Yellowtail Kingfish
Shore / ReefPowerful 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 Perth's hardest land-based prize. 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 — and a reliable way to discover the weak link in your tackle.
How to Catch
Live bait (herring, yellowtail scad, mullet), whole squid
Stickbaits, poppers, large soft plastics, metal jigs
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.
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.
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.
Up to 50kg, commonly 5–15kg
Dec–Apr
Good eating — firm, slightly oily flesh. Must be bled immediately and iced well. Excellent as sashimi when handled properly.
Yellowtail kingfish fall within the statewide large pelagic finfish mixed daily bag of 3 (shared with mackerel, tuna, samsonfish, wahoo and the like). Minimum size: 600 mm. Possession limit applies. 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.