Blog
Sailfish & GT Fishing in Australia & New Zealand: Popping, Trolling & Best Lures
2026-08-19 | GD Angling Tackle
Two fish define adrenaline in this part of the world: the acrobatic sailfish and the bone-crushing giant trevally (GT). Both are dream targets for anglers, and both are driven by lures. If your customers chase billfish and reef monsters, stocking the right poppers, stickbaits and trolling lures is the fastest way to earn their loyalty. Here is the lay of the land.
Sailfish Fishing in Australia
Australia's tropical north is one of the world's great sailfish destinations.
- Exmouth, Western Australia — widely regarded as the sailfish capital of Australia. Hundreds of sailfish are tagged here each season.
- Broome & Darwin — consistent sailfish action through the winter months.
- Far North Queensland (Cairns, Weipa) — sailfish mixed in with black marlin, offering year-round billfish options.
Season: Sailfish run strongest during the winter (roughly June–October), when cooler currents push bait inshore.
Techniques: Trolling garfish rigs and skirted lures is the classic approach, but casting poppers and stickbaits at sighted sailfish has become a favourite for anglers chasing the visual strike.
Giant Trevally (GT) — The Ultimate Topwater Target
No inshore fish punishes tackle like a big GT. These reef bruisers smash topwater lures with shocking violence, then dive for the reef. It's why GT popping has become a global phenomenon.
Australia
- Far North Queensland (Cairns to Cape York) — the epicentre of Australian GT fishing, with giant fish on the outer reefs and shoals.
- Ningaloo (Exmouth), WA — big GT over shallow reef flats, ideal for sight-casting.
- Gove, Northern Territory — remote, unpressured GT water.
New Zealand
- Three Kings Islands — legendary for truly giant GT, some pushing past 50 kg.
- Great Barrier Island & Northland — hard-fighting GT within reach of Auckland.
Best Seasons for Sailfish and GT
GT can be caught year-round in the tropics, with peak action in the dry season (May–October) in northern Australia and summer in New Zealand. Sailfish peak through the winter months (June–October) across northern Australia.
Lures and Techniques for Sailfish and GT
Poppers
The topwater king for GT. A loud, splashy cup-faced popper worked with hard sweeps triggers explosive strikes. Durability matters: GT crush poppers, so through-wire construction and heavy split rings are essential.
Stickbaits
Subsurface and surface stickbaits excel when fish are wary of loud commotion. The darting, erratic action draws savage follows.
Trolling Lures
For sailfish, skirted lures and swimming minnows run at 6–8 knots remain the most reliable producer, especially when combined with teaser dredges.
What Makes a Great Popper or Trolling Lure
For a lure to survive the Australian and New Zealand fishery — and keep customers coming back — it needs:
- Through-wire or heavy-duty construction to withstand a 40 kg GT.
- 4X-strength hooks and split rings that won't open under load.
- High-visibility and natural colour ranges for clear and dirty water alike.
- Balanced casting weight for long, accurate shots at sighted fish.
GD Angling Tackle designs and manufactures poppers, stickbaits and trolling lures purpose-built for sailfish and GT. From heavy cup-faced poppers for the reef to slim trolling lures for billfish, we supply wholesalers, brands and OEM customers with custom colourways, packaging and rigging for your market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best sailfish fishing in Australia?
Exmouth in Western Australia is the standout sailfish destination, with Broome, Darwin and Far North Queensland also producing consistent catches.
What lures are best for giant trevally (GT)?
Cup-faced poppers and subsurface stickbaits are the top GT lures, fished with heavy tackle. Through-wire construction and 4X hooks are essential.
When is GT season in New Zealand?
GT fishing around the Three Kings Islands, Great Barrier Island and Northland is best through summer and early autumn.
What tackle do I need for popping GT?
A heavy popping rod paired with a high-capacity spinning reel, 80–100 lb braid and a strong fluorocarbon or wire leader is the standard GT setup.
Ready to Stock Sailfish & GT Lures?
GD Angling Tackle produces poppers, stickbaits and trolling lures built for billfish and reef monsters. Custom colours, packaging and rigging available for wholesale and OEM orders.
Request a Quote