Red emperor are part of the large lutjanidae family, which includes a range of reef-dwelling species such as mangrove jack and fingermark.

Red emperor have a large range across the northern part of Australia, inhabiting coastal reefs and offshore areas south to Bunbury in the west and about Sydney in the east.

Standard bait fishing rigs with baits of fish flesh or squid will attract red emperor, they will also respond to lure presentations such as soft plastics and micro and slow-pitch jigs. Here are some tackle recommendations when red emperor cod.

Rod: 5’6”-7’0” Heavy/X heavy Spin/Baitcast/Overhead Rod

Reel: 4000-8000 Spin Reel, 150-400 Baitcast Reel, 10-50 Overhead Reel

Line: 15-40lb PE line            Leader: 30-80lb Fluorocarbon/Nylon Leader