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West Coast Demersal Closure in Effect

Baldchin Groper is part of the West Coast demersal scalefish closure. Boat-based recreational fishing for this species is prohibited until Spring 2027.

View full closure details →
West Coast Closed

Baldchin Groper

Choerodon rubescens

Also known as: Baldchin, Blueman, Kelpie

DPIRD Category Demersal Scalefish
Peak Season Year round
Difficulty Moderate
Fight Rating ★★★★☆
Baldchin Groper

Regulations & Limits

DEMERSAL SCALEFISH

⚖️ Mixed Species Limit Applies

Baldchin Groper count towards your total demersal scalefish bag limit. You can keep a maximum of 2 demersal scalefish total statewide.

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast CLOSED
Closed to boat fishing until Spring 2027
South Coast N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne OPEN
Min Size —
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 5 demersal total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

Good to Know

  • Part of tuskfish group
  • Additional spawning closure at Abrolhos Islands

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size50 cm
Max Size80 cm
Typical Weight5 kg
Max Weight12 kg

Habitat

Where: Reef areas, kelp beds, structure

Depth: 10-60m

ID Features: Blue-green body, pink/red face, distinctive profile, powerful jaws

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 15 – 20°C

How to Catch Baldchin Groper

1

Bottom fishing

Setup

  • Line: PE3-5 / 20-30kg
  • Leader: 50-80lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Soft plastics 5-6inch
  • Jigheads with squid

Best Baits

  • Squid
  • Octopus
  • Crab
  • Abalone gut

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Pan fried, battered, steamed

The Fight

★★★★☆ 4/5

Strong, stubborn, uses structure

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