Sea Perch

Scientific name
Helicolenus percoides
Other names
Maori Chief, wonky donk.
Eating
A highly rated eating fish, prefered method is to cook fish headed and gutted, and tailed (as they produce small fillets otherwise).
Habitat
Normally found in caves holes and under overhangs.

Fishing
According to one local fisherman, the best way to target these is to drift off blue cod spots whilst still fishing. Have caught good size sea perch in 40m near the top of Durville Island whilst fishing for blue cod.

Spearfishing
Not normally speared unless in competitions. If you are planning to spear one you must consider your angle and where the shaft will end up once you’ve shot it.

Photos property of Andrew MacDonald.

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