Commonly referred to as Blue eyes!
Blue eye trevalla are one of the most highly prized table fish in the country! Not to be confused with the trevally the blue eyes firm, white flesh is moist and tender making the trevalla not only one of the finest tasting fish in our oceans but also one of the most valuable. Blue eye trevalla first came to fame due to the commercial fishing fleet making them widely available to the public over recent years. Most recreational anglers are unfamiliar with this species due to their deep water habitat although thanks to the modern aid of electric reels the blue eye trevalla amongst other tasty deep water demersal species are now within reach for many placing the sustainability of the fishery under real pressure. Take only what you need!
Blue eye trevalla can be located from as far south as Albany right up to Exmouth throughout Western Australia and are generally encountered in water depths ranging from 100 – 400 meters. They are also found in deep waters out from all other states apart from the N.T.
Blue eye trevalla grow to around 40kg in weight and over 140cm in length although a typical sized blue eye is around 10 – 15kg in most locations.
Blue eye trevalla prefer areas of sloping reef and rock, and are generally encountered in water depths ranging from 200 – 400 meters in depth.
Click HERE to watch Nick’s Video Series about Deep Drop Fishing
Blue eye trevalla are a dull grey/blue to purple/gold colouration leading down to a lighter under belly. They have some sharp teeth inside a large mouth and a robust, round shaped body. The eye can take on a bluish tinge, hence the name.
Blue eye trevalla taste incredible!
Blue eye trevalla like all deep water demersal species are tough fighters when hooked close to structure yet are generally no match for the modern deep water fishing outfits used today.
Heavy tackle is needed to target these large deep water fish with 80lb rods coupled with powerful lever drag or electric reels with large line capacities preferred. Large 50 – 80 class game reels with dual speeds are also used by anglers who do not chase deep water species often enough to warrant the expense of electric reels. 80 – 100lb braided lines are a must for fishing such extreme depths and allow anglers to maintain contact with their rig in even the most extreme of water depths. Nylon shock leaders are not necessary as braided lines are generally tied straight to the rig in these depths to increase feel for the angler.
Large, sturdy baits such as whole mullet and squid are best suited to ultra deep water situations and remain intact throughout long descents to the sea floor. Long triple sectioned Paternoster style rigs are preferred for targeting deep water species such as blue eye trevalla. These rigs are generally made from 150 – 250lb nylon and have large, strong, three way swivels incorporated into them to prevent line twist on such long descents. Large circle style hooks, big baits and bright light sticks are also used to attract fish in the deep, dark, cold water.
Using bait cotton to secure baits to hooks helps when fishing such extreme depths. Using the swell to assist in lifting and winding will save you a lot of energy at the end of a long deep water session!
Rising or full tides are best suited for targeting most fish species around most areas although some deep water locations will also produce good numbers of fish during low and falling tides. New moon phases are also preferable for most fish species including deep water demersal’s.
