Overview
Blue-eye trevalla live along the continental slope in very deep water, feeding on squid and salps around seamounts and canyons.
They are extremely long-lived, which makes them highly vulnerable — deep dropping should be a considered, occasional pursuit.
Everything about the fishery is specialised: electric reels, kilograms of lead and long steams offshore.
Where to find them
- ▸Continental slope and canyon edges in 300–600 m.
- ▸Seamounts off Tasmania and eastern Victoria.
- ▸Steep drop-offs where the shelf falls away.
- ▸Deep ground out of Bermagui, Eden and St Helens.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: heavy deep-drop rod rated for 2 kg of lead.
- ▸Reel: electric reel with 1000 m of 80 lb braid.
- ▸Line: 80 lb braid with heavy mono trace.
- ▸Terminal: multi-hook deep-drop rig with 10/0 circles and 2 kg sinker.
Tips from the water
- ▸Only fish it in settled weather — you are a long way from anywhere.
- ▸Mark seamount edges carefully; the bite window is narrow.
- ▸Take only what you will eat; these fish live for decades.
Regulations
Strict bag limits apply and most states require careful reporting. This is a slow-growing deep-water species.