⚠️
West Coast Demersal Closure in Effect
Rankin Cod 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
Rankin Cod
Epinephelus multinotatus
Also known as: Rankin, Goldspotted Rockcod
DPIRD Category
Demersal Scalefish
Peak Season
Year round
Difficulty
Moderate
Fight Rating
★★★★☆
Regulations & Limits
DEMERSAL SCALEFISH
⚖️ Mixed Species Limit Applies
Rankin Cod 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
Species not commonly found in this region
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)
OPEN
Min Size
—
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 5 demersal total
✓ Open year-round.
Good to Know
- Part of rockcods group (Family Epinephelidae and Serranidae)
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 50 cm |
| Max Size | 80 cm |
| Typical Weight | 5 kg |
| Max Weight | 15 kg |
Habitat
Where: Offshore reefs, structure, drop-offs
Depth: 30-150m
ID Features: Brown/grey with gold spots, large mouth, robust body
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 24 – 30°C
How to Catch Rankin Cod
1
Deep jigging
Setup
- Line: PE4-6 / 24-37kg
- Leader: 60-100lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Slow pitch jigs 200-400g
- Knife jigs
- Inchiku
Best Baits
- Squid
- Fish strips
Eating Quality
Flesh: White
Best cooked: Grilled, pan fried, steamed
The Fight
Hard fighter, heads for structure