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How to Rig for Yellowtail Kingfish

Seriola lalandi

Yellowtail kingfish are powerful, fast pelagic fish of New Zealand and southern Australia that hunt around reefs, pinnacles, channel markers, and wharves. They are known for diving straight into structure when hooked, so heavy leaders and a firm drag are essential. Live bait and fast-jigged metal both work, and New Zealand's northern waters are world famous for big kingfish.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Heavy Live Bait Rig
Best bait
Live yellowtail scad, mackerel, or squid bridled and swum near reefs, markers, and wharves
Where
boat, kayak, jetty, pier
Typical size
24–48 in
Season
Best from December to May when water is warm. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.
Heavy main lineSwivel or wind-onLeader60-200 lbCircle hookLive bait, floss bridlethrough the nose or eye sockets
#1 Best Match

Heavy Live Bait Rig

advancedboat · kayak · pier · jetty

A big non-offset circle hook is bridled through the nose or eye sockets of a live mackerel, scad, or small tuna with floss, so the bait swims freely and the hook stays clear to set in the corner of the jaw. Fished on heavy line from boats or rocks, it targets marlin, bluefin, kingfish, and giant trevally.

  • Main line30-80 lb monofilament or 50-130 lb braid
  • Leader60-200 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament
  • Leader length6-15ft of leader to the hook, joined with a wind-on or strong swivel
  • Hooks6/0 - 8/0 circle or live bait hook on a 60 - 100lb leader
  • WeightNone for surface baits; a 1-4oz sliding sinker or balloon for depth control
  • Line to sinkerUsually no weight; if used, a sliding sinker sits above the leader swivel
  • BaitLive yellowtail scad, mackerel, or squid bridled and swum near reefs, markers, and wharves
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Realistic Leadhead Jig Rig fishing rig setup
Leadhead Jig Rig
A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure.
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Braid 30-80 lbFG knotFluorocarbon leaderSolid ringAssist hooksMetal jig100-400g
Vertical Metal Jig Rig
A long, slim metal jig is dropped straight down to the fish and ripped or pitched back up, with short assist hooks hung from its head rather than a treble on its tail.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Yellowtail Kingfish?

The Heavy Live Bait Rig is the top recommendation for Yellowtail Kingfish. A big non-offset circle hook is bridled through the nose or eye sockets of a live mackerel, scad, or small tuna with floss, so the bait swims freely and the hook stays clear to set in the corner of the jaw. Fished on heavy line from boats or rocks, it targets marlin, bluefin, kingfish, and giant trevally.

What bait works for Yellowtail Kingfish?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Yellowtail Kingfish.

When is the best time to catch Yellowtail Kingfish?

Best from December to May when water is warm. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.. Typical size runs 24–48 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Yellowtail Kingfish?

Yellowtail Kingfish is caught while boat, kayak, jetty, pier fishing. Yellowtail kingfish are powerful, fast pelagic fish of New Zealand and southern Australia that hunt around reefs, pinnacles, channel markers, and wharves. They are known for diving straight into structure when hooked, so heavy leaders and a firm drag are essential. Live bait and fast-jigged metal both work, and New Zealand's northern waters are world famous for big kingfish.