Samson Fish Fishing Spots in Australia

Overview: about samson fish

Big southern kingfish cousin found from WA across SA and around to NSW. The aggregations off Rottnest Island are world-famous — targeted by jigging and live-baiting deep reef in summer. Brutal, untiring fighters — almost always tag-and-release in WA.

Quick facts

Size: 80–140 cm (max 200 cm)
Weight: 10–30 kg (max 65 kg)
Depth: 10–250 m
Habitat: Inshore, Offshore, Reef

Regulations (per state)

State	Size	Bag
WA	—	1
Closed: West Coast Demersal closures may apply

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

Safety & handling

Common WA target for jigging — many fish released.

Biology: Samson Fish size, diet & habitat

Habitat: Inshore, Offshore, Reef
Typical size: 80–140 cm (max 200 cm)
Weight: 10–30 kg (max 65 kg)
Depth range: 10–250 m
Diet: reef fish, squid, baitfish
Most active: diurnal
Global range: Southern Australia, Tasman Sea, NZ (Seriola hippos)

How to target: Samson Fish angling strategies

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

heavy knife and mechanical jigs over offshore reef in 50-150m off Rottnest
live yakkas slow-trolled around offshore reef pinnacles
stickbaits cast at sighted fish around isolated bommies

Best season: when to catch samson fish in Australia

No seasonal pattern for samson fish yet. Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions — check state fisheries advice and recent local reports before planning a trip.

Where to catch: samson fish fishing spots in Australia

38 mapped fishing spots, marks and waypoints for samson fish across Australia, covering land-based fishing, rock fishing, estuary fishing and offshore and bluewater fishing. Each location below links through to access notes and coordinates.

Western Australia18

South Australia13

Queensland4

New South Wales3

Samson Fish

Recently caught

Range & spots