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How to Rig for Golden Trevally

Gnathanodon speciosus

Golden trevally have rubbery lips and no teeth, feeding by grubbing crabs and prawns out of the sand on flats and around reef, which makes them a favourite sight-casting target in tropical Australia. Juveniles are bright gold with black bars, while adults turn silver. They fight hard and dirty, heading for any nearby structure.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Carolina Rig
Best bait
Live prawn, small crab, or a soft plastic worked over sand flats and around reef
Where
boat, jetty
Typical size
16–36 in
Season
Tropical and subtropical waters, caught all year. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.
Realistic Carolina Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Carolina Rig

intermediateboat · jetty

A long leader trails behind a sliding weight, letting soft plastics or cut bait drift naturally near structure. A step up in complexity from the high-low rig, worth learning once you're fishing deeper water.

  • Main line10-20 lb monofilament
  • Leader15-25 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length18-24in from swivel to hook
  • Hooks2/0 - 5/0 circle hook on 30 - 50lb leader
  • WeightLight ball sinker running to the swivel
  • Line to sinkerSlides freely above bead and swivel, no fixed drop length
  • BaitLive prawn, small crab, or a soft plastic worked over sand flats and around reef
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Braid or light monoLeader knotLeaderJig head 1/16 - 1/2ozHook point upSoft plastic grub
Light Jig Head Rig
A small lead jig head threaded with a soft plastic grub or paddle-tail, cast out, allowed to sink, and lifted and dropped back toward the bottom.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Golden Trevally?

The Carolina Rig is the top recommendation for Golden Trevally. A long leader trails behind a sliding weight, letting soft plastics or cut bait drift naturally near structure. A step up in complexity from the high-low rig, worth learning once you're fishing deeper water.

What bait works for Golden Trevally?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Golden Trevally.

When is the best time to catch Golden Trevally?

Tropical and subtropical waters, caught all year. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.. Typical size runs 16–36 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Golden Trevally?

Golden Trevally is caught while boat, jetty fishing. Golden trevally have rubbery lips and no teeth, feeding by grubbing crabs and prawns out of the sand on flats and around reef, which makes them a favourite sight-casting target in tropical Australia. Juveniles are bright gold with black bars, while adults turn silver. They fight hard and dirty, heading for any nearby structure.