Fish Tripper
Reef FishSeriola hippos

Amberjack (Samson Fish) Fishing

Powerful mid-water reef fish. Found over offshore reefs and seamounts. Excellent on slow-pitch jigs and livies. NSW and southern QLD.

Best Months

May – Jul

Best Time

Early morning until 10am; also productive during the last hour of light

Tide

Incoming tide over reef edges and seamounts is most productive

Top Locations

40 regions

How to Catch Amberjack (Samson Fish)

Early morning until 10am; also productive during the last hour of lightIncoming tide over reef edges and seamounts is most productiveClear water
Tides

Incoming tide over reef edges and seamounts is most productive

Time of Day

Early morning until 10am; also productive during the last hour of light

Conditions

Clear water, moderate current over structure; 20–25°C

Structure

Offshore reefs, seamounts, and pinnacles in 40–100m — both for Samson Fish in WA style and amberjack in southeast

Technique

Slow-pitch jigging with long pauses; lure falls on slack line for maximum flutter; maintain contact through the pitch phase

Pro Tip

Amberjack are structure-oriented — anchor precisely up-current and allow your jig to drift back to the pinnacle. Speed-jig if slow-pitch isn't working.

Best spots this month — June

Best Regions by Month

Seasonal ratings across all Australian regions. Click a region to see the full calendar.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Coffs Harbour
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Port Macquarie
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Newcastle
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Sydney
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Jervis Bay
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Batemans Bay
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Eden
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Lord Howe Island
G
G
F
F
G
G
G
F
G
G
G
G
South West Rocks
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Port Stephens
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Lake Macquarie
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Hawkesbury River
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Wollongong
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Ulladulla
F
F
F
G
P
P
P
G
G
F
F
F
Peak Good Fair Poor/None
Fishing Techniques
Vertical Jigging

Working metal jigs up and down in the water column over reefs or structure.

Slow Pitch Jigging

Methodical jigging technique using specially designed slow-pitch jigs over reef structure.

Surface Popping

Casting cup-faced poppers to create surface commotion targeting aggressive surface feeders.

Stickbaiting

Casting and working walk-the-dog style stickbaits on the surface or just subsurface.

When to Target
Jan
11 regions
Feb
11 regions
Apr
21 regions
May
30 regions
Jun
30 regions
Jul
30 regions
Aug
25 regions
Sep
17 regions
Oct
11 regions
Nov
11 regions
Dec
11 regions

Bag & Size Limits

Regulations vary by state and change seasonally. Check the official fisheries website for current rules.

Gear Guide

See the recommended tackle, lures, and equipment for this species.