Southern Reef Mixed Bag

Target Species

Fishing Tips

1. 1

   Target depths of 80–150 m over hard rocky bottom in southern waters — striped trumpeter prefer cold, rocky structure and are rarely found over sand or soft substrate.

2. 2

   Fresh squid (whole or cut into long strips) is the universal bait for southern reef species — it stays on the hook better than fish flesh in strong currents and the scent column reaches fish at distance.

3. 3

   Use a two-hook paternoster rig with 60 lb fluorocarbon snoods — this allows you to present two different baits simultaneously and increases the chance of a double hook-up, which is common over productive ground.

4. 4

   Striped trumpeter are powerful pullers and have hard mouths — strike firmly once, then apply constant pressure. They don't make long runs but pump hard against the bottom, so use a stiff rod to keep them moving up.

5. 5

   Drift slowly over the reef rather than anchoring — this covers more ground, prevents too much line angle in current, and allows the bait to be presented naturally at different depths as you move.

Gear Setup