CORAL TROUT FISHING AROUND THE WHITSUNDAY'S

Coral Trout are one of the most targeted fish around the Whitsunday's. They have superb eating qualities and are fished for commercially and for recreation. They can live up to 16 years and can exceed 20 kg but smaller fish are better eating. With the larger fish there is a risk of Ciguatera poisoning.

There are a few species of Coral Trout which are:

• Common or Leopard Trout
• Blue-Spot Trout
• Passionfruit Trout
• Bar-Cheecked Trout
• Footballer Trout

They will take a wide range of baits and lures, From cut dead bait, Prawns, Squid, Pilchards, Lazer lures and metal slugs. They live in holes around Reefs, Inshore Reefs, Drop offs, Sunken boats and rocky holes. They are ambush predators and normally don't move far from there homes. When catching them it is best to get them away from there homes as fast as possible other wise you run the risk of having your line cut or broken off on the structure they came from.

I find one of there favorite food is Fusilier they just love them. Around the reef fish like Mackerel attack the schools of Fusilier and Trout eat the pieces that pass by. A way that commercial line fishing boats are fishing for them now, is by cutting a piece of rubber tube into strips and placing it on the hook. When they place it in to the water they jig it up and down. This type of lure can save them a lot of money. There are a few types you can buy as well as making your own.

Trout colours can range from dark brown to light pink with iridescencant blue markings, Footballers look like the one to the left and can be Bright yellow. Coral Trout can grow over 110 cm.

Coral Trout are also a coral reef fin fish and must have a pectoral fin removed if you are keeping them and must still be whole when you return to the boat ramp. The are best bleed, Gilled and placed in a ice slurry when caught. Remember to only keep what you need and preserve the fishing for everyone including the future angler's.
Happy Fishing