How to rock fish for Luderick

Luderick, commonly known as blackfish in New South Wales, are one of the most rewarding fish to target from the ocean rocks. They can be challenging to master, but once you understand where they feed, how to balance a float and how to present a bait naturally through the wash, they can provide consistent and exciting fishing.

Luderick are powerful fish for their size and fight particularly well on the long, light rods traditionally used to target them. They are also readily accessible to land-based anglers, with productive water often located directly below the rock ledge rather than at the end of a long cast.

This guide explains the history of luderick fishing, the tackle and rig required, how to find productive water, the best baits to use and the complete process for catching luderick safely from the ocean rocks.

A Brief History of Luderick Fishing

In the early-to-mid 1900s, blackfish fishing had become extremely popular around Sydney Harbour, coastal breakwalls and ocean rock platforms. Anglers commonly used long cane or fibreglass rods, centrepin reels, handmade cork floats, light line and naturally collected green weed.

The equipment has improved, but the basic method has changed very little. Long, soft rods, sensitive floats, small hooks and carefully presented weed baits remain among the most effective ways to catch luderick today.

Understanding Luderick

Luderick are deep-bodied fish with silver-grey sides, darker vertical bands and a relatively small mouth. Adults commonly encountered by recreational anglers are approximately 30 to 45cm long, although the species can grow considerably larger.

They are commonly found around estuaries, harbours, breakwalls, rocky headlands and shallow coastal reefs. Along the ocean rocks, they generally hold close to submerged reef, ledges, gutters and areas where waves wash over weed-covered rocks.

Luderick mainly graze on marine algae. Their flattened, three-cusped teeth help them scrape and bite weed from rocks. This feeding behaviour explains why marine weed, sea lettuce and sea cabbage are such effective baits.

Where to Find Luderick on the Ocean Rocks

Finding the right water is more important than making long casts. Luderick frequently feed close to the rocks, particularly where waves wash loose pieces of algae into the water.

Look for whitewater and gentle wash

Whitewater provides cover and encourages luderick to feed more confidently. It also dislodges small pieces of weed and carries them through the wash.

The best water usually has regular movement without being dangerously rough. Look for a consistent wash that rises and falls over the rocks rather than waves violently breaking across your fishing position.

Find weed-covered ledges

Look below the waterline for rocks covered in green weed, brown algae, sea lettuce or cabbage. When these food sources are present, luderick may move onto the ledge as the water rises and begin grazing.

Weed growing around the immediate area is a good sign, but it does not guarantee that every ledge will hold fish. Look for a combination of food, water movement, depth and nearby cover.

Fish the edges of gutters and drop-offs

A shallow wash beside a deeper gutter is an excellent place to start. Luderick can retreat into the deeper water between waves and then move back onto the edge to feed.

Also look for submerged boulders, reef edges, small back-eddies and pressure points where the current slows or changes direction. These areas can concentrate loose weed and hold fish.

Watch the water before casting

Spend time observing how the water moves through the area. Follow patches of foam and loose weed to see where the current travels, where it slows and where it exits the gutter.

Your bait needs to travel through the same water naturally. A spot that looks productive but pulls the float directly into the rocks on every cast may be difficult to fish effectively.

The Best Conditions for Rock Luderick

Luderick can be caught throughout the year, although the cooler months are traditionally very popular with New South Wales blackfish anglers.

Productive conditions commonly include:

• A safe, light-to-moderate swell.
• Regular whitewater around the reef.
• A rising or higher stage of the tide.
• Light winds that allow good float control.
• Water with some colour or surface disturbance.

There is no single perfect tide for every location. Some ledges fish best as the water rises over shallow reef, while others require less water so the bait remains within reach of the feeding zone.

Keep a record of the tide, swell direction, wind and water level whenever you find fish. Over time, this will help you understand when each ledge is safe and productive.

Luderick Tackle for the Ocean Rocks

Rod

A long rod with a soft, progressive action is one of the most important pieces of luderick tackle. For the ocean rocks, rods between approximately 11 and 14 feet are commonly used.

A long rod helps you:

• Keep more line clear of the wash.
• Control the speed and direction of the float.
• Pick up slack line when setting the hook.
• Guide fish around rocks and wash zones.
• Cushion the small hook and light leader during the fight.
• Stand farther back from the edge where the location allows.

Avoid rods that are excessively stiff through the tip. Luderick often fight with sudden lunges, head shakes and direction changes, and a softer rod helps prevent the small hook from tearing free.

Reel

Centrepin reels are the traditional choice for luderick fishing. Their direct-drive design and free-running spool provide excellent control when allowing a float to move naturally with the current.

A 3000 to 4000-size spinning reel is a practical alternative, particularly for beginners or when longer casts are required. Choose a reel with a smooth drag because sudden drag pressure can pull a small hook from the fish.

Main line and leader

Monofilament main line remains popular because it floats reasonably well, has useful stretch and works naturally with a float rig. A good choice is specialised float line. It's high vis for easy management and, as the name says, it floats. 

A leader of 6 to 10lb is ideal. Increase the leader strength around sharp reef and heavy wash, but avoid using unnecessarily heavy line in clear, calm water.

Hooks

Luderick have relatively small mouths, so small hooks are normally required. Sizes from approximately #10 to #6 are commonly used, depending on the hook pattern, bait size and average fish.

Long-shank, sneck-style and small strong bait hooks are popular. A long shank makes it easier to present a narrow bait and remove the hook after landing the fish.

Hook dimensions vary between brands, so compare the actual gape and wire thickness rather than relying entirely on the size printed on the packet.

Floats

Pencil, stem and traditional blackfish floats are all effective. The float needs enough buoyancy to remain visible in the wash while still being sensitive enough to register a gentle bite.

Use the smallest float that can be cast and controlled effectively in the conditions. A large, underweighted float creates excessive resistance and can make it difficult for the fish to take the bait naturally.

Balance the float so that most of its body sits below the surface, leaving the brightly coloured stem or tip visible. When a fish takes the bait, very little force should be required to pull the remaining tip underwater.

Terminal tackle

A small tackle box is normally all that is required. Carry:

• A selection of small hooks - Gamakatsu Pan Fish or Mustad Needle Sneck.
• Split shot in several sizes.
• Small ball or barrel sinkers.
• Small swivels.
• Float stoppers and beads.
• Several floats of different buoyancies.
• Spare leader material.
• Scissors or line cutters.

How to Rig a Luderick Float

A simple running-float rig can be assembled in the following order:

1. Place a float stopper on the main line.
2. Add a small bead below the stopper.
3. Thread the running float onto the line.
4. Add split shot or a small running sinker beneath the float.
5. Tie the main line to a small swivel.
6. Add approximately 30 to 60cm of leader.
7. Tie on a small luderick hook.

The float stopper controls the fishing depth. The weight below the float should be sufficient to cock the float upright and leave only the upper stem visible.

Shot can be spread along the line to create a gradual, natural fall. In turbulent ocean water, a slightly heavier weight positioned closer to the swivel may provide better control. The final section of leader should remain light enough to move and flow naturally.

The Best Baits for Rock Luderick

Sea cabbage and sea lettuce

Sea cabbage and sea lettuce are among the most reliable baits for luderick feeding around ocean rock platforms. They naturally grow around the intertidal zone and can be washed from the rocks by waves.

Choose fresh, healthy-looking algae with a strong green colour. Soft, decomposing or badly damaged pieces are harder to rig and may not remain on the hook.

Green weed

Fine green or string weed is a traditional luderick bait for the estuary however, for the ocean rocks the standard sea lettuce/cabbage is perfect. 

How to bait the hook with cabbage

1. Tear a narrow strip of cabbage or sea lettuce.
2. Fold the thicker end over itself to create a stronger attachment point.
3. Pass the hook through the folded section once or twice.
4. Pop a half hitch over the top of the weed and hook shank to lock it in place.
5. Leave a short tail of bait hanging naturally below the bend.
   

The bait should be large enough to remain visible and move naturally, but not so bulky that it fills the entire hook gape.

How to bait the hook with green weed

1. Select a small bunch of fine, fresh weed.
2. Lay the weed along the shank of the hook.
3. Wrap the weed around the shank two or three times.
4. Secure it with a small half-hitch using the leader above the hook.
5. Trim the tail so a short section extends beyond the hook bend.

Avoid compressing the bait into a hard ball. It should resemble a small, loose piece of weed drifting through the water.

Using Berley for Luderick

Berley can bring fish into the wash and encourage a school to feed, but the aim is not to fill them with food. You want to create a light, regular trail of weed particles that guides fish towards your bait.

A simple luderick berley can include:

• Finely chopped green weed, sea cabbage or sea lettuce.
• Damp sand to carry the weed into the water.
• A small amount of bread or bran where appropriate.

Mix the ingredients so they form small, loose handfuls. Drop a small amount into the wash and watch where it travels before casting.

Continue adding small amounts regularly. Throwing in too much at once can feed the fish, spread them away from your float or carry the school out of casting range.

Setting the Correct Fishing Depth

Correct depth is one of the most important parts of luderick fishing. The bait needs to pass close enough to the rocks for the fish to find it without continually snagging.

1. Estimate the depth of the gutter or ledge.
2. Set the stopper so the bait should pass just above the bottom.
3. Make several controlled drifts.
4. If the float repeatedly drags under or the hook snags, reduce the depth.
5. If the rig drifts cleanly but receives no interest, gradually increase the depth.

Start with the bait approximately 15 to 30cm above the reef where possible. However, the wash constantly lifts and drops the rig, so some experimentation will always be required.

Do not assume the fish are always directly on the bottom. Luderick may rise in the berley trail or hold beside a submerged rock face at mid-depth.

How to Fish the Drift

A natural drift is the key to presenting weed successfully. Luderick are cautious, and a bait that moves against the current or hangs unnaturally beneath the float can be ignored.

1. Determine the direction in which the current and wash are moving.
2. Add a small amount of berley and follow its path.
3. Cast slightly up-current of the suspected feeding area.
4. Allow the float to settle before it reaches the fish.
5. Follow the float with the rod tip.
6. Keep enough line off the water to maintain contact without dragging the float.
7. Retrieve before the rig reaches unsafe water or snags.

Avoid casting directly onto the fish or repeatedly dropping the float heavily into shallow water. Allow the rig to enter the feeding area naturally with the current.

Controlling the float

Keep the rod pointed towards the float and retrieve loose line as required. The line should not form a large bow across the water because this delays the strike and allows the wash to pull the float away from the bait.

At the same time, avoid holding the line so tightly that you stop the float completely. The bait should travel at approximately the same speed and direction as the surrounding foam and loose weed.

When using a spin reel its best to flick the bail arm over and manually release the line with the float. Just be ready to set the hook when the float goes down. 

Recognising a Luderick Bite

A luderick bite is not always an immediate, dramatic disappearance of the float. Watch carefully for any change in its normal behaviour.

A bite may cause the float to:

• Pause or slow during the drift.
• Tilt to one side.
• Rise slightly in the water.
• Dip repeatedly.
• Move sideways against the current.
• Slide steadily beneath the surface.

Wait until the float is moving positively underwater rather than striking at every small dip caused by a wave. Once the bite develops, lift the rod firmly and smoothly.

Avoid an aggressive overhead strike. The hook is small, the leader is light and the fish may only have the end of the bait in its mouth.

Fighting a Luderick from the Rocks

Once hooked, luderick use their broad bodies to turn side-on to the current. They may make several short runs, shake their heads and attempt to reach submerged rocks.

During the fight:

• Keep a steady bend in the rod.
• Allow the soft rod to absorb sudden movements.
• Use side pressure to guide the fish away from reef.
• Do not lock the drag or clamp down too heavily on a centrepin.
• Recover line whenever the fish turns towards you.
• Avoid allowing loose line to wash around rocks.

Large luderick often make another strong run when they first see the rocks or landing net. Remain patient and avoid trying to lift the fish before it is ready.

Landing the Fish

Plan how you will land a fish before you begin fishing. Identify a safe landing position and make sure the net can reach the water without anyone moving onto a dangerous lower ledge.

1. Guide the fish towards a quieter section of water.
2. Keep the fish near the surface without lifting its head excessively.
3. Allow a safe incoming surge to carry the fish over the ledge.
4. Wash the fish up with the water not against it. 

Never attempt to lift a good luderick directly by the line. The leader, knot or small hook can fail under the fish’s full weight.

Looking After Your Catch

Luderick can be very good eating when handled correctly. If keeping a legal fish, dispatch it, bleed it and remove the guts before popping into a bucket of cold water or better a cooler with ice.

Prompt cleaning is particularly important because their digestive system contains algae and other plant material that can affect the flesh if the fish is left warm and ungutted.

When filleting, remove the dark lining and any remaining blood from the gut cavity.

It's best to eat this fish when filleted and skinned, whole fish isn't very tasty. 

Rock Fishing Safety

In declared high-risk rock-fishing areas in New South Wales, anglers and anyone helping them fish are legally required to wear an appropriate lifejacket. It is safest to wear an approved lifejacket whenever fishing from ocean rocks, regardless of whether the location is within a declared area.

Before fishing from the rocks:

• Check the coastal forecast, swell, wind, tide and weather warnings.
• Wear an approved and correctly fitted lifejacket.
• Wear suitable non-slip footwear or rock-fishing cleats.
• Fish with another person and tell someone where you are going.
• Spend at least 30 minutes watching the waves before choosing a position.
• Never turn your back on the ocean.
• Stay away from wet ledges regularly covered by waves.
• Plan a safe retreat and escape route.
• Carry a charged phone in a waterproof pouch.
• Know the location of any nearby Angel Ring or flotation device.

If someone is washed into the water, do not jump in after them. Call Triple Zero on 000 and throw them an Angel Ring, life buoy or another flotation device.

You can read the current NSW rock-fishing requirements at NSW Government Rock Fishing Lifejacket Law.

Current NSW Luderick Rules

At the time this guide was prepared in July 2026, the New South Wales recreational rules for luderick were:

Fishing regulations can change. Always check the latest rules, local marine-park zoning and bait-collection restrictions before fishing. Current limits are available from the NSW saltwater bag and size limits or through the FishSmart NSW app.

Common Luderick Fishing Mistakes

Fishing at the wrong depth

A bait passing several metres above the reef may never enter the feeding zone. Change the stopper depth gradually until you locate the fish.

Using too much weight

Excessive weight can make the bait behave unnaturally and reduce float sensitivity. Use enough weight to control the rig without making it rigid.

Dragging the float

Heavy line tension causes the bait to move against the current. Follow the float with the rod and maintain contact without stopping its natural drift.

Covering the hook point

A large ball of weed can block the hook gape. Use a neat bait with the point and gape clear.

Striking too quickly or too hard

Wait for a positive bite and lift smoothly. A violent strike can pull the bait away or tear out the small hook.

Using too much berley

Large amounts can feed the school or draw it away from your fishing position. Use a small but consistent trail.

Fishing unsafe water

Whitewater may help the fishing, but it should never take priority over safety. Choose a protected, manageable wash and leave if conditions deteriorate.

Quick Rock Luderick Checklist

• Long, soft-action float rod.
• Centrepin or smooth spinning reel.
• 8–12lb monofilament main line.
• 6–10lb leader.
• Balanced blackfish float.
• Small swivels, sinkers and split shot.
• Small #10 to #6 hooks.
• Fresh cabbage, sea lettuce or green weed.
• Finely chopped weed berley.
• Long-handled landing net.
• Approved lifejacket and suitable footwear.

Final Thoughts

Catching luderick from the ocean rocks is a specialised but highly rewarding form of fishing. The tackle is relatively simple, but success comes from paying close attention to water movement, depth, float balance and bait presentation.

Start by finding a safe ledge with weed growth, manageable whitewater and a defined gutter or reef edge. Introduce a small trail of berley, cast up-current and allow your bait to move naturally into the feeding zone.

Keep adjusting the depth until you find the fish, watch the float carefully and use the soft rod to maintain steady pressure once hooked. With practice, the small movements of the float and wash will begin to make sense, and you will understand why generations of anglers have become dedicated blackfish specialists.

Sources and Further Reading

• Australian Museum – Luderick, Girella tricuspidata
• Australian Museum – Aboriginal people of coastal Sydney
• NSW Government – Rock-fishing lifejacket law and declared areas
• NSW Government – Rock-fishing safety advice
• NSW DPIRD – Saltwater bag and size limits