Also known as
- Yellowtail Amberjack US
- California Yellowtail US
- Kingfish US
- Kingy US
- Yellowtail US
Identification
A large, torpedo-shaped predator with a deep, muscular, laterally compressed frame built for sustained speed and brute-force runs. Young are slender, maturing into a barrel-chested profile. Females grow slightly larger than males.
- Blue-indigo back with silver sides and belly
- Bronze lateral stripe turning bright yellow toward the tail
- Large, deeply forked tail on a narrow wrist
- Smooth, fine scales
Where it holds
- Rocky Reefs
- Kelp Forests
- Offshore
- Inshore
Behaviour
Hunts cooperatively in loose groups, driving schooling prey to the surface with coordinated high-speed passes; juveniles feed mostly on small invertebrates before switching to a fish-dominated diet as they grow. Most active at 15-24°C (59-75°F), peaking 18-24°C (64-75°F), with strongest bites around dawn, dusk, and pressure changes. Adults hold around structure and along current-swept edges and drop-offs, patrolling mid-water and near the surface; juveniles shoal tighter and shallower.
Diet: Sardines, Anchovies, Mackerel, Squid, Crustaceans
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Live Lining
Free-line unweighted live baitfish on circle hooks (6/0-9/0) near structure, pinnacles, and current edges. Let the bait swim naturally and allow the fish to run before tightening into the hook.
Jigging
Drop heavy metal jigs (150-300g) to the bottom and retrieve with fast erratic rips for a fluttering fall. Work surface irons near the top with a fast steady retrieve for a side-to-side kick. Target reef edges and drop-offs.
Trolling
Troll 4-8 knots with deep-diving swimming plugs or skirted lures along ledges, drop-offs, and near pinnacles, islands, and headlands. Slow-troll live bait when searching for scattered fish.
Spinning
Cast poppers, stickbaits, or swimbaits to surface-feeding schools and reef edges, then retrieve fast with erratic rod work. Speed and action are what trigger strikes.
Spear Fishing
Bluewater Spearfishing
Drift in open water over offshore structure and seamounts. Fish are curious and will investigate divers — burley extends hold. Head or spine shots only; use a breakaway rig and 180-225kg shooting line.
Inshore Spearfishing
Stalk rocky headlands, reef edges, and kelp beds in 10-35m. Hold near structure in current and wait for patrolling fish. Head shots preferred; run a float rig even on smaller specimens.
