Kingfish are regarded by many as the Holy Grail of New Zealand sport fish with good reason – they’re stunning, hard-fighting creatures that test the angler and tackle to the extreme.
Habitat and movement
Kingfish tend to lead a semi-pelagic existence and occur mainly in open coastal waters, usually around rocky outcrops, reefs and pinnacles. Areas with strong currents and lots of baitfish are idea hangouts for kingfish.
Large kingfish are often found offshore at areas like the Three Kings Islands, White Island and Ranfurly Banks. This may be because of preferred habitat, but less fishing pressure may contribute as well.
Don’t be surprised to find large kingies in open sandy bottom areas and within shallow enclosed bays. They are a realistic target for land-based fishers but be prepared for a battle royale and ensure your gear is heavy enough to cope with the power. Kingfish are mainly found in the northern half of the North Island, but can inhabit areas further south, around the lower North Island and upper South Island.
They have been recorded as far afield as the Kermadec Islands to Foveaux Strait, and to depths of 200m.
Kingfish are predominantly piscivorous, meaning they feed mainly on other fish, particularly smaller pelagic species such as kahawai, pilchard, anchovy, jack mackerel, koheru and yellow-eyed mullet
Best Methods
It depends on whether you’re on the water and fishing from a boat, or a land-based angler. A livebait (kahawai, jack mackerel, piper or koheru) works well in both circumstances. On the water and fishing around structure such as reefs and pinnacles, most anglers use the mechanical jigging method. Another successful method is to use topwater lures (poppers or stickbaits) around buoys, pylons and other structure where kingfish hang out.
