Queenfish illustration
Species

Queenfish

Scomberoides commersonnianus
Also known as Talang queenfish · giant dart · giant leatherskin · giant queenfish · largemouth queenfish · leatherjacket · leatherskin · and Talang leatherskin
Tier 2Eating4/10medium tackleQLDWANT
84 waypoints40–80 cm (max 120 cm) typical

Regulations

QLD50 cm min · bag 20
StateSizeBag
QLD50 cm min20

Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.

Overview: about queenfish

Tropical pelagic of northern Australia — found smashing baitfish along beaches, headlands, creek mouths and inshore reefs. Targeted with stickbaits, poppers and metal slugs cast at boiling schools. Fast, leapy fights and excellent on light spin.

Biology: Queenfish size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Beach, Estuary, Inshore, Pelagic, Reef
Typical size
40–80 cm (max 120 cm)
Weight
1–5 kg (max 15 kg)
Depth range
0–50 m
Diet
baitfish, prawns, squid
Most active
diurnal
Global range
Indo-West Pacific tropics (Scomberoides spp.)

How to target: Queenfish angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • surface poppers and stickbaits cast over shallow reef and creek mouths
  • metal slugs into bust-ups along headlands and beaches
  • fly with 9wt and surf candies in tropical bust-ups
  • trolling small skirts behind a dinghy along inshore current lines

Best season: when to catch queenfish in Australia

QLD
year-round (peak Sep-May)
NT
year-round

Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.

Safety & handling

Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.

Soft flesh that bruises quickly; bleed and ice if eating.

In the same waters
  • saltwater crocodiles in northern estuaries

Recent community catches: anglers who caught queenfish

No queenfish catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: queenfish fishing spots in Australia

Northern Territory53
Queensland17
Western Australia14

More information: queenfish references & sources

Log catch