Species
King Threadfin
Polydactylus macrochir
Also known as blind salmon · burnett salmon · gold threadfin · king salmon · kingfish · Sheridan threadfin · threadfin salmon
Tier 3Eating8/10medium tackleQLDWANT
6 waypoints60–110 cm (max 170 cm) typical
Regulations
QLD60 cm min · bag 5NT60 cm min · bag 5
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | 60 cm min | 5 |
Closed: No retention >120cm (Gulf) | ||
| NT | 60 cm min | 5 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about king threadfin
Big tropical threadfin of northern Australian estuaries and beaches — also called blue salmon or cocky salmon in different parts of the north. Targeted with soft plastics, vibes and live baits around the tide changes. Soft mouths reward steady pressure, not hard hooksets.
Biology: King Threadfin size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Beach, Estuary, Inshore, River
- Typical size
- 60–110 cm (max 170 cm)
- Weight
- 3–15 kg (max 40 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–30 m
- Diet
- prawns, mullet, small baitfish
- Most active
- crepuscular
- Global range
- Indo-West Pacific tropics (Polydactylus macrochir)
How to target: King Threadfin angling strategies
Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- soft vibes and prawn-imitation plastics on the bottom on the run-out tide
- live mullet on a running sinker rig over muddy creek mouths
- trolling shallow-diving hardbodies along snag lines on tropical rivers
Safety & handling
In the same waters
- saltwater crocodiles in NT/Gulf/Kimberley estuaries
- bull sharks tax hooked fish in tidal reaches
Conservation
IUCN: Least Concern
Stocks under pressure in Gulf of Carpentaria; protected slot in QLD.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught king threadfin
No king threadfin catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch: king threadfin fishing spots in Australia
More information: king threadfin references & sources
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