Chloe Zhang
Yellowtail kingfish are a highly sought-after fish among anglers due to their legendary status for putting up a good fight. They are cunning, strong, and can be very particular about their food. Kingfish respond to a variety of lures, and the choice of lure depends on the location, size, food source, and behaviour of the local kingfish population. Soft plastics are a popular choice for catching kingfish, and anglers have reported success with GULP Paddleshads in pink and lime colours, as well as with Squidgies. When using soft plastics, it is important to consider the weight and presentation of the lure, as well as the structure and water clarity of the fishing location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lures | Soft plastics, stickbaits, poppers, hard bodied lures, saltwater flies, live bait |
| Lure colour | Pink, lime, brass |
| Lure type | Single hooked, single-minded |
| Lure movement | Slow lift-drop-lift retrieve, medium pace with an occasional lift and drop of the rod tip, jerky retrieve |
| Water type | Bluey green water with about 15m of visibility, deep water |
| Water location | Offshore islands, southern waters, Australia, New Zealand, parts of the Asian North Pacific |
| Fishing location | Old jetties, rocky headlands, offshore pinnacles, marker beacons |
| Fishing equipment | Spartan S80 and S85, Demon Blood S85 PE 6-8, Daiwa Crossfire 1062 rod, Nitro Saltwater Pro jigheads on Owner hooks |
| Kingfish characteristics | Strong, cunning, tendency to frustrate anglers, sight hunters |
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What You'll Learn
- Lure choice: Kingfish respond to a variety of lures, including soft plastics
- Location: Look for structure like jetties, headlands, offshore pinnacles, and beacons
- Water clarity: Kingfish are sight hunters, so look for clear water
- Jig heads: Choose a jig head weight that suits the current
- Techniques: Try a slower lift-drop-lift retrieve to entice larger kingfish
Lure choice: Kingfish respond to a variety of lures, including soft plastics
Lure choice is an important factor when considering how to catch kingfish on soft plastics. Yellowtail kingfish, or kingies, are known for their cunning and strong fighting abilities, so it is important to choose the right lures to have a chance of catching them.
Kingfish respond to a variety of lures, including soft plastics, and the choice of lure will often depend on the location, average size, food source and behaviour of the local kingfish population. For example, casting large lures like stickbaits and poppers is a popular technique for attracting big kingfish, while smaller kingfish can be targeted using less specialised techniques, such as working with soft plastics and smaller topwater lures on lighter spin gear.
Soft plastics can be very effective when fishing for kingfish, as they can look, behave, taste and smell like natural food sources for kingfish. This can be especially useful in heavily fished areas, where kingfish may be more cautious and selective about their food choices. Soft plastics that mimic the colour and shape of natural baitfish, such as squid or shad, can be particularly successful in attracting kingfish.
When using soft plastics, it is important to consider the size and weight of the lure, as well as the type of hook and leader. For example, a 5" GULP Paddleshad in pink has been shown to be effective for catching kingfish, when paired with a heavy rig and a strong hook, such as a 40lb fluorocarbon leader and a 3/8 ounce, size 1.0 hook jighead. In other cases, a lighter setup with a 25lb fluorocarbon leader and a 1/4 ounce, size 1/0 hook jighead may be more appropriate, especially when fishing in areas with structure that can snag your line.
In addition to the choice of lure and equipment, it is also important to consider the technique used to present the lure to the kingfish. This includes factors such as the speed of retrieval, the depth at which the lure is presented, and the action or movement of the lure. For example, a medium-paced retrieve with an occasional lift and drop of the rod tip can be effective when using soft plastics, as can allowing the lure to sink to different depths before commencing a retrieve.
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Location: Look for structure like jetties, headlands, offshore pinnacles, and beacons
When looking for kingfish, the first thing to consider is structure. Jetties, headlands, offshore pinnacles, and beacons are all great locations to find kingfish. These structures provide the perfect environment for kingfish to hunt and find shelter.
Jetties, for example, offer an ideal mix of depth and cover for kingfish. They often attract a variety of baitfish, providing an abundant food source for kingfish. Additionally, the pillars and underwater structure of jetties create hiding spots for both the baitfish and the kingfish themselves. This makes jetty fishing an exciting and productive technique when targeting kingfish with soft plastics.
Headlands, particularly those with deep water and strong currents, are another prime location for kingfish. The currents bring an abundance of food, and the deeper waters provide a suitable environment for kingfish to cruise and hunt. Rocky headlands are especially attractive to kingfish, as they provide complex structures for them to navigate and ambush their prey.
Offshore pinnacles and beacons also fall into this category of structure-rich locations. These isolated structures in deeper waters can create chokepoints for smaller fish and crustaceans, making them prime hunting grounds for kingfish. The deep waters surrounding these structures provide the depth kingfish need, while the structure itself offers cover and opportunities for ambush.
When targeting kingfish in these locations, it's essential to match your soft plastics to the local baitfish. Paddle tails and jerk shads are popular choices, as they mimic the movement and appearance of small baitfish. Additionally, having a range of weights and hook sizes will allow you to adapt to the specific conditions of each location, such as swell, wind, and terrain.
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Water clarity: Kingfish are sight hunters, so look for clear water
Kingfish are known for their cunning and their ability to frustrate anglers. They are strong fighters and can be very picky eaters. When looking for kingfish, water clarity is key. Kingfish are sight hunters, so they rely on their sense of sight to hunt. They prefer clear water with good visibility.
When fishing for kingfish, look for areas with nice blue-green water and good visibility. Coffs Harbour-based Daiwa Pro-Team member Sam Gilchrist recommends fishing in waters with "about 15 meters of visibility". This allows the kingfish to use their sense of sight to locate their prey.
To increase your chances of catching kingfish, choose a fishing spot with clear water and good visibility. Look for structures such as old jetties, rocky headlands, or offshore pinnacles in deep water. These structures provide cover for prey and make it easier for kingfish to hunt.
Additionally, consider using soft plastics that mimic the appearance of natural prey. Soft plastics that resemble baitfish or squid can be effective in attracting kingfish. By matching the colour and movement of natural prey, you can increase the likelihood of kingfish mistaking your lure for food.
Finally, vary your retrieval techniques. Sometimes, a slow retrieval that allows the lure to sink towards the seabed can be effective in attracting larger fish. At other times, a faster retrieval that mimics the movement of prey on the surface may be more successful. Experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to determine what works best for the kingfish in your target area.
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Jig heads: Choose a jig head weight that suits the current
When choosing a jig head weight for kingfish, it's important to consider the water depth, current speed, and desired retrieval rate. The weight of the jig head affects how quickly your lure sinks and how much control you have over its movement. If you're fishing in shallow water with little current, a lighter jig head will allow your lure to settle slowly and naturally, which is often preferable for soft-bodied lures. However, if you're fishing in deeper water or stronger currents, you'll need to increase the weight of your jig head to ensure it reaches the desired depth and doesn't drift too far.
For example, when fishing in 5 feet of water, a 1/2-ounce jig head will keep your lure in the strike zone, while a 1/4-ounce jig head may be too light and cause you to lose fish. In deeper water, such as 6 to 20 feet, a 3/8-ounce jig head is often a good choice, but if the current is particularly strong, you may need to bump up to a 1/2-ounce or even a 1-ounce weight to maintain control.
The shape of the jig head also plays a role in its sink rate. Spherical jig heads tend to descend faster than flatter-shaped heads, so choosing a spherical head can be advantageous when you need to get your lure to the bottom quickly. Additionally, the hook size and quality are important factors in soft-bodied lure fishing. Ensure that your hooks are sharp and well-made to prevent issues like bent or snapped hooks.
While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for choosing a jig head weight, experimentation is key. It's a good idea to carry a variety of jig head weights in your tackle box, ranging from 1/8-ounce to 1-ounce or more, so you can adapt to different water depths and current conditions. By experimenting with different weights and observing how they affect the action of your lure, you'll develop a better understanding of which jig head weight suits the current and improves your chances of catching kingfish.
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Techniques: Try a slower lift-drop-lift retrieve to entice larger kingfish
Kingfish are known for their cunning and tendency to frustrate anglers. They are also one of the strongest fish for their size in the world. Anglers use a variety of lures and techniques to catch kingfish, and soft plastics are one of the most popular methods.
One effective technique when using soft plastics is the lift-drop-lift retrieve method. This involves casting out your soft plastic lure, letting it sink to the desired depth, then lifting your rod tip quickly once or twice before dropping the rod tip and allowing the lure to sink back down. This creates a fluttering effect that mimics the movement of a startled or injured baitfish, attracting the attention of predatory fish like kingfish.
The lift-drop-lift retrieve can be performed at various depths, although it may be less effective in very shallow water where the lure doesn't have enough room to drop and flutter. It can also be used in deeper water, allowing the lure to bounce along the bottom or drift like a jig.
When using the lift-drop-lift retrieve, it's important to vary the speed and height of your lifts and drops. The height of the lift depends on the rod lift, while the drop speed is determined by the lure weight and the amount of drag created by the plastic through the water. Slower, more relaxed retrieves can be very effective, as they can imitate a baitfish unaware of nearby predators.
The lift-drop-lift retrieve is a versatile and effective technique for catching larger kingfish with soft plastics. By imitating the movement of injured or unaware baitfish, this method can provoke a response from predatory fish, leading to more successful hookups.
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Frequently asked questions
GULP makes some popular soft plastics for kingfish, including the GULP 4″ Pink Paddleshad, the GULP 4″ Lime Tiger Minnow, and the GULP 5″ Paddleshad in pink.
Kingfish respond to a variety of lures, with lure choice usually depending on the location, average size, food source, and behavior of the local kingfish population. Some techniques include throwing a 60 to 100 mm natural baitfish-colored shad or fish-shaped tail on a 7 to 20-gram jig head in front of a school of tuna or other pelagics, then rolling it through the water at a medium pace with an occasional lift and drop of the rod tip. You can also try fishing with soft jerk bait unweighted on or near the surface with a brisk, jerky retrieve.
Finding kingfish can sometimes be easy, but they are cunning and can be frustrating to anglers. They are sight hunters, so look for structure like old jetties, rocky headlands, offshore pinnacles in deep water, and marker beacons with good water clarity.
