Overview
Kingfish are pack hunters that use structure and current to trap bait. Wherever a headland, bommie or offshore pinnacle forces current upward, kingfish will be nearby when bait is present.
They are famous for the first run. Anglers lose more kingfish in the opening ten seconds than at any other point in the fight, which is why heavy drag pressure straight off the strike matters.
Water temperature around 18–22°C generally sees the best runs on the east coast, coinciding with squid and slimy mackerel showing up in numbers.
Where to find them
- ▸Offshore bommies and pinnacles that break current.
- ▸Rocky headlands with deep water access at dawn.
- ▸Harbour moorings and navigation markers holding resident fish.
- ▸Bait schools showing on sounder over reef edges.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: PE 4–8 topwater or jigging rod, 5000–14000 size spin reel.
- ▸Line: 50–100 lb braid with 80–130 lb leader.
- ▸Lures: 120–180 mm stickbaits and poppers, 150–250 g mechanical jigs, live squid and yellowtail.
Tips from the water
- ▸Lock the drag up and turn the fish's head within the first few seconds.
- ▸Work stickbaits with long sweeps and let the lure track just under the surface.
- ▸Change your angle of retrieve rather than your lure when fish follow without committing.
Regulations
Kingfish minimum lengths differ between states (commonly 65 cm in NSW). Check before keeping a fish.