Bite Compass

Yellowtail Kingfish

Shore / Reef

Seriola lalandi

Powerful pelagic that pushes through Cockburn Sound and along the coast in summer. Occasionally taken from rock walls and long jetties on live bait or stickbaits. A genuine land-based trophy when it happens.

Overview

Yellowtail kingfish are the ultimate land-based challenge in Perth. These powerful pelagics push through Cockburn Sound and along the coast from December through April, and the chance of hooking one from the rocks or a jetty keeps serious anglers coming back. A land-based kingy of any size is a genuine trophy.

How to Catch

Best baits

Live bait (herring, yellowtail scad, mullet), whole squid

Lures

Stickbaits, poppers, large soft plastics, metal jigs

Rigs

For live bait, a sliding float rig or free-lining setup with an 8/0 circle hook and 60–80lb leader. For lures, a heavy-duty spinning setup with PE3–5 braid and 60–80lb leader. This is no place for light tackle.

Technique

From rock walls and long jetties, fish live bait under a float or free-lined into areas where kingfish patrol. On lures, work stickbaits and poppers along rock walls and reef edges early in the morning. When a king hits, you need to turn its head immediately — any hesitation and it'll reach the structure. Be prepared for a long, powerful fight.

Best time

Early morning from December through April. Calm, clear days when you can sight-cast to cruising fish are ideal. Incoming tide that pushes bait close to structure is a bonus.

Size

Up to 50kg, commonly 5–15kg

Peak season

Dec–Apr

Eating quality

Good eating — firm, slightly oily flesh. Must be bled immediately and iced well. Excellent as sashimi when handled properly.

Regulations (WA)

Bag limit: 3 (combined large pelagic group). Minimum size: 60cm. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.

Perth Tips

North Mole, South Mole, and the Kwinana grain jetty area are the best land-based kingfish spots in Perth. Always carry heavy tackle even if you're targeting smaller species — you never know when a kingy will show up. Bring a long-handled gaff or net, and fish with a mate for landing.

Where to Catch Yellowtail Kingfish

Alcoa Jetty (Kwinana) Ammo Jetty (Ammunition Jetty, Woodman Point) Hillarys Boat Harbour North Mole (Fremantle) South Mole (Fremantle)

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