Where should I go if I want to target groupers jacks and sea bream in hk also what baits should I use on shore

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Hey there, fellow angler! Here’s a practical, shore‑fishing focused plan for Hong Kong to target groupers, jacks, and sea bream, especially in the early winter window. Weather note: water is cooler and the fish can be a tad fussy; the bite often shifts to dawn/dusk and during runoffs around tides. Sharpen your knowledge of rock edges, breakwaters, and reef shelves and you’ll punch above your weight.

Spot recommendations (shore-friendly and proven around HK):

- **Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve (Hong Kong Island, ocean)** — rocky reefs and drop-offs right off the coast. Great for groupers and big groupers’ cousins when currents push prey against the rocks. Best baits: live prawns, small crabs, or cut fish; rig with a solid leader and a robust hook.
- **Shek O and Big Wave Bay (Hong Kong Island, ocean)** — rugged shoreline with ledges and boulder gardens. Jack crevalle and GT types patrol here, plus occasional sea bream around the tidal pools. Best baits: live prawns, squid strips, and metal jigs for quick jigging retrieves along the edges.
- **Sai Kung Peninsula – Hoi Ha Wan and Long Ke / Tai Long Wan (Sai Kung, ocean)** — sheltered reef and rocky shores with clear water in spots; excellent for reef groupers and multiple jack species when tides push fish along the weed lines. Best baits: live bait (mullet/prawn), small fish, or piece of squid; try small spoons or soft plastics near rocky breaks.
- **Lamma Island – northern shoreline near Yung Shue Wan / Sok Kwu Wan (Lamma, ocean)** — less crowded, rocky pockets ideal for jacks and sea bream with predictable tide movement. Best baits: live prawns, small pieces of fish, and hard jerkbaits or metal jigs.
- **Tung Chung / Chek Lap Kok coast (Lantau Island, ocean)** — breakwaters and ferry wharf pulses can concentrate fish during tidal changes. Best baits: live prawns, squid strips; jigs work well when casting to the deeper troughs.
- **Cheung Chau / Lantau access points around rocky shores (ocean)** — variety of structures where groupers lurk around crevices. Best baits: live fish or prawn; lighter baits can work for sea bream in calmer pockets.

Onshore baiting tips by species:
- **Groupers**: use live bait whenever possible (live prawns, small crabs, or small live fish). If live bait is hard to come by, use fresh cut pieces of fish with a strong hook and a stout leader. Cast tight to rock shelves and hold your rod tip high as you drift the bait along the edge.
- **Jacks (GTs and trevally)**: respond well to fast, aggressive lures. Carry metal jigs, poppers, and soft plastics; vary the retrieve (pause-and-go, steady pull, or rapid jigging near the surface) to trigger strikes along the edges and currents.
- **Sea bream**: respond to smaller offerings such as live prawns, cockles, or mussels; use light to medium gear and keep the lure or bait tight to the bottom near rocks and tide pools.

Tackle and technique notes for early winter:
- Use a sturdy shore setup: rod around 8–12 feet, 20–40 lb braid with a 30–60 lb fluorocarbon leader; stout hooks (2/0–5/0 depending on target).
- Cast along rock ledges, drop-offs, and along weed lines where current concentrates prey.
- Fish during favorable tides and low wind days; early morning and late afternoon often produce better bite windows.
- Watch footing; rocks are slippery and shore breaks can be hazardous.

Quick links to fishing content you might find helpful:
- YouTube videos about real fishing techniques: [SURF FISHING TIP: Leader Line Vs Main Line Weight](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOU4QlHydtE) and [This Lure is Magic For Spanish Mackerel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muCRcpMR5VY)
- Relevant tackle and lures you can consider:
  - [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, segmented swimbait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [TRUSCEND Well-Made Rooster Tail Lures (spinners, good for jacks)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVC9WZZ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Rapala Bass Boom Box – curated bass/wide range lures for saltwater](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJQV65C?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [LENPABY 5pcs Frog Lure kit – versatile for shallow rocky pockets](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075ZTL3BM?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Endnote: you’ve got some excellent coastlines and islands to explore. With steady patience, the early-winter bite can bounce back, especially at rock ledges and channel edges. Tight lines, safe footing, and enjoy HK’s rugged shoreline—you’ve got this! 💪🐟

🎣 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China

General Questions

More Questions

Best Shimano Bass Fishing reel?

What PE line would you recommend for Mahi Mahi?

What is the rarest fish in the world?

What is the biggest fish ever caught

What are the best fall-fishing spots on Roy Lake, SD, and how can I read them on a map?

What lure should I use for Largemouth bass in a clear, man-made lake in northern MI with varying depths?

Question is Small vs Big

What is the best live bait for catching speckled trout?