The Bigeye Trevally is found in coastal waters near coral reefs and wrecks at depths up to 300 feet. The best techiques for catching Bigeye Trevally are trolling or bait casting using live or cut fish bait, including herrings, anchovies, mullet, or squid—although they will readily take lures.
Habitat: Ocean, Coastal Waters
How to identify Bigeye Trevally
The bigeye trevally has been reported to be as long as 30 inches. Having a fully scaled breast and elongated body, this fish gets its name from its large eyes. It also has a pointed snout and curved head. Its lateral line has moderate arching towards the front with 28-37 external bony plates. The first set of dorsal fins has 8 spines, while the second set of dorsal fins has 1 spine accompanied by 19-22 soft rays. The coloration of the bigeye trevally varies from silvery chrome to brassy black. The white tip on the dark dorsal fin lobe stands out, especially against the black scutes. Its pectoral fins are absent of color, whereas the gill cover stands out with a dark spot. Young bigeye trevally are yellow-gold with contrasting dark banding that runs vertically over their bodies.
Where to catch Bigeye Trevally
Bigeye are found in the warm waters throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans that run westerly from North America to eastern Africa. They live in the rims of deep channels, rocky shorelines, reef drop-offs, and abyss’ that drop further out in the ocean.
The following are habitats where you can catch Bigeye Trevally:
- Baitfish Schools
- Estuaries
- Breakers
- Channel Entrances
- Cliffs
- Coastal Waters
- Deep Shore Water
- Jetties and Breakers
- Man-made Structures
- Reefs, Wrecks and Shoals
- Shore Points
- Surf and Shore
- Tidal Flats
How to catch Bigeye Trevally
Adult bigeyes are night feeders that enjoy eating crustaceans, such as crabs, shrimp, brine, krill, and prawns. They also eat fish, such as blennies and damselfish. Techniques used to catch bigeyes include trolling lures/bait, surf fishing, and drift/anchor use of live/cut bait. When using trolling lures or bait, it’s recommended that they be moved slowly along the edges of reef drop-offs or rocky ledges.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Bigeye Trevally:
- Bait Casting
- Bottom Bouncer
- Fly Fishing
- Night Fishing
- Saltwater Jigging
- Saltwater Trolling
- Spinning
- Still Fishing
- Surface Poppers
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Bigeye Trevally
Bigeye respond well to live/cut bait, such as mullet, anchovies, squid, herring, garfish, sauries, or strip bait. They will also hit on trolling lures, plastic jigs/fish/squid, rope lures, drone spoons, and feathers.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Bigeye Trevally:
