There are two ways to catch Coral Trout
1 - Go reef fishing and hope you get one
2 - Actively target them
The Best Time to Catch Coral Trout
The coral trout is a fish that has specific feeding patterns that us as anglers can take advantage of. One well know fact is that trout don’t feed at night, although I have head of them being caught after dark, particularly around a full moon. I have actually caught one myself at night using a floating pilchard aimed at a mackerel. Go figure. On saying that early morning can be a good time to have a crack as they come to life and start to feed.
Where to Catch Coral Trout
The name says a lot. Coral trout like to inhabit areas of thick structure, usually with ledges and caves for them to find cover in when not actively feeding. Although they are very aggressive they are also smart enough not to waste energy on times when the food isn’t coming to them.
Their favourite feeding time and place is usually in areas of decent current especially on the front edge of structure. The side of a reef or large Bommie where a good current is hitting is known as pressure point and this is where they will be feeding. Look for schools of bait and the trout wont be far away.
How to Catch Coral Trout
Whether you anchor up current and float your baits back, drift across the flats flicking soft plastics, or throw stick baits and poppers, a trout hook up is something special. Just remember that you will need to be ready to keep them out of the bottom. Even with a fully locked drag and a big effort you don’t always win.
Hot tip
A falling tide running off a reef with bait fish being washed off is also a great time to throw some surface lures. This style of fishing is also very visual and so much fun.
Coral Trout and Tides
Spending time underwater with a speargun, I have first-hand seen all the trout hidden in caves waiting for feeding time. When the tidal current hits they come out from everywhere and sit on the front edge of the bommies ready to feed. On one of these occasions we jumped back in the boat and using soft plastic prawns pulled a dozen trout in a one hour session.
Fishing for Trout in Deeper Water
In the deeper water a well presented larger sized strip bait with a ball sinker sitting on top is a great set up. Personally I like a side of Hussar with the tail still attached and cut a bit streamlined. Think of a bait that looks like a soft plastic and as with all baits, check to make sure it’s not spinning in the current. Another good option is one of the new pre-made rigs like a Berserker Meathead.
Soft Plastic Prawns
Personally I still maintain that a soft plastic prawn will out-fish bait. Especially when the fishing is slow a prawn flicking frantically like it’s being chased will create a reaction bite pretty consistently.
A good example would be to match a 120mm prawn with a 1.5 ounce 7/0 jig head. The larger hook will give you a higher strike rate, and more importantly the extra weight will let you know when you’ve hit the bottom.
Soft Plastic Prawn Technique
There are certain things that make a big difference to the success rate of using soft plastics. Chasing trout at the reef can be difficult because the bottom is very rough and getting stuck in it is a problem, therefore you might assume a lighter weight would work better. What i find is that if you don’t have much weight you never quite know when you are on the bottom. Using a heavier jig head will get you down quickly, then follow it with a few very enthusiastic flicks up with the rod tip (without winding), and let it return to the bottom. Every now and again letting some line out to make sure you are in the zone. Be ready to get belted! I fish like this from the reef edge in 15 -25 meters right out to 60 - 70 meters for big Bar Cheek Trout and Coronation Trout plus those big Strawberry Common Trout.
Getting Results: How to Catch More Trout
If you take the time to study currents and pressure points and work on your style of fishing and technique, you will put trout in the boat more and more consistently. As long as you are out there having a go you will be learning and more importantly having a great time.
Cameron Weir
On Your Boat Adventures Fishing Guide