Reef fish

A reef concentrates life because it breaks the current and offers hundreds of hiding places. Species arrange themselves in layers: those that patrol above it, those that hug the structure, those that never leave their hole. That order dictates the fishing — a few metres of depth separate two worlds, and choosing the right one matters as much as choosing the bait.

The fight starts at the bite, not at the net. A fish hooked over a reef has one instinct: to go home. A second of hesitation and the line is grating over coral or rock. So you fish heavier here, with drags locked up and strong leaders, trading the stealth you lose for the security you gain.

It is also the most fragile habitat of all. A reef takes decades to build and seconds to break: place your lead rather than dragging it, never anchor on coral, and handle carefully anything you intend to release.