Coral Trout illustration
Species

Coral Trout

Plectropomus leopardus
Also known as leopard coral grouper · common coral trout · leopard coral trout · blue-dotted coral grouper · spotted coral grouper
Tier 1Eating10/10medium tackleNear ThreatenedQLDWANT
30 waypoints40–65 cm (max 120 cm) typical

Regulations

QLD38 cm min · bag 5WA45 cm min · bag 2
StateSizeBag
QLD38 cm min5
Closed: Coral Reef Finfish spawning closures: typically 9-day closures around Nov-Dec new moons
WA45 cm min2

Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.

Overview: about coral trout

Iconic reef predator of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical Australia. Targeted with live baits, jigs and big soft plastics over coral bommies and reef edges. Hits hard and dives straight back into the reef — heavy gear and quick reflexes are non-negotiable. Strict size and bag limits apply.

Biology: Coral Trout size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Offshore, Reef
Typical size
40–65 cm (max 120 cm)
Weight
1.5–5 kg (max 22 kg)
Depth range
3–100 m
Diet
reef fish, squid
Most active
diurnal
Global range
Indo-West Pacific tropical reefs

How to target: Coral Trout angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • live fusiliers or yakkas on a paternoster rig over coral bommies
  • soft plastics and slow-pitch jigs dropped onto reef edges in 20-50m
  • trolling deep-diving hardbodies along reef walls
  • fresh squid baits anchored in reef passages on tide changes

Best season: when to catch coral trout in Australia

QLD
Apr-Oct (outside spawning closures)

Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.

Safety & handling

Ciguatera risk: moderateAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.

Larger fish (>5kg, >70cm) carry ciguatera risk in northern QLD — most rec advice is to release big breeders.

Conservation

IUCN: Near Threatened

Plectropomus leopardus IUCN Near Threatened; tight GBR management.

Recent community catches: anglers who caught coral trout

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Where to catch: coral trout fishing spots in Australia

Queensland16
Northern Territory8
Western Australia6

More information: coral trout references & sources

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