Fish Tripper
Inshore Sport FishCaranx ignobilis

Giant Trevally (GT) Fishing

The most powerful inshore fish in the tropics. Topwater poppers over reef flats. Found across northern QLD year-round. Aggressive and hard-fighting.

Best Months

Jan – Dec

Best Time

Dawn patrol on the reef flat at first light produces the biggest fish; they also feed at night

Tide

Incoming tide flooding the reef flat is prime; GTs ambush baitfish pushed over shallow structure

Top Locations

35 regions

How to Catch Giant Trevally (GT)

Dawn patrol on the reef flat at first light produces the biggest fish; they also feed at nightIncoming tide flooding the reef flat is prime; GTs ambush baitfish pushed over shallow structureClear water
Tides

Incoming tide flooding the reef flat is prime; GTs ambush baitfish pushed over shallow structure

Time of Day

Dawn patrol on the reef flat at first light produces the biggest fish; they also feed at night

Conditions

Clear water, moderate swell breaking over the reef flat; GT hunt in water as shallow as 50cm

Structure

Coral reef flats, passes between islands, bommies, drop-offs adjacent to shallow water

Technique

Large cup-face poppers — fast aggressive retrieves, sharp downward rod jabs; stop popper dead to trigger a follow-up strike

Pro Tip

Max drag pressure from the first second — GTs sprint directly for coral heads with 100kg of force. Stand your ground and pump immediately.

Best spots this month — June
Christmas Island
GoodExternal Territory
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
GoodExternal Territory
Cairns
PeakQLD
Cooktown
PeakQLD
Townsville
PeakQLD

Best Regions by Month

Seasonal ratings across all Australian regions. Click a region to see the full calendar.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Good Fair Poor/None
Fishing Techniques
Live Baiting

Presenting live baitfish (yakkas, mullet, mackerel) to attract larger predators.

Surface Popping

Casting cup-faced poppers to create surface commotion targeting aggressive surface feeders.

Stickbaiting

Casting and working walk-the-dog style stickbaits on the surface or just subsurface.

When to Target
Jan
30 regions
Feb
21 regions
Mar
21 regions
Apr
30 regions
May
16 regions
Jun
16 regions
Jul
16 regions
Aug
23 regions
Sep
30 regions
Oct
30 regions
Nov
30 regions
Dec
30 regions

Bag & Size Limits

Regulations vary by state and change seasonally. Check the official fisheries website for current rules.

Gear Guide

See the recommended tackle, lures, and equipment for this species.