Seasons
Closed season 1 September - 31 October inclusive each year. See the Fishing Seasons page.
Regions map
Striped trumpeter regions map
Moving between regions
You can move between regions, including with fish in your possession that were caught in the other region. However, you must follow the bag limit for the region you catch the fish in and you cannot exceed the boat limit for the region you are in (while fishing or transiting). You must also abide by the statewide striped trumpeter possession limit (8).
Example: If you catch your regional bag limit of 4 striped trumpeter in the Western Region, you can travel back past Whale Head to land your catch at Southport in the Eastern Region. However, you must not have more than 8 striped trumpeter on board when you enter the Eastern Region as that would exceed that region’s boat limit of 8.
Fishing in more than one region
You can fish for striped trumpeter in more than one region in one day but you must not take more than the daily bag limit in each region. A possession limit of 8 fish in total still applies.
Rules
Striped trumpeter must be landed whole with head and tail attached, or as fillets with the frames.
Habitat
This species has an extended larval phase of around nine months before settling on inshore reef whilst adult fish mainly inhabit deep offshore waters up to 300 metres.
Fishing information
Striped trumpeter are primarily targeted around the eastern and southern coasts of Tasmania. Young fish are targeted by recreational fishers on inshore reefs and larger fish are mainly caught on rough bottom in deep water. Line fishers favour baits such as fish and squid, however striped trumpeter will occasionally take a lure or fly. They are carnivorous and feed on crustaceans, fish, squid and octopus.
Handling
Striped trumpeter have a series of sharp dorsal spines.
Cooking
A prized eating fish that is highly regarded amongst Tasmanian recreational fishers. Trumpeter have a high oil content, excellent flavour and fine textured, moist flesh. Use as fillets or whole. Suitable to bake, barbecue, grill, smoke or shallow fry.
Recipe: Pan Seared Striped Trumpeter:
4x 200g pieces of striped trumpeter.
Pre-heat oven to 200. Season trumpeter with sea salt & cracked pepper. Heat pan, drizzled with virgin olive oil. When hot, seal fish on all sides, place on oven tray ready to bake. Bake for around 10-12 minutes until fish is firm.