To hook a Giant Trevally, or GT, is electrifying. It is a vigorous fight. Fearless aggression is the thrill and adventure one can experience when battling these apex predators. Giant trevallies are everywhere in the Maldives. Reefs and reef flats are the hot spots for these predators and are distinctive habitats for them. Both the reefs and the flats offer opportunities for catching.
This fish is the monarch of one of the largest, most aggressive, and most impressive families of marine fish in the world. Its prowess, fighting abilities, boldness, and size have made it one of the top challenges and targets of sport anglers. When hooking on this predator, it brings an adrenaline rush.
It can grow up to at least 170 cm and 80 kg. It has a typical trevally appearance. It has long pectoral fins. The tail fin is a stealth weapon. It powers when cruising round reefs, wrecks, and in the open ocean. This fin allows it to surge powerfully into action to smash into shoals of fish or to grasp a lure or fly. GT is silvery grey on the upper body and slightly darker on top. Old males of any species can be very dark and even black. It has large eyes on the front of its head and a big mouth with fearsome teeth.
Giant trevallies consume a variety of invertebrates and fish. Most of their diet consists of fish. It also attempts to take anything that looks edible. It can eat baby turtles, sea snakes, or swimming birds—even flying birds. It looks for injured fish. It has a robust appetite and feeds by charging at prey and gulping it in.
GT lives in warm marine waters. They rarely stray far from land but can be particularly abundant round islands. They are present in some lagoons, but most of the larger fish prefer the more open coastal marine areas. They love coral reefs and structures such as wrecks and isolated columns of rock. They stay all year round in confined areas. Some GTs are much more mobile. They move along reefs or shorelines. Smaller giant trevallies are usually found in shallow water or near the shore. Because of their remarkable fighting prowess, the best times to fish are during the day, particularly in the mornings and late afternoons.
