Overview
Coral trout sit inside bommies and coral heads and rush out to grab prey, then bolt straight back — the fight is over in seconds if you are not ready.
They respond exceptionally well to soft plastics worked close to the reef, which has changed how many anglers target them.
Reef closures around spawning aggregations exist for good reason; respecting them protects the fishery long term.
Where to find them
- ▸Coral bommies and reef edges in 10–40 m.
- ▸Deep reef ledges and drop-offs.
- ▸Shoals and isolated coral heads on the outer reef.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 6'–7' rod rated 10–24 kg.
- ▸Line: 50–80 lb braid with 60–100 lb leader.
- ▸Lures and baits: 5–7" plastics on heavy heads, 80–150 g jigs, pilchard and squid baits.
Tips from the water
- ▸Lift immediately on the strike — give a trout line and it wins.
- ▸Vent or use a release weight for fish brought up from deep water.
Regulations
Great Barrier Reef coral reef fin fish closures apply around new moon periods in October and November. Check Fisheries Queensland dates each year.