Overview
Blue groper start life as females and the largest individuals change sex to become the dominant blue males that patrol a home reef.
They are famously trusting around divers and snorkellers, which is exactly why they were so easily depleted.
Since 2024 it is illegal to take blue groper by line or spear in NSW waters. They are a fish to admire, not to catch.
Where to find them
- ▸Shallow rocky reef along the NSW coast.
- ▸Kelp beds and boulder fields close to shore.
- ▸Around ocean pools and headlands.
- ▸Sheltered bays inside Sydney and Jervis Bay.
Tackle
- ▸No fishing tackle — blue groper are protected in NSW.
- ▸A mask and snorkel is the right gear for this species.
- ▸An underwater camera pays better dividends than a rod.
- ▸If accidentally hooked, release the fish immediately and unharmed.
Tips from the water
- ▸Check current NSW DPI rules before fishing any rocky reef.
- ▸They will approach snorkellers closely — enjoy it and leave them be.
- ▸Report illegal take to Fishers Watch.
Regulations
Fully protected from spearfishing in NSW, and line fishing is prohibited in NSW waters as of the 2024 rule change. Look, do not take.