Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, I have received many inquiries from fishing friends.How to Catch Australian YellowtailAs the most popular marine fish species on the east coast of Australia, Yellowtail Kingfish has conquered countless fishing enthusiasts with its strong explosive power and delicious meat. Today, I will combine the practical experience of local senior anglers to analyze the fishing secrets of this "Ferrari of the sea" in detail.

1. Analysis of core equipment for yellowtail fishing
1.1 Fishing rod selection:It is recommended to use a 10-15kg boat fishing rod with a length of 1.8-2.1 meters. Shimano Terez series or Daiwa Saltiga Surf rods are both sensitive and strong, especially suitable for dealing with the sudden sprint of yellowtail.
1.2 Reel Configuration:It is recommended to choose a spinning reel of 10000 or above or a high-speed drum reel. It is recommended to use a 5-8 main line with a 30-50 pound leader for PE line. When using live bait for fishing, the Daiwa Saltiga 55H high-speed drum reel with a gear ratio of 6.3:1 can quickly reel in the fish.
1.3 Fishing Group Matching:
- Floating fishing group: suitable for reef areas, 3-5 Awa floating with 3 meters of sub-line
- Bottom fishing rig: 80-120g lead weight is recommended with double hooks
- Lure fishing method: 150-250g metal iron plate (Jigging) is effective
2. Golden fishing spots and tidal patterns
2.1 Popular fishing spots in New South Wales:
area | Specific location | Best time |
---|---|---|
Sydney Surroundings | Botany Bay, Long Reef | 2 hours before and after sunrise |
Central Coast | Terrigal Reefs | Spring tide turns to neap tide |
Southern Seas | Jervis Bay Artificial Reef | Winter Twilight |
2.2 Tidal Window Period:The most active tide for yellowtail is from 2/3 of the tide to the high tide stage, when the water flow in the reef area forms a natural feeding channel. The fish are particularly active in feeding during the "tide-in-tide" period around the 8th and 23rd of the lunar calendar every month.
3. Ultimate bait formula and preservation techniques
3.1 Live bait selection:
- First choice: Live squid (10-15cm is best)
- Runner-up: Australian sardines (keep the scales intact)
- Emergency plan: Fresh banana shrimp (headless and hooked)
3.2 Secret marinade recipe:Soaking the cut bait in a marinade made of fish oil, squid ink and garlic powder in a ratio of 5:2:1 and refrigerating it for 12 hours can increase the fish attracting effect by more than 40%.
4. Analysis of practical operation skills
4.1 Live bait line control skills:After throwing out the live bait, keep the spool half open and gently pull the fishing line every 3-5 minutes to simulate the action of a wounded fish. When you find that the tip of the rod nods continuously, do not lift the rod immediately, wait for 5 seconds to make sure the fish has taken a firm bite.
4.2 Four-step method for fighting fish:
- Keep the rod at a 45-degree angle after catching a fish
- The first three sprints are firmly locked and unloaded
- When the fish is tired, quickly reel in 2 meters and then release 1 meter
- When close to the boat, use a hook to directly catch the gills

5. Issues related to yellowtail fishing
5.1 When is the best season for yellowtail fishing?
April to October is the golden period, especially when the water temperature drops to 18-22℃, giant yellowtails of 20kg+ often appear in the waters around Sydney. You can also fish in deep waters (60 meters+) in summer, but the individuals are generally smaller.
5.2 Is night fishing for yellowtail possible?
Although yellowtail is a diurnal fish, you can often get unexpected results by using fluorescent apollos and glow sticks near artificial lighthouses on the nights 3 days before and after the full moon. It is recommended to equip a diving flashlight with more than 3000 lumens.
5.3 How to handle fish to keep it fresh?
The most effective method is the "three-knife method" of bleeding immediately: the first knife cuts the branchial artery, the second knife opens the abdominal cavity, and the third knife cuts the spinal nerves. After processing, it is quickly frozen in an ice-salt mixture (ice: salt = 3:1), which can keep it fresh for 72 hours.
Through the detailed explanation of this article, I believe that all fishing friends have masteredAustralian Yellowtail FishingIt is important to note that according to NSW fishery regulations, the minimum legal size of yellowtail is 65cm, and each person is limited to 5 fish per day. It is recommended to log on to the DPI official website to check the real-time fishery notice. I wish all anglers a big catch of crucian carp and carp!
Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandYellowtail Fishing TipsIf you have more questions about life in Australia, please feel free to leave a message.