Hapuka Fishing Seasons Sydney

Catching Hapuka can be an all-year-round activity. There are various reports as to when the best time is. However, general consensus suggests the best time to catch Hapuka are from winter leading up to spring.

Fish Details

  • Size: 70 kilograms - Up to 1.8 metres
  • Food Rating: Excellent
  • Territory: Offshore
Hapuka fishing Cronulla Sydney NSW

About Hapuka

The scientific name for the Hapuka is Polyprion oxygeneiose. Also known as New Zealand Groper.
Pelagic fishing zones

How to identify a Hapuka

  • Heavy body
  • Square tailed fin
  • Silvery-blue to pinkish-brown
  • The mouth extends to the edge of the eye
  • Large eyes

Where to Catch Hapuka

The Hapuka fish are usually found in temperate and subtropical water from 30 metres to 800 metres and beyond. They are big eaters and love hunting down other fish species including crustaceans. The juvenile Hapuka which is around 50 cm is pelagic which means they don't live near the shore or near the bottom.  The adult Hapuka can be found in reefs, caverns and caves in shallower water.
The ideal fishing rod setup is a reel that holds at least 500 metres of the 37-kilogram braid. Make sure the rod is powerful. The best time to target Hapuku is around slack water. They favour areas of high current and in many locations, it’s only possible to fish for them over the turn of the tide.

But as is with most fishing times they can vary depending on opinion.

How to catch Hapuka fish

Hapuka, also known as groper, is a popular gamefish that is found in the deep waters of the Southern Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Here's a basic guide for catching hapuka:

  1. Choose the right gear: A heavy duty fishing rod and reel with a strong line and appropriate tackle for hapuka is necessary. A downrigger or electric reel may also be necessary for deep sea fishing.
  2. Locate a good fishing spot: Hapuka are found in deep ocean waters, often near the continental shelf, so it may be necessary to use a boat to reach the right spot.
  3. Bait the hook: Live bait or cut bait are good options for hapuka. Squid, octopus, and pilchards are common choices for bait.
  4. Cast your line: Cast your line into the water and wait for a bite. Hapuka are known to be aggressive feeders, so be prepared for a strong pull on the line when a fish is caught.
  5. Reel in the fish: Reel in the line slowly and steadily, keeping the rod tip high to tire out the fish. Be careful not to let the fish pull too hard, as this can break the line.

Note: It's important to follow fishing regulations, such as size and catch limits, to ensure sustainable fishing practices and maintain the health of hapuka populations.

What bait do i use to catch Hapuka fish?

Hapuka are known to be aggressive feeders, and they can be caught using a variety of baits, including:

  1. Live bait: Squid, octopus, and pilchards are common choices for live bait when fishing for hapuka.
  2. Cut bait: Hapuka can also be caught using cut bait, such as mackerel, herring, or mullet.
  3. Lures: Jigs and soft plastic lures can also be used to catch hapuka, especially in deeper waters where live bait may not be readily available.

It's always a good idea to experiment with different types of bait to see what works best in a particular location and time of year.

What Do You Need for Fishing in Sydney?
On all our fishing and deep-sea fishing charters in Sydney, all you need to bring are the right clothes depending on the weather conditions. We will supply everything else including bait, fishing rods and reels and a fishing licence. At the end of our fishing trip, you get to keep what you catch.  We have 3 purpose built fishing vessels that have all the facilities and amenities you require.