Species
Eastern Rock Blackfish
Girella elevata
Also known as rock blackfish · black rockfish · Eastern rock blackfish drummer
Tier 3Eating7/10medium tackleNSWVICQLDTAS
2 waypoints30–50 cm (max 65 cm) typical
Regulations
NSW30 cm min · bag 10
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 30 cm min | 10 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about eastern rock blackfish
Pugnacious wash-zone fish (often called black drummer or pigfish) of NSW and southern QLD rock platforms. Targeted with bread, cunjevoi or weed under a float close in to the wash. Strong dive-for-the-reef fights — heavy line and 'no second chances' is the motto.
Biology: Eastern Rock Blackfish size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Inshore, Reef
- Typical size
- 30–50 cm (max 65 cm)
- Weight
- 1–3 kg (max 6 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–25 m
- Diet
- weed, cunjevoi, crabs
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Eastern Australia (Girella elevata)
How to target: Eastern Rock Blackfish angling strategies
Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- cunjevoi or weed bait drifted unweighted in white water on ocean rocks
- berley with bread and pollard, then float-fish prawn or peeled cunjie
Best season: when to catch eastern rock blackfish in Australia
- NSW
- Apr-Sep (winter rock fishing)
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Safety & handling
In the same waters
- rock fishing has highest AU fishing fatality rate — wear cleats and a PFD
Recent community catches: anglers who caught eastern rock blackfish
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Where to catch: eastern rock blackfish fishing spots in Australia
More information: eastern rock blackfish references & sources
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