Also known as
- Samsonfish US
- Kingfish US
- Kingy US
- Sambo US
- Sea Kingfish US
- Abrolhos Kingfish US
Identification
A heavy torpedo-shaped Western Australian and Indo-Pacific reef-and-seamount pelagic powerhouse with a distinctive deep rounded head profile delivering brutal sustained runs. Lives up to 29 years.
- Silvery body with a greyish-green to bronze sheen on the back
- Faint yellowish stripe along the lateral line, brightening at depth
- Distinctively rounded deeper head profile compared to other Seriola species
- Heavily muscled compact tail base built for sustained power
- Dark barred pattern appears post-mortem
Where it holds
- Offshore
- Inshore
- Coral Reefs
Behaviour
A schooling structure-associated pelagic predator working the upper 90m around offshore rocky reef, seamounts, deepwater pinnacles, and inshore bomboras. Hunts mid-water for baitfish (yellowtail scad, scaly mackerel, blue mackerel) and squid using explosive speed. Forms huge spawning aggregations on deep reefs through the Sept-Jan southern summer window. Most active in 18-24°C (64-75°F) water; sluggish in cooler conditions.
Diet: Yellowtail Scad, Blue Mackerel, Scaly Mackerel, Small Baitfish, Squid
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Jigging
The dominant Western Australian and southern Australian charter approach — drop a 180-400g knife jig or speed jig (silver, blue, pink, often with luminescent tape) over deep reef and pinnacle in 80-200m and work it with sharp aggressive sweeps off the bottom. PE6-8 jigging tackle, 24-37kg braid, 30cm of 100-130lb fluorocarbon leader. Heavy gear is non-negotiable — fish dive for structure on the strike.
Live Lining
An effective cool-water alternative when fish refuse jigs — drop a live yellowtail scad, blue mackerel, scaly mackerel, herring, or whole squid on a 9/0-12/0 circle hook with 100-130lb fluorocarbon leader to within 5-10m of deep reef structure. Strikes are violent; turn the fish hard on the hookset.
Spinning
A productive surface-and-shallow-reef approach when fish are feeding actively — cast a 150-250mm soft-plastic shad, large stickbait, or popper over reef edges and drop-offs and work it with fast steady retrieves. 7-8ft heavy spinning rod, PE5-6 mainline, 30cm of 80-100lb fluorocarbon leader.
Spear Fishing
Bluewater Spearfishing
A premier Western Australian bluewater spearo target — free-dive deep reef systems, seamounts, and pinnacles in 30-60m where schools concentrate. Curious but cautious; a slow stalk usually brings them within range. Aim for the head or spine on the first shot. 120-140cm gun with triple bands and 7.5-8.0mm shaft, breakaway rig with 500lb+ shooting line for the immediate run to structure. Advanced deep-diving skills required.
Inshore Spearfishing
An accessible Perth-and-southern-WA approach where smaller fish (5-15kg) move onto bomboras and shallow reefs in summer — stalk slowly using structure for cover in 20-40m. Even smaller fish demand a breakaway rig and float for the inevitable structure run. 110-130cm gun with double or triple bands and 7.5mm shaft.
