-tackle fishing.
Tiny algae-imitating flies and small patterns presented to grazing fish on the flats — a technical, specialised sight fishery.
Gear
Fly 8–10 wt or light-medium spin; tiny algae/bread-fly imitations and small flies to grazing fish; a technical sight fishery.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Tropical flats, lagoons, atolls and coastal shallows of the Pacific and northern Australia
Depth Range
0.3–5 m / 1–16 ft
Structure
Flats, lagoons, atoll edges, current lines, algae mats
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★★ 5/5 — An immensely powerful, long-running, dogged fight — once hooked (no mean feat on an algae grazer), milkfish are among the hardest, fastest light-tackle fish going.
Eating Quality
Good (a staple food fish in parts of the Pacific/Asia) but prized here as a catch-and-release sport fish.
Size Range
3–12 kg · 7–26 lb (specimens to 18 kg+)
World Record
a hard-fighting flats sportfish — verify against IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Day
Best Season
Warmer months over tropical flats and lagoons
Water Temp
24–32°C / 75–90°F
Weather Sensitivity
Sun and calm over the flats give the best sight fishing
Water Clarity
Feeds in clear tropical water; a sight-fishing target
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Filter/algae grazer
Spawning
Warm months offshore
Activity Pattern
A powerful tropical grazer that sips algae and plankton in flats and lagoons — notoriously hard to hook but one of the strongest, fastest light-tackle runners once on
A prized catch-and-release sport fish — handle a powerful fish carefully, revive fully, and release. A technical, specialised flats target.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under regional/Pacific and northern-Australian rules; often released as a sport fish. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A powerful tropical grazer that sips algae and plankton on flats and lagoons across the Pacific and northern Australia. Notoriously hard to hook on its tiny natural food — but once on, one of the strongest, fastest light-tackle runners there is, and a specialised fly-rod sport prize.
Giant Herring
Elops hawaiensis
Both
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small metals / stickbaitsSoft plasticsFliesSmall hardbodiesLive small baitsBladesLarge luresSlow tacticsHeavy static baits
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright and natural small lures and flies
Retrieve Speed
Fast, erratic — provokes slashing takes
Movement Pattern
Small metals, stickbaits, plastics and flies retrieved fast over flats and around creek mouths for acrobatic strikes.
Gear
Light spin/fly, braid and leader; small metals, stickbaits, plastics and flies with fast retrieves.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Tropical estuaries, flats, creek mouths and inshore shallows of northern Australia and the Pacific
Depth Range
0.3–8 m / 1–26 ft
Structure
Flats, creek mouths, drains, current lines, bait schools
🏆 The Verdict
Fight Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5 — Fast runs and spectacular, cartwheeling leaps on light tackle — a wild, acrobatic light-tackle and fly sport fish that throws hooks with abandon.
Eating Quality
Poor — bony; a prized catch-and-release sport fish.
Size Range
1–4 kg · 2–9 lb (specimens to 6 kg+)
World Record
a light-tackle sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk, Night
Best Season
Warmer months in the tropics
Water Temp
24–30°C / 75–86°F
Weather Sensitivity
Low light, tide movement and bait activity fire them up
Water Clarity
Hunts by sight in clear and lightly coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast surface/midwater predator
Spawning
Warm months offshore (leptocephalus larvae)
Activity Pattern
A slim, silver tropical predator of estuaries, flats and inshore waters that hits small lures and flies and cartwheels wildly when hooked
Schooling
Schools and small groups
Predator / Prey
Eats: small fish, prawns, crustaceans. Eaten by: larger predators, sharks
♻ Catch & Release Notes
A wild, acrobatic catch-and-release sport fish — handle quickly and release. Great fun on the lightest tackle and fly.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Managed under state rules with size and bag limits. Check local regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A slim, silver tarpon relative of northern Australian and Pacific estuaries, flats and creek mouths that hits small lures and flies and cartwheels wildly when hooked. A wild, acrobatic light-tackle and fly sport fish, best enjoyed catch-and-release.
Australian Herring
Arripis georgianus
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small metal slugsBlue sardine / pilchard piecesSmall fliesPeeled prawnMaggots / small baitsSmall soft plasticsLarge baitsHeavy tackleDeep still water
Optimal Lure Colour
Bright chrome and white small metals; natural small flies
Retrieve Speed
Fast — burn small metals through feeding schools
Movement Pattern
Small metals and flies cast into surface-feeding schools off beaches and jetties, or light baits float-fished over a berley trail.
Gear
Ultralight spin or fly; small metal slugs, flies and light baits over a berley trail.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Beaches, jetties, estuaries, reefs and bays of southern and western Australia (WA, SA, VIC, TAS)
★★★☆☆ 3/5 — A spirited, darting fight well above its size on ultralight tackle — fast runs and quick head-shakes make it superb light-line and fly sport.
Eating Quality
Good — sweet flesh when bled and iced promptly, though soft if left; also prime live and dead bait.
Size Range
0.15–0.5 kg · 0.3–1.1 lb (specimens to 0.8 kg+)
World Record
a light-tackle sportfish — verify against ANSA/IGFA listings
🕐 When They Bite
Active Time
Dawn, Dusk
Best Season
Cooler months in the south-west; year-round in many bays
Water Temp
14–22°C / 57–72°F
Weather Sensitivity
Low light, a run of bait and a moving tide bring feeding schools inshore
Water Clarity
Hunts fast by sight in clear and lightly coloured water
📊 Biology & Behaviour
Feeding Type
Fast schooling surface predator
Spawning
Autumn, migrating west along the southern coast to spawn
Activity Pattern
A fast, schooling relative of the Australian salmon that harries small baitfish along beaches, jetties and reefs — a mainstay light-tackle and junior-angler target in WA and SA
Schooling
Dense fast schools
Predator / Prey
Eats: small baitfish, crustaceans, plankton. Eaten by: Australian salmon, tailor, sharks, seabirds
♻ Catch & Release Notes
Handle quickly with wet hands; bleed and ice any kept for the table immediately, as the flesh softens fast. Return the rest.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits apply and vary by state (WA, SA, VIC, TAS). Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A fast schooling fish of southern and western Australian beaches, jetties and reefs — the 'tommy ruff' of South Australia and simply 'herring' in Western Australia (though it is no true herring, but a relative of the Australian salmon). One of the most accessible and popular light-tackle sport fish in the south-west, and a classic first fish for young anglers.
Southern Garfish
Hyporhamphus melanochir
Saltwater
▼
🎣 How to Catch Them
Baits & Lures — Best / Medium / Poor
Small dough / breadTiny fish or prawn piecesMaggots (where legal)Peeled prawn sliversSilverfishBerley-soaked baitsLarge baitsLuresCoarse tackle
Optimal Lure Colour
n/a — tiny baits worked over a fine berley trail
Retrieve Speed
n/a; float-suspended just beneath the surface
Movement Pattern
Tiny baits float-fished just under the surface over a steady berley trail that holds the school in place; a classic jetty and dinghy session.
Gear
Very light float gear, tiny hooks and small baits over a fine, steady berley trail.
📍 Where to Find Them
Habitat Zone
Seagrass beds, sheltered bays, jetties and estuaries of southern Australia (SA, VIC, TAS, southern WA)
Handle minimally — they are delicate and easily damaged. Keep a feed or bait supply within limits and return the rest.
⚖ Typical Bag & Size Limits
Size and bag limits apply and vary by state (SA, VIC, TAS, WA). Check current regulations.
⚠ Always check local laws — regulations vary by jurisdiction and change annually.
A slim, beaked surface fish of the seagrass beds and sheltered bays of southern Australia, gathered to a berley trail and taken on tiny baits under a float. A much-loved South Australian jetty tradition, a delicate and prized pan fish, and one of the finest baits for snapper and squid.
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