Trevally
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SIZE AND WEIGHT
Some species of trevally can grow to 50kg, although they are most commonly encountered between 5 to 10kg. The largest trevally species, the Giant Trevally, grow to a maximum known size of 170 cm (67 in) and a weight of 80 kg (176 lb).
DESCRIPTION
There are a number of species within the trevally family, but one thing they all have in common is their power. Trevally are active swimmers with streamlined bodies and forked tails which give them a huge amount of power, and they will fight all the way to the shore or boat.
Trevally have deep bodies, separated dorsal fins, and a row of ridged scutes near their tail base. Smaller specimens have a blue-silver hue with yellow-tinged fins, while bigger models feature similar colour schemes but bear darker, greener shoulders and larger foreheads.
They are relatively slow growing and long-lived, with some fish exceeding 45 years of age. Their mouths are designed for hoovering krill from the surface, and they’re also adept at bottom-feeding over sand, sucking up crustaceans, worms and shellfish.
WHERE TO FISH
Trevally are one of NZ’s best light-tackle sportfish species. They are generally schooling fish, most abundant in the warmer waters off the northern North Island and around Australia.
They are found throughout a wide variety of terrain, from rocky coastlines and reefs, man-made structures, beaches, open sandy areas, and even up right up into shallow estuaries. However, they do have a distinct preference for areas where reef runs onto extensive areas of sand or offshore headlands and islands where they form pelagic schools.
Often, trevally are mixed-in with other schooling fish such as snapper, kingfish, tarakihi and kahawai, so they are a likely encounter for many anglers.
WHEN TO FISH
Although trevally are caught year-round, they tend to be more abundant in inshore areas such during winter and spring. During these colder months, they enter harbours and frequent shallow reefs.
Nevertheless, open-water schools of trevally further offshore can been countered year-round.
Trevally can be spooked easily, so targeting them during low-light dawn or dusk conditions or on overcast days can increase your chances.
HOW TO FISH
Trevally is a common bycatch for many anglers, usually those targeting snapper. However it will quickly become obvious that you’ve hooked one to the characteristic fast tail beats transmitted up the line. They’re regularly caught by conventional snapper or bottom fishing methods, but there are a few ways you fish to specifically target these powerful fish.
BAIT AND BERLEY
Berley works incredibly well for trevally, as it will draw in large schools and can also create a competitive feeding frenzy.
Trevally are naturally a shy fish and have very good eyesight, so fishing with light fluorocarbon leaders (15lb – 30lb)and small, strong hooks is recommended. Once they’re hooked on light terminal gear, the only problem is trying to stop them from busting you off (which they will try their utmost to do!). With their soft mouths, you need to be careful applying the right amount of drag to stop the fish while not ripping the hook out.
Bait presentation is also important.
Using a live bait, like a small mullet can be very effective as trevally are predatory fish. However, if you don’t have any livies, then a strip of mullet or other oily fish like tuna, or shellfish like mussels and tuatua will work well.
LANDBASED
Given their inshore habitat preferences, trevally are a prime target for landbased anglers. They are a regular catch for surfcasters, and berleying off the rocks can draw in good schools of hungry fish.
