What equipment do I need to catch Coelorinchus radcliffei?

Recommended rod: 7‑8 ft heavy offshore rod, fast action. Line weight: 80–100 lb test monofilament or braided line. Technique: Deep‑water jigging / bottom fishing with downrigger and lights. Best bait: Fresh squid, cut oily fish (e.g., mackerel), or shrimp.

Where are the best places to catch Coelorinchus radcliffei?

Top fishing locations for Coelorinchus radcliffei: Chatham Rise Deepwater Zone, New Zealand; Tasmanian South‑East Deep Shelf, Australia; West Coast Continental Slope, South Africa; Juan Fernández Ridge, Chile; Sagami Bay Abyssal Zone, Japan.

What equipment do I need to catch Coelorinchus radcliffei?

Recommended rod: 7‑8 ft heavy offshore rod, fast action. Line weight: 80–100 lb test monofilament or braided line. Technique: Deep‑water jigging / bottom fishing with downrigger and lights. Best bait: Fresh squid, cut oily fish (e.g., mackerel), or shrimp.

Where are the best places to catch Coelorinchus radcliffei?

Top fishing locations for Coelorinchus radcliffei: Chatham Rise Deepwater Zone, New Zealand; Tasmanian South‑East Deep Shelf, Australia; West Coast Continental Slope, South Africa; Juan Fernández Ridge, Chile; Sagami Bay Abyssal Zone, Japan.

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Fish Details

Coelorinchus radcliffei

Q: When is the best time to catch Coelorinchus radcliffei?

The best season for Coelorinchus radcliffei is Year‑round, with a slight increase in catches during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December–February) when deeper waters are more active. Best time of day: Nighttime – many grenadiers ascend toward the bottom during darkness.

AI-generated illustration

Coelorinchus radcliffei, commonly known as Radcliffe's grenadier, is a deep‑sea rattail found on continental slopes of the Southern Hemisphere. It is a long‑snouted, soft‑bodied fish prized by scientists rather than anglers, and is typically caught incidentally in deep‑water trawls.

Fight

Taste

Basic Information

Family

Macrouridae

Max Size

60 cm (24 in) length, up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

348-567m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Year‑round, with a slight increase in catches during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December–February) when deeper waters are more active

Best Time

Nighttime – many grenadiers ascend toward the bottom during darkness

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Coelorinchus radcliffei

Use heavy offshore gear (80–100 lb test) and a sturdy downrigger to reach 300‑1500 m depths.
Deploy bright underwater lights to attract baitfish and stimulate a feeding response from grenadiers.
Present natural bait (fresh squid, oily fish strips) on a quick‑release jig or weighted hook to keep it near the bottom.
Retrieve the jig slowly with occasional short hops to mimic a wounded baitfish, then set a firm hook when you feel a solid bite.

Top Fishing Locations for Coelorinchus radcliffei

Chatham Rise Deepwater Zone

New Zealand

expert25% Uncommon

A productive abyssal plateau known for abundant rattail populations, including Coelorinchus radcliffei, accessed via deep‑sea jigging from Wellington.

Best: June - August

Tasmanian South‑East Deep Shelf

Australia

intermediate30% Occasional

Deep offshore waters south of Tasmania where strong currents bring lanternfish and deep‑sea demersal species; targeted by charter vessels using heavy gear.

Best: November - February

West Coast Continental Slope

South Africa

expert20% Uncommon

The continental slope off the Western Cape offers steep drop‑offs where Coelorinchus radcliffei aggregates during its spawning run.

Best: March - May

Juan Fernández Ridge

Chile

expert28% Uncommon

Remote deep‑sea ridge in the South Pacific, accessed via expedition vessels; known for high biomass of deep‑water rattails.

Best: October - December

Sagami Bay Abyssal Zone

Japan

intermediate22% Uncommon

Deep waters beyond the continental shelf near Sagami Bay; frequent target of Japanese research‑fishing fleets for deep‑sea species.

Best: April - July

Azores Mid‑Atlantic Ridge

Portugal

expert15% Uncommon

A bucket‑list location where the Mid‑Atlantic Ridge rises, creating deep habitats rich in rattail species; requires long‑range charter.

Best: September - November

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Coelorinchus radcliffei

Recommended Equipment

Rod7‑8 ft heavy offshore rod, fast action

Line80–100 lb test monofilament or braided line

Lure TypeHeavy metal jig or deep‑drop rig, 200–400 g

TechniqueDeep‑water jigging / bottom fishing with downrigger and lights

Best bait: Fresh squid, cut oily fish (e.g., mackerel), or shrimp