Seriola lalandi
Darryl French with a 35 pound yellowtail kingfish taken at French Pass, in the Outer Marlborough Sounds.
The yellowtail kingfish is an extremely powerful fighter when caught on rod and reel. They will take dead baits but are more likely to be hooked on a live bait such as mullet, kahawai and flying fish.
Kingfish will also take a rapidly retrieved jig or surface popper. Also takes a trolled lure - Rapalas in particular.
Caught around the North Island and Upper South Island. They are a recognized game fish species. When hooked they will head for the bottom with a hugely powerful run. They have a habit of "busting-off" line on a rocks with many fish being hooked and lost.
Canterbury Yellowtail Kingfish.
You might also be interested in surfcasting at Kaikoura. Make this handy surfcasting trolly. Surfcasting locations around Canterbury. A big eagle ray caught surfcasting in Golden Bay. Get yourself a Saltec thumb caster especially if fishing with braided lines. Have you tried surfcasting at night.
Sea Fishing around New Zealand
