How to catch a Red Emperor offshore fishing on the Sunshine Coast

How to catch a red emperor tips and tricks with Deep sea fishing co Sunshine Coast

Red emperor are a red, deep bodied fish with a strong, forked caudal fin and continuous dorsal fin. They are an offshore demersal reef fish.

Anglers often drift or fish at anchor using heavy outfits and large baits while targeting red emperor. Reds are demersal by nature and will rarely rise to a bait, so it is important to get a big bait on the sea floor and keep it there.

Best paternoster rig for Red Emperor

I usually start with a mullet fillet bait on the Red rig and put it in the rod holder. I then use a second rig with a 5/0 or 7/0 Snapper Snack® and a small strip of mullet to catch some fresh Hussar for baits. These rigs are new to the market and are seriously red emperor magnets!

Best rigs for targeting mature reds include snelled double hook, gangs with running sinkers, paternoster rigs, and big single hooks with a ball sinker that is aligned to the hook. Whatever you do, make sure you use swivels and hooks that are ultra-heavy duty and double check that all knots or scrimps are strong enough.

What is the best bait for emperor fish?

Fleshly fillets like scads, mullet, tuna, pilchard or any other locally caught reef fish are the best baits to use. Another better option is to use cuttlefish, whole squid, or octopus.

What size hook for red emperor fish?

The minimum size for red emperor is 55cm, and there's a bag limit of five. Here's how to catch them. A simple paternoster rig or running sinker rig accounts for most captures, with 8/0 or 9/0 hooks and a snapper lead that suits the depth and current.

What does emperor fish taste like?

Has a mild, slightly sweet flavour, low oiliness and moist, firm flesh with large flakes and few bones, which are easily removed.

Red Emperor is a reef fish species that Deep sea fishing co Sunshine Coast Target

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