Fishing for Eastern Rock Blackfish

Fishing for Eastern Rock Blackfish


2 minute read

Blackfish or Luderick inhabit estuaries and coastal waters at depths up to 20m, between southern QLD and TAS. Fishing for Eastern Rock Blackfish is best from the coastal rock platforms, but the same concepts work in estuary fishing. In the ocean, Luderick hole up in shallow rocky areas adjacent to wash, around headlands, close to shore islands and reefs. Winter is the best time to find them.

Fish a suitable location where your berley will hold without being swept away in the current. Anglers who chase Luderick fish use lengthy quick taper rods, round 8-9ft when fishing from a boat up to 12-13ft when fishing off the rocks. Throw in small hand fulls of berley regularly. Position the float stopper so that your bait sits about 400mm off the bottom and weight your rig so that the float remains upright with the pinnacle 1.5 inches out of the water. When the float disappears, count to 2 or 3 and then elevate the rod firmly but slowly rather than striking. Play your fish out instead of dragging them to prevent straightening the hook.

When fishing for Luderick you’ll want a lengthy rod with a sensitive tip, strong butt, and a massive stripper guide. A longer rod aids in maneuvering the lengthy rig at point of casting and retrieving and additionally when taking  in fish around the rocks. A mild 8-9ft rod is appropriate for boat fishing whilst a longer 12-13ft rod is better off the rocks.

The typical reel preference would be a small 4-5 inch centrepin or sidecast Alvey, alternatively it depends on preference, a small 2500-3000 measurement spin reel will do simply fine. Choose an outfit that is balanced, light-weight and feels comfortable for lengthy periods of use. 

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