Yellowtail Kingfish
Seriola lalandi
Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) is a fast, hard-fighting amberjack found over reefs, headlands, islands, and offshore structure. It is an opportunistic predator that targets baitfish, squid, and crustaceans, and is prized by anglers in temperate to subtropical seas.
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Identification points
- Slender amberjack body with a deeply forked yellowish tail
- Distinct yellow stripe running from snout through eye to tail
- Darker blue-green back with silvery sides and a blunt head
Habitat
Schooling around reefs, pinnacles, wrecks, sea mounts, kelp edges, headlands, and bait schools in coastal to offshore temperate and subtropical waters; juveniles often use bays, estuaries, and protected coastal structure.
Bait notes
Live yellowtail, slimy mackerel, pilchards/sardines, squid strips, and small live baits are top producers; metal slugs, stickbaits, poppers, and jigs also work well when fish are busting bait.
Behavior
A powerful pelagic predator that hunts by sight, often shadowing bait schools and rushing through current lines. It feeds on sardines, anchovies, mackerel, squid, and crabs, and can be wary of heavy tackle in clear water.
Caution
Can be very strong and may injure anglers with sudden runs and sharp gill plates; use care when handling. Check local regulations and size/bag limits, and follow seafood advisories for your area; mercury risk is generally moderate in larger fish.
Fishing notes
Target current edges, reef corners, and bait schools with fast retrieves or live baits fished well above bottom. Strong tackle, abrasion resistance, and quick fights are important because fish make hard initial runs and deep circles.