Giant Trevally illustration
Species

Giant Trevally

Caranx ignobilis
Also known as lowly trevally · barrier trevally · giant kingfish · ulua
Tier 2Eating5/10heavy tackleQLDWANT
12 waypoints60–120 cm (max 170 cm) typical

Regulations

QLDbag 5WAbag 4
StateSizeBag
QLD—5
WA—4

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

Overview: about giant trevally

Apex inshore predator of tropical Australia — GBR, Coral Sea, Top End and north-west reefs. Targeted with stickbaits, poppers and big jigs over reef edges and bommies. GTs hit hard and don't quit; heavy spin gear, locked drags and fast reels are the price of admission.

Biology: Giant Trevally size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic, Reef
Typical size
60–120 cm (max 170 cm)
Weight
10–30 kg (max 80 kg)
Depth range
0–80 m
Diet
reef fish, squid, crustaceans, occasionally seabirds
Most active
diurnal
Global range
Indo-Pacific tropics

How to target: Giant Trevally angling strategies

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

  • large stickbaits and poppers cast at reef edges and pressure points (Exmouth, Cape York)
  • live-baiting scaly mackerel or trevally at reef passes
  • fly with 12wt and large baitfish patterns over coral flats

Best season: when to catch giant trevally in Australia

QLD
Oct-Apr (north QLD)
WA
year-round (Exmouth Gulf)

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

Safety & handling

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

Large GTs (>10kg) high ciguatera risk in tropical AU — almost always released.

In the same waters
  • large pelagic sharks tax hooked fish on outer reefs

Conservation

IUCN: Least Concern

AU rec ethos near-universal tag-and-release for larger fish.

Recent community catches: anglers who caught giant trevally

No giant trevally catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: giant trevally fishing spots in Australia

Northern Territory12

More information: giant trevally references & sources

Log catch