King Threadfin Salmon illustration
Species

King Threadfin Salmon

Polydactylus macrochir
Also known as king threadfin · blind salmon · burnett salmon · gold threadfin · king salmon · kingfish · Sheridan threadfin · threadfin salmon
Tier 2Eating8/10medium tackleQLDWANT
91 waypoints40–90 cm (max 170 cm) typical

Regulations

QLD40 cm min · bag 5NT60 cm min · bag 5
StateSizeBag
QLD40 cm min5
NT60 cm min5

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

Overview: about king threadfin salmon

Northern Australian estuary heavyweight (also called king salmon, blue salmon or cocky salmon depending on locale). Targeted with soft plastics, vibes and live baits around tide changes in turbid creeks and beaches. Soft mouths — steady drag and gentle hooksets win the day.

Biology: King Threadfin Salmon size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Beach, Estuary, Inshore, River
Typical size
40–90 cm (max 170 cm)
Weight
2–12 kg (max 40 kg)
Depth range
0–30 m
Diet
prawns, mullet, small baitfish
Most active
crepuscular
Global range
Indo-West Pacific tropics (king threadfin Polydactylus macrochir; blue threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum)

How to target: King Threadfin Salmon angling strategies

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

  • soft vibes hopped along the bottom on the run-out tide in tropical estuaries
  • live prawns under a float on muddy creek mouths
  • trolling shallow-diving hardbodies along snag-lined river edges
  • metal blades worked through current seams

Safety & handling

In the same waters
  • saltwater crocodiles in northern estuaries
  • bull sharks in tidal reaches

Recent community catches: anglers who caught king threadfin salmon

No king threadfin salmon catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: king threadfin salmon fishing spots in Australia

Northern Territory60
Queensland18
Western Australia13

More information: king threadfin salmon references & sources

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