Red Emperor
DESCRIPTION
Red Emperor is actually a member of the snapper family (Lutjanidae), and are more closely related to mangrove jack and redbass than any of the Emperor species.
They're a popular and highly sought after species for recreational anglers, particularly in Queensland, known for their impressive size and delicious taste.
They’re a striking reef species, with a red, deep body and a strong, forked caudal fin and continuous dorsal fin.
Juveniles and young adults are distinguished from more mature fish by three dark red vertical bands and a paler overall colouration. As they age, they become pink/red all over and the banding becomes less distinct.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Red Emperor can reach 22kg in weight and more than a metre in length. The current IGFA all tackle world record is 17.9kg (39lb7oz), caught in Tokyo, Japan in 1999.
Not a lot is known about their reproduction habits, but they mature at about 50cm in length at 3-4 years of age and have a lifespan ofaround 34 years.
They’re commonly caught around 60-70cm in length, with any fish weighing over 10kg is considered a trophy fish.
BAG AND SIZE LIMITS
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Personal daily bag limit – 5 fish
General personal possession limit –15 fish
Boat possession limit applies -On vessels with four or less people on board, each person may take their personal possession limit. Vessels with five to seven people on board can take a maximum of four times the personal possession limit of at-risk species. The rest of the general possession limit may include other fish. Vessels with eight or more people on board can take a maximum of eight times the personal possession limit of at-risk species. The rest of the general possession limit may include other fish species.
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WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Minimum size -41cm
Personal daily bag limit - 2-3 fish, depending on your exact fishing location
Boat daily bag limit – 4 (demersal scale fish)
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QUEENSLAND
Minimum size – 55cm
Personal daily bag limit – 5 fish
Combined possession limit – 20 (all coral reef fish)
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Note: There are 2 x 5-day reef fin fish closed seasons in October and November each year.
DIET
Red Emperor is carnivorous and feed on crustaceans, molluscs and fish within the reef system including squid, octopus, crabs, shellfish, shrimp, and small fish.
HABITAT
Reds are a demersal species, which means they live near or on the seafloor. They'll rarely rise up through the water column to grab a bait, so it's important to get a big bait on the seafloor and keep it there.
You’ll most commonly find red Emperor in 30 - 120 metres of water, but they can also be found in water up to 200 metres deep.
Juveniles tend to inhabit inshore reef systems, structure, and gravel patches while adults are found deeper offshore near coral reefs with adjacent sand areas, or deep isolated reef and coral structures with small rises and gravel bottoms.
LOCATIONS
Red Emperor is commonly found around the warmer northern waters of Australia, ranging from Shark Bay in WA, around to Moreton Bay in southern Queensland. But they can sometimes be found further south.
WHEN TO FISH
They're usually more active from May to September (particularly in Queensland) but as with any species, the weather and other environmental factors can impact the likelihood of catching them on any given day.
HOW TO FISH
Red Emperor is tough fighters andit’s not uncommon to be taken to the cleaners when fishing light tackle. They will run hard and bust off on the reefy bottom given the chance. The sheer size of mature fish matched with their powerful head shaking and ability to fight from the bottom to the surface make them a formidable opponent.
When targeting reds offshore you have the option of drifting vs anchor and berleying, depending on the conditions. Either way, locating fish then presenting large baits to them close to the bottom is key.
The best baits for reds are large fleshy fillets such as mullet, hussar, tuna, scads, pilchard or any locally caught reef fish. Alternatively whole squid, cuttlefish or octopus work well.
If you’re drifting baits over deeper isolated structures, small rises and rubble bottom, use a paternoster style dropper rig and a sinker heavy enough to hold your bait on the bottom. It’s important to get your bait on the seafloor and keep it there. Increase sinker size or keep feeding out line if you have to.
If you’re fishing at anchor, get a berley trail running and send your baits down the berley trail. A basic running rig consisting of a set of three gangs or two snelled octopus style hooks, running sinker, and leader is tied to the mainline.
Heavy gear may seem unsporting but reduces bust offs, long drawn out fights and the inevitable loss of good fish to sharks.
GEAR GUIDE
Most recreational anglers use an overhead rod and reel setup for sheer stopping power. Those who make regular big fish captures fish heavy with 50lb mono line and 80lb leader or 80lb braid with a long 10m 80-100lb leader.
Paternoster or running rigs, which can be fished at the bottom of the water column, are the most common way to target red Emperor. Bigger hooks are recommended. You can either tie your own, or fish with pre-tied rigs like our Snapper Snatchers® and Snapper Snacks®.
Reds can often be very hesitant when they eat, particularly when using a big bait as they will often pick up the bait and chew it making it feel like a smaller fish attacking the bait.
If you plan to tie your own rigs, this is where our KLT® hooks come into their own. When you feel the bites just allow the fish to take the bait in and then slowly apply pressure. Unlike normal hooks you don’t need to strike, the application of pressure and then a wind to engage is enough to set the hooks.
