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Golden eye jobfish

Pristipomoides flavipinnis

Golden eye jobfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Golden eye jobfish (Pristipomoides flavipinnis) is a deep‑reef snapper prized for its firm, white flesh and strong, steady fight. It inhabits offshore reef slopes throughout the Indo‑Pacific and is a popular target for both sport and commercial anglers.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Lutjanidae

Max Size

76.6 cm

Max Weight

3 kg

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

90-360m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

April–October

Best Time

Dawn and dusk (low light conditions)

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Golden eye jobfish

  • Use heavy jig heads (30‑50 g) with deep‑diving metal jigs or soft plastic swimbaits to reach the fish’s depth.
  • Trolling with brightly colored squid or fish strips on a fast‑spinning rig can locate schools before they bite.
  • Fish during periods of rising tide and on overcast days when the fish are more likely to move up the water column.
  • Keep a steady retrieve and be ready for a strong, steady run; let the fish tire before attempting the pull.

Top Fishing Locations for Golden eye jobfish

South Ari Atoll

Maldives
intermediate65% Common

World‑renowned for its deep reef slopes where golden eye jobfish congregate around steep drop‑offs and pinnacles.

Best: May‑October

Rock Islands

Palau
expert55% Common

Steep limestone walls and abundant baitfish create perfect ambush points for golden eye jobfish.

Best: March‑July

Mamanuca Islands

Fiji
intermediate70% Very Common

Clear waters and deep seamounts attract golden eye jobfish, especially around the western seaward reefs.

Best: April‑September

Christmas Island

Australia
expert78% Very Common

Remote island with pristine reefs; golden eye jobfish are abundant on the outer reef ledges during the austral summer.

Best: December‑February

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Philippines
intermediate62% Common

Protected marine park with towering walls; golden eye jobfish are a prized target for live‑bait anglers.

Best: March‑June

Aldabra Atoll

Seychelles
intermediate68% Common

Isolated atoll with deep drop‑offs; golden eye jobfish are common on the outer reef margins.

Best: October‑December

Maui (Molokini Crater)

United States
expert48% Occasional

The volcanic crater’s steep sides host large schools of baitfish, drawing golden eye jobfish to the edges.

Best: April‑October

Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt
intermediate55% Common

Red Sea's iconic reef system; golden eye jobfish are found on the deeper reef ledges beyond the main tourist zones.

Best: May‑September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Golden eye jobfish

Recommended Equipment

Rod7‑8 ft medium‑heavy offshore rod, fast action
Line30‑50 lb test braided line with a 30‑lb fluorocarbon leader
Lure TypeDeep‑diving metal jigs, soft‑plastic swimbaits, or large spoon lures
TechniqueBottom jigging and trolling on deep reef structures

Best bait: Fresh or frozen squid, shrimp, or small baitfish strips