Yellowtail Amberjack
Yellowtail amberjack (Seriola lalandi) — called yellowtail kingfish in much of the Southern Hemisphere — is one of the most compelling saltwater targets along Chile's Pacific coast and around the remote Juan Fernández Archipelago.
Fast, muscular, and willing to eat a wide range of lures, these fish draw dedicated boat anglers and shore jiggers alike.
The Juan Fernández islands, sitting inside a large marine reserve 400 miles offshore, have become a notable destination specifically for this species.
Scientific Name: Seriola lalandi
Also known as Yellowtail kingfish, Hiramasa, Hamachi (market name), Seriola
- Torpedo-shaped body, blue-green to olive on the back fading to silver-white on the belly, with a continuous bright yellow stripe running from eye to tail.
- The tail itself is distinctly yellow — the clearest field mark separating it from other large jacks or trevally sharing the same water.
- Typical catches run in the 8–25 lb range; larger resident fish around offshore structure can exceed 50 lbs.
- Fins are yellow to dusky; the forked tail and streamlined profile reflect a fish built for sustained speed in open water.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Southern Hemisphere subtropical waters; Chile sits within its confirmed natural range alongside South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Found along Chile's Pacific coastline and around the Juan Fernández Archipelago, roughly 400 miles offshore from the mainland coast.
- Benthopelagic — recorded from near the surface down to several hundred meters, but most commonly encountered in the upper water column near structure.
- Favors subtropical water temperatures, generally between 18°C and 24°C, which shapes where and when they concentrate along the Chilean coast.
Key Locations
- Juan Fernández Archipelago — Robinson Crusoe Island and surrounding waters are the most documented sport fishing destination for yellowtail kingfish in Chile, with volcanic reef structure holding large fish.
- Chile's central and northern Pacific coast — yellowtail range along the coastline where subtropical water temperatures are present, accessible to boat anglers from coastal ports.
Specific Spots
- Rocky reefs and underwater pinnacles concentrate baitfish, which pulls yellowtail in tight — work the edges and current-swept faces of these structures.
- Fish-aggregating devices (FADs) and floating debris attract both baitfish and yellowtail; around the Juan Fernández islands, volcanic reef structure serves the same function.
- Current breaks and upwellings near headlands and island points are natural feeding lanes — yellowtail use the current to corner baitfish schools.
- Deeper reef drop-offs hold larger resident fish; vertical jigging along these walls is a proven way to reach them.
Yellowtail Amberjack FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Yellowtail Amberjack?
Metal slow-pitch and speed jigs in the 60–200g range are the go-to for vertical jigging over reefs and drop-offs; match jig weight to depth and current. Sardine, blue/white, and chartreuse color patterns produce consistently.
When is the best time to fish for Yellowtail Amberjack?
Spring and summer (October through March) bring the warmest water temperatures and the most reliable yellowtail activity along the Chilean coast. Around the Juan Fernández Archipelago, the fishery is accessible during the Southern Hemisphere summer months when sea conditions and water temperatures align.
How do you catch Yellowtail Amberjack?
Most anglers targeting yellowtail in Chile fish from boats, either vertical jigging over reef structure and drop-offs or casting stickbaits and poppers along current-swept reef edges.
What do Yellowtail Amberjack eat?
Primarily feeds on smaller fish, anchovies, mackerel, squid, and other schooling baitfish, which makes fast-moving lures that imitate fleeing prey the most reliable choice. Metal jigs and stickbaits in baitfish colors cover this well.
Where do Yellowtail Amberjack live?
Native to Southern Hemisphere subtropical waters; Chile sits within its confirmed natural range alongside South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Found along Chile's Pacific coastline and around the Juan Fernández Archipelago, roughly 400 miles offshore from the mainland coast.
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