What equipment do I need to catch Paperbones?

Recommended rod: Light spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action. Line weight: 2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Technique: Night trolling or vertical jigging in mid‑water. Best bait: Tiny shrimp or planktonic bait, or N/A if using lure.

Where are the best places to catch Paperbones?

Top fishing locations for Paperbones: East Bay Reef, Australia; Ulong Channel, Palau; South Ari Atoll, Maldives; Great Blue Hole, Belize; St. Lucia Estuary, South Africa.

What equipment do I need to catch Paperbones?

Recommended rod: Light spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action. Line weight: 2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Technique: Night trolling or vertical jigging in mid‑water. Best bait: Tiny shrimp or planktonic bait, or N/A if using lure.

Where are the best places to catch Paperbones?

Top fishing locations for Paperbones: East Bay Reef, Australia; Ulong Channel, Palau; South Ari Atoll, Maldives; Great Blue Hole, Belize; St. Lucia Estuary, South Africa.

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Fish Details

Paperbones

Q: When is the best time to catch Paperbones?

The best season for Paperbones is Year‑round, with higher numbers during summer in temperate regions. Best time of day: Dawn, dusk and nighttime when the fish migrates upward.

Luciosudis normani

AI-generated illustration

Paperbones (Luciosudis normani) is a slender, translucent deep‑water fish reaching about 20.7 cm. It inhabits open‑ocean midwater layers and is rarely targeted, but can be caught by light‑tackle when it ascends at night.

Fight

Taste

Basic Information

Family

Notosudidae

Max Size

20.7 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

500-800m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Year‑round, with higher numbers during summer in temperate regions

Best Time

Dawn, dusk and nighttime when the fish migrates upward

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Paperbones

Use ultra‑light tackle (2‑4 lb line) to feel any subtle takes
Troll or drift a small silver spoon or micro‑jig near the surface after sunset
Fish near offshore lantern‑fish aggregations where paperbones often feed
Keep the drag light; the fish offers only a gentle nibble
Retrieve slowly to allow the tiny lure to drift like plankton

Top Fishing Locations for Paperbones

East Bay Reef

Australia

intermediate75% Very Common

World-renowned hotspot where Paperbones congregate around the coral ledges, offering consistent catches during the warm season.

Best: December-February

Ulong Channel

Palau

expert65% Common

Famous dive and drift channel where Paperbones are drawn to the strong currents and abundant baitfish, making it a prime target for seasoned anglers.

Best: June-September

South Ari Atoll

Maldives

intermediate55% Common

Lagoonal reefs with crystal‑clear waters attract schools of Paperbones, especially around the deeper drop‑offs where they feed at night.

Best: April-May, October-November

Great Blue Hole

Belize

beginner40% Occasional

The iconic sinkhole creates a vertical column of water that gathers baitfish, drawing Paperbones to the rim where they can be sight‑caught.

Best: March-May

St. Lucia Estuary

South Africa

intermediate30% Occasional

Estuarine channels packed with shrimp and small fish make this a seasonal hotspot for Paperbones during the southern winter.

Best: September-November

Lake Taupō

New Zealand

expert20% Uncommon

Freshwater variant of Paperbones is known to patrol the deep basins of the lake, especially near the geothermal vents where plankton bloom.

Best: December-January

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Paperbones

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action

Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon

Lure TypeSmall silver spoon, micro‑jig or feathered hook, size 0‑1

TechniqueNight trolling or vertical jigging in mid‑water

Best bait: Tiny shrimp or planktonic bait, or N/A if using lure