The bag limit for yellowtail kingfish has been changed from 5 to 2 ahead of this Summer thanks to strong support for the proposal from recreational fishers.
Yellowtail kingfish are a highly sought after and valued recreational fish species in Victoria, typically averaging 5-10kg each.
Over the past five years recreational fishers have raised concerns that current recreational fishing regulations for the species are outdated, particularly the 5 fish per person day bag limit, being seen as beyond a reasonable day’s harvest.
The VFA, in partnership with recreational fishers, reviewed bag and size limits for the species as well as scientific research and neighbouring jurisdictions management and consulted extensively with stakeholders regarding a fisheries notice proposal to change the bag limit for kingfish from 5 to 2. 193 public submissions were received during the 30-day public consultation period between 1-30 September 2025. 79% of submissions were supportive of the proposal, including casual to avid recreational fishers, angling clubs, charter boat operators, spearfishing organisations and the tackle sector. 17% of submissions were opposed to the proposal and 4% of submissions did not provide a position on the proposal.
A VRFish survey of 1023 respondents found 72% were supportive of the proposal, and 28% were opposed to the proposal.
The bag limit change is expected to:
• Better reflect rec fisher views of a reasonable day’s harvest
• Better share the catch amongst more fishers
• Reduce local depletion of the species during peak fishing periods
• Potentially improve the fishery quality through better sized fish
• Align with the bag limit of other offshore species such as gummy and school shark.
The VFA will re-consult with recreational fishers on maintaining these regulations in 2026. Given the shared stock of kingfish, the VFA will continue to discuss the scientific understanding, stock status and fishery management arrangements for kingfish with other jurisdictions including NSW and South Australia.