Yellowtail Kingfish Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

The Yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) is a sleek, torpedo-shaped fish with a distinctive yellow tail. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some specimens reaching over 1.5 meters in length and weighing up to 70 kilograms. These fish are known for their incredible strength and endurance, making them a challenging and exciting catch for anglers.

In Victorian waters, Yellowtail kingfish are typically found around offshore reefs, rocky headlands, and deep drop-offs. They are pelagic fish, meaning they spend most of their time in open water rather than near the bottom. Kingfish are often found in schools, particularly when they’re younger, but larger individuals may be more solitary.

These fish are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their diet and hunting behavior make them susceptible to a range of fishing techniques, from trolling and jigging to live baiting.

Fishing for Yellowtail kingfish in Victoria is best during the warmer months, typically from late spring through to early autumn. During this time, they move closer to shore and become more accessible to both boat and land-based anglers. Popular fishing spots include the waters off Portland, Port Fairy, and around Port Phillip Bay.

What restrictions are in place for Yellowtail Kingfish fishing in Melbourne?

When fishing for Yellowtail kingfish in Victoria, anglers must adhere to specific regulations. The minimum legal size for Yellowtail kingfish is 60cm, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. This size limit helps ensure that fish have had a chance to spawn before being harvested. There is also a bag limit of 5 fish per person per day. This limit helps maintain sustainable fish populations. Always check for the most current regulations as they may change, and be aware of any closed seasons or protected areas where fishing may be restricted.

How to catch Yellowtail Kingfish

To catch Yellowtail kingfish in Victoria, anglers can employ various techniques. Trolling with live baits or lures is effective, especially around reefs and headlands. Jigging with metal jigs or soft plastics in deeper waters can also be productive. Live baiting with squid, yellowtail scad, or slimy mackerel is a popular method, particularly when fishing from boats. For land-based anglers, casting large stickbaits or poppers from rocky headlands can yield results. When fishing, use strong gear as kingfish are powerful fighters. A 15-24kg line class rod and reel combo spooled with 30-50lb braid is suitable for most kingfish fishing scenarios in Victoria.

What should you fish with for Yellowtail Kingfish?

When it comes to fishing for Yellowtail Kingfish, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for Yellowtail Kingfish, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Squid as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 6 Baits to Use for Yellowtail Kingfish

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 6 options that have consistently produced results for Yellowtail Kingfish:

• Squid
• Pilchards
• Whitebait
• Live Worms
• Minnows
• Small Fish

The Top 7 Lures to Use for Yellowtail Kingfish

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 7 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Yellowtail Kingfish:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Metal Spoon Lures
• Jigs
• Surface Lures
• Stick Baits
• Trolling Lures

Where to catch Yellowtail Kingfish in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Yellowtail Kingfish. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Yellowtail Kingfish can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Yellowtail Kingfish, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Yellowtail Kingfish fishing in Melbourne