Trachinotus botla

Dart

Q: What is the best season to catch Dart?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

The Dart is a fast, hard-fighting fish found in the surf zone of Australian beaches. A perfect target for beach fishing with light lures. Often found in small schools hunting in gu…

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Size25-45 cm

Weight0.5-2 kg

Depth1-20 m

Difficulty★★★★★

Lifespan7 years

FamilyCarangidae

Overview

The Dart is a fast, hard-fighting fish found in the surf zone of Australian beaches. A perfect target for beach fishing with light lures. Often found in small schools hunting in gutters formed by waves.

Identification

Fusiform bodyLong anal finSmall, smooth scalesPointy headLong pectoral finsProminent dorsal fin

Body: Fusiform body compressed laterally, with well-developed pectoral fins.
Colouration: Silvery color with golden hues and dark fin edges.
Sexual dimorphism: Absent/not prominent
Growth: Fast, reaches adult size in a few years

Taxonomy

Family: Carangidae
Order: Perciformes
Class: Actinopterygii

Related species

Trachinotus blochiiTrachinotus falcatusTrachinotus ovatusTrachinotus coppingeriTrachinotus africanus

Habitat & distribution

Environment: coast, reefs
Preferred bottom: sand
Geographic distribution: Found along the coasts of Australia, often spotted in oceanic waters near sandy shores.
Micro-habitat: Often present in the wave channels on beaches, where it hides among the sand and waves.

Prefers well-oxygenated, moving coastal waters, near waves.

Presence by sea area

Au Gbr SudPeak

Au Costa Est TemperataPeak

Diet

Primary prey: crustaceans, small fish, shrimp
Secondary prey: squid, annelids, seaweed
Occasional prey: small cephalopods, plankton
Feeding behaviour: Active and fast predator, hunts in small packs in surf areas, using speed to surprise prey.
Natural predators: sharks, larger predatory fish, dolphins

Often hunts in turbulent environments to use waves as cover.

Behaviour

Activity: diurnal
Social behaviour: small_groups
Aggressiveness: medium
Migration: Resident, but makes small movements depending on waves and tides.
Seasonal behaviour: More active in the warmer months when prey is abundant near the beaches.
Juveniles: Juveniles tend to form small groups and stay near the coast for protection.
Adults: Adults actively hunt in small packs, using waves as cover.

Reproduction

Spawning season: November, December, January
Spawning depth: between 5 and 15 meters
Eggs: Pelagic eggs, small and transparent, laid in large numbers.
Larval stage: Pelagic larvae that develop quickly before moving closer to the shores.
Sexual maturity: 3-4 years

When to catch Dart

Activity calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

PeakGoodLowInactive

Activity by season

Spring

85%

Summer

95%

Autumn

85%

Winter

60%

Best times

DayDawn, Dusk

Night—

This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.

Ideal conditions

Water temperature

10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C

Preferred tide: moving

Where to catch it

Best spots

sandy beacheswave channelsocean shoreshallow waters

Bottom preference

Sand

100%

Mud

90%

Mixed

70%

Seagrass

50%

Rock

40%

Spot type

Beach

100%

Estuary

90%

Harbour

70%

Pier

70%

Boat

70%

Reef

40%

Fishing techniques

Recommended

beach fishinglight luresspinningsurfcasting

Other applicable

SpinningShore JiggingBeach FishingLive BaitingRock FishingSpinning MedioSpinning PesanteSurfcasting

Recommended baits

shrimpartificial luressmall minnowssoft baits

Baits by pressure

Low

Pompano jigShrimp artificiale (gomma)Softbait piccolo / LRFVibe lure / Blade

Medium

Gambero morto / GamberoGambero vivoPulce di sabbia

High

Beach wormVerme di sangueArenicolaBigattinoEsca naturale (generica)Verme americanoChicken rig

Catch & handling tips

Fight: Feisty and quick, makes rapid lateral dashes and tries to use the current.
Handling: Handle carefully to avoid scale abrasion.
Release: Ensure the fish is well rehydrated before release, avoid prolonged exposure to air.

Curiosities & culture

Record catches: The dart species, Trachinotus botla, is known for its fighting ability and is often fished in the Indian Ocean waters. Large specimens can exceed 10 kg, making it a prized catch for sport fishermen. Around the South African seas, regular catches of specimens over 5 kg are recorded.
In the kitchen: Valued for its white, delicate flesh, often grilled.
Cultural notes: Considered a symbol of agility and speed in Australian coastal cultures.
Historical notes: Already fished by Australian Indigenous people long before European arrival.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best season to catch Dart?

March, april, may, june, july, august, september, october, november. This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

Which techniques work best for Dart?

beach fishing, light lures, spinning, surfcasting

What does Dart feed on?

crustaceans, small fish, shrimp

At what depth does Dart live?

1-20 m. Often present in the wave channels on beaches, where it hides among the sand and waves.