Coral Trout

Coral trout are one of the most prized reef fish in tropical waters, known for their aggressive strikes, stunning colors, and excellent eating quality. Found throughout the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, and other warm coastal reef systems, these ambush predators provide an exciting challenge for anglers looking to test their skills in structure-rich environments.

Species & Appearance

There are several species of coral trout, with the most commonly targeted being:

• Common Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus): Recognizable by their bright red to orange body covered in small blue spots.
• Barcheek Coral Trout (Plectropomus maculatus): Similar in color but with larger, irregular blue spots and a distinctive bar marking behind the eyes.
• Blue-Spotted Coral Trout (Plectropomus laevis): A larger species with a dark, sometimes bluish body and prominent electric-blue spots.

These fish can grow up to 1 meter (39 inches) and weigh over 20 kg (44 lbs), but most commonly caught specimens range between 2 and 6 kg (4 to 13 lbs).

Habitat & Behavior

Coral trout are structure-oriented predators that inhabit coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and bommies in depths ranging from a few meters to over 100 meters. They are ambush hunters, using their powerful bursts of speed to strike at unsuspecting prey, which includes smaller fish, crustaceans, and squid. Coral trout often retreat into reef crevices immediately after being hooked, making them a formidable opponent for anglers.

Best Fishing Techniques

Coral trout are aggressive feeders and can be caught using a variety of techniques:

• Lure Fishing: Jigging with metal jigs, working soft plastics, and trolling deep-diving hard-bodied lures are all effective methods. Bright colors such as red, pink, and silver mimic their natural prey.
• Bait Fishing: Live bait such as fusiliers, herring, and mullet work exceptionally well. Dead baits like pilchards, squid, and cut fish also attract strikes when fished near reef structure.
• Spearfishing: Due to their ambush nature, coral trout are a popular target for spearfishers who can get close before they dart into the reef.

Prime Locations & Seasons

Coral trout are found throughout northern Australia, with top fishing spots including the Great Barrier Reef (QLD), the Ningaloo Reef (WA), and the reefs off the Northern Territory. They can be caught year-round, but fishing is often best in the warmer months (spring and summer) when they are more active.

Why Fish for Coral Trout?

Coral trout are a top-tier reef species for sport and table fishing, offering a tough fight and a rewarding catch. Their combination of aggressive strikes, stunning colors, and high-quality white flesh make them a highly sought-after fish for anglers in tropical waters. Whether dropping baits on the reef or working lures along coral bommies, chasing coral trout is an exhilarating experience for any fisherman.