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How to Rig for Silver Trevally

Pseudocaranx georgianus

Silver trevally, simply called trevally in New Zealand, school over sand, reef edges, and harbour channels, feeding on small invertebrates as much as fish. A steady berley trail brings them in and holds them, and they fight hard for their size. Their mouths are soft, so a light drag and gentle pressure land far more fish than a hard pull.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Fish-Finder Rig
Best bait
Shellfish, squid, or pilchard pieces in a steady berley trail, trevally have soft mouths
Where
pier, jetty, boat, surf
Typical size
12–24 in
Season
Caught all year, with the best numbers in the warmer months. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.
Realistic Fish-Finder Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Fish-Finder Rig

beginnersurf · pier · jetty · boat

The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance. Good in heavier surf or current where a fixed weight would spook a bite.

  • Main line15-20 lb monofilament
  • Leader20 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length12-18in from swivel to hook
  • Hooks#1 - 2/0 hook
  • WeightLight running sinker
  • Line to sinkerSlides freely above swivel, no fixed drop length
  • BaitShellfish, squid, or pilchard pieces in a steady berley trail, trevally have soft mouths
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Realistic Float Rig fishing rig setup
Float Rig
A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish.
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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 ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗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 Silver Trevally?

The Fish-Finder Rig is the top recommendation for Silver Trevally. The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance. Good in heavier surf or current where a fixed weight would spook a bite.

What bait works for Silver Trevally?

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

When is the best time to catch Silver Trevally?

Caught all year, with the best numbers in the warmer months. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.. Typical size runs 12–24 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Silver Trevally?

Silver Trevally is caught while pier, jetty, boat, surf fishing. Silver trevally, simply called trevally in New Zealand, school over sand, reef edges, and harbour channels, feeding on small invertebrates as much as fish. A steady berley trail brings them in and holds them, and they fight hard for their size. Their mouths are soft, so a light drag and gentle pressure land far more fish than a hard pull.