Skipjack Trevally (Skippy)

Jetty / Harbour
Pseudocaranx georgianus

Fast-moving schooling fish found around jetty pylons and rocky structure. Takes small lures and bait readily. Often caught alongside herring but puts up a better fight for its size.

Overview

Skipjack trevally — or 'skippies' — are one of Perth's most fun light-tackle species. They school around jetty pylons, rock walls, and harbour structure year-round, hitting lures and bait with enthusiasm. Pound for pound, they fight harder than herring and make a decent meal.

How to Catch
Best baits

Small prawn pieces, mulie strips, whitebait

Lures

Small metal lures, bait jigs, micro jigs, small soft plastics

Rigs

Light float rig with a size 4–6 hook, or a small running sinker rig fished near pylons. Keep terminal tackle light — skippies can be line-shy.

Technique

Fish tight to jetty pylons and rocky structure using light tackle. Cast small metals or soft plastics and retrieve with a slow twitch along the pylons. On bait, a float rig drifted past structure is deadly. Berley will draw the school in and keep them feeding.

Best time

Active throughout the day, especially around tide changes. Morning and afternoon sessions tend to be more productive. They bite year-round but are more concentrated around structure in the cooler months.

Size

Up to 3kg, commonly 400–800g

Peak season

Year-round

Eating quality

Decent eating — white, firm flesh that takes well to crumbing and frying. Bleed and ice immediately for the best result. Smaller fish are often better on the plate.

Regulations (WA)

Bag limit: 8 (combined trevally and queenfish group). Minimum size: 25cm. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.

Perth Tips

Ammo Jetty, Woodman Point Jetty, and the North Mole are reliable skippy spots. Use light line (4–6lb) for more bites and more fun. Skippies also make excellent live bait for bigger species like mulloway and kingfish.

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