Trevally fish are known for their strength, tough skin, and predatory behavior. However, not all Trevally fish are the same, as different species of the fish can vary significantly. In this article, we will discuss some of the most interesting types of Trevally, their habitat, and unique features that make them special.
Bigeye Trevally
Bigeye Trevally is one of the most widespread types of Trevally fish. You can find huge schools of them in tropical waters from Western Mexico all the way to the East of Africa. These fish are usually found inshore, but they are equally at home around offshore seamounts, and they can even swim upriver into freshwater.
These fish are not boring despite being a common catch. Bigeye Trevally fish are known for their strength, and they can put up a serious fight when caught. They will grab at any lure or bait that comes their way and tear off with it in a scream of drag. The average catch for Bigeye Trevally is in the 6–8 lb range, but monsters double or even triple that size can be caught from time to time.
While these fish are edible, they are more commonly caught for sport than for food. However, they are a popular commercial catch in places like the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. So, if you can't release it safely, why not give it a try?
Bluefin Trevally: A Beauty and a Beast
Bluefin Trevally may not be the largest member of the Trevally family, but they're certainly the most beautiful. These fish have speckled backs and strikingly blue tails and fins that make even small catches an impressive sight. They typically weigh between a couple of pounds and 15 pounds, and they live in tropical waters all over the world except the Atlantic.
Don't be fooled by their good looks, though. Bluefin Trevally are aggressive and powerful fighters. Anglers love to catch them on light tackle, as they put up a strong, long fight. Plus, they're also one of the tastiest Trevally types. Just make sure to only keep the smaller ones, as eating large Bluefin Trevally can cause ciguatera poisoning.
Giant Trevally: The King of the Reef
If you're looking for a real challenge, then you'll want to go after the Giant Trevally. These fish are the largest and most dominant member of the Trevally family. Reaching up to 150 pounds, these beasts are known for their strength, speed, and intelligence.
Giant Trevally, also known as GTs, are not just mindless brutes. They're famous for using clever hunting tactics, such as hiding behind larger fish to sneak up on prey. Once they're within range, they attack with their hard, bony heads or swallow their prey whole. In fact, GTs have even been seen snatching birds mid-flight!
With their combination of strength, size, and intelligence, Giant Trevally are the ultimate game fish. Anglers from all over the world come to Hawaii to catch them, where the largest GTs can be found. In ancient times, Hawaiians even revered these fish as gods.
Golden Trevally – The Fighting Fish of the Ocean
If you're an angler looking for a challenge, the Golden Trevally is the fish for you. These fish are not only stunning to look at, with their black and yellow bodies and shimmering fins, but they also put up a good fight. In this article, we'll explore the world of Golden Trevally and provide some tips for catching and cooking them.
The Life of a Golden Trevally Golden Trevally start off as black and yellow striped fish that eventually fade to white as they age. The name "Golden" comes from their golden fins and face that remain throughout their lives. These fish are usually smaller, weighing under 15 pounds, with some occasional larger ones weighing 20 to 30 pounds.
Catching Golden Trevally Golden Trevally are known for their fighting spirit, and they won't go down without a fight. They tend to snatch lures and swim straight for cover, so you need to be quick and alert if you want to catch one. Keep your wits about you and make sure you don't let the fish break your line on the rocks or coral.
Cooking Golden Trevally Golden Trevally can be hit or miss when it comes to taste. Some people love their slightly tangy flavor, while others find it unappetizing. If you plan on eating them, make sure to bleed and ice them immediately to preserve the flavor. Alternatively, you can release them if you prefer.
Silver Trevally – Small but Mighty
While they may not be the biggest fish in the sea, Silver Trevally are mighty in their own right. These fish may only weigh a couple of pounds, but they make up for it in their numbers and delicious taste.
Subheading: The Life of a Silver Trevally Silver Trevally are small fish that patrol reefs, wrecks, and inshore waters in large schools. They are found in oceans all over the world, including the Mediterranean, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Catching Silver Trevally Silver Trevally may not be as difficult to catch as Golden Trevally, but they still put up a good fight on light tackle. They're often caught for sport, but they're also prized for their tasty meat.
Cooking Silver Trevally Unlike some of the other Trevally species, Silver Trevally are known for their delicious taste. They have a lighter, less oily flavor than other Trevallies, making them ideal for smoking. They're also great for grilling, frying, or baking.
Other Trevally Species
While Golden and Silver Trevally are the most popular, there are many other species of Trevally out there. These fish come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but they all have one thing in common – a love for warm water and a fighting spirit.
Subheading: Trevally Catching Tips If you're planning on catching Trevally, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use light tackle, as Trevally have excellent eyesight and can be easily spooked
- Cast near rocks, reefs, or other underwater structures where Trevally like to hide
- Use lures that mimic small fish or crustaceans, as these are Trevally's favorite prey
Subheading: Trevally Cooking Tips If you plan on eating Trevally, here are some tips for preparing them:
- Bleed and ice the fish immediately after catching to preserve the flavor
- Grill, fry, bake, or smoke Trevally, depending on your preference
- Experiment with different marinades and spices to enhance the flavor of the fish
