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How to catch Redfinned bully

Gobiomorphus huttoni (Ogilby, 1894)

About Redfinned bully fishing

The redfinned bully is a small, elongated freshwater fish belonging to the family Eleotridae, native to the clear streams and rivers of New Zealand. Adults typically grow to between eight and ten centimetres in total length, reaching a documented maximum size of twelve centimetres. Males display striking red patterns on their fins and cheeks, contrasting with the more subdued brown markings of females. As an amphidromous species, it spends part of its early life cycle at sea before migrating upstream, possessing a remarkable ability to navigate strong currents and climb obstacles. It inhabits turbulent cobbled riffles and boulder-strewn pools, functioning primarily as a cryptic benthic creature that relies on camouflage for protection.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    9 cm

  • Habitat

    Freshwater, Brackish, Saltwater

Redfinned bully

Red fin margins

Bright reddish-orange bands along the outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins.

Mottled body pattern

Dark brown blotches and speckles cover the olive-brown body and head.

Subterminal mouth

Large, slightly angled mouth positioned slightly downward for benthic feeding.

Redfinned bully fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    9 cm (max 12 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    0.2 kg (max 0 kg )

  • Depth

    6–50 m

  • Body shape

    Elongated

  • Vulnerability score

    24.2

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Active

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Low

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Low

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Active

  • Night

    After dark

    Peak

When to fish for Redfinned bully

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January
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August
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September
10 Now
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December

How to catch Redfinned bully

Tips for catching Redfinned bully

Target this benthic species in rocky freshwater streams and riffles by presenting small natural baits near the stony bottom where they hide beneath rocks. Since these fish are largely nocturnal and rely on cryptic camouflage to avoid detection, approach quiet runs and margins carefully during low light conditions or after dark. Use a light float setup with a sensitive tip to detect subtle takes in turbulent water flows.

Other names for Redfinned bully

Local and alternate names anglers use for Redfinned bully.

  • Redfinned bully

Best equipment to catch Redfinned bully

Compare fishing methods for Redfinned bully — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.2 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Redfinned bully

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Redfinned bully migrates — Amphidromous

Moves between fresh and salt water during its life, but not specifically to spawn. Fish the estuary and the lower river.

How Redfinned bully migrates — Amphidromous 1. Eggs: Spawned at sea or along the coast. 2. Larvae: Drift inshore with the currents. 3. Juveniles: Move into estuaries, lagoons and fresh water to feed and grow. 4. Adults: Return to the sea to mature and spawn.
Fresh water Estuary Sea

1 Eggs

Sea

Spawned at sea or along the coast.

2 Larvae

→ Estuary

Drift inshore with the currents.

3 Juveniles

Fresh water

Move into estuaries, lagoons and fresh water to feed and grow.

4 Adults

→ Sea

Return to the sea to mature and spawn.

The crossing is for feeding and growth, not to spawn.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Redfinned bully

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Hunts

    Night

Where Redfinned bully lives

Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.

Habitats
Freshwater, Brackish, Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral
Continental shelf · 6–50 m
Water column
Demersal
On or near the bed

Where this species lives