Open Year-Round

Samsonfish

Seriola hippos

Also known as: Samson, Sambo, Sea Kingfish

DPIRD Category Large Pelagic Finfish
Peak Season Mar-Jun
Difficulty Difficult
Fight Rating ★★★★★
Samsonfish

Regulations & Limits

LARGE PELAGIC FINFISH

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast OPEN
Min Size 600mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast OPEN
Min Size 600mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Gascoyne OPEN
Min Size 600mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

Good to Know

  • Part of 3 fish mixed large pelagic limit
  • Strong fighting fish - be prepared for long battles

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size80 cm
Max Size150 cm
Typical Weight15 kg
Max Weight50 kg

Habitat

Where: Reef edges, drop-offs, structure, offshore lumps

Depth: 20-150m

ID Features: Bronze/olive back, silver sides, diagonal dark band through eye, forked tail

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Mar-Jun | Water Temp: 18 – 26°C

How to Catch Samsonfish

1

Jigging

Setup

  • Line: PE5-8 / 30-50kg
  • Leader: 80-130lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Slow pitch jigs 200-400g
  • Knife jigs
  • Inchiku

Best Baits

  • Live yakkas
  • Squid
2

Live baiting

Setup

  • Line: PE6-8 / 37-50kg
  • Leader: 100-150lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Large soft plastics 8-10inch

Best Baits

  • Live yellowtail
  • Live yakkas
  • Live squid

Eating Quality

★★★☆☆ Good

Flesh: Pink/white

Best cooked: Grilled, pan fried, ceviche

The Fight

★★★★★ 5/5

Brutal power, heads for structure

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