The Ultimate Guide to Catching Yakkas (Yellowtail Scad) from the Shore in Australia

If you're looking to catch yakkas (yellowtail scad) from the shore along Australia’s east coast, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, yakkas are a fun and rewarding fish to target. They’re abundant, easy to catch with the right techniques, and make excellent live bait for larger fish like kingfish. Plus, they’re a delicious seafood option, perfect for fish cakes or tacos.

In this expert fishing guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from the best bait, rigs, and gear to prime fishing spots and proven techniques to catch more yakkas.

What Are Yakkas? Understanding the Yellowtail Scad

Yakkas, also known as yellowtail scad, are small, schooling fish found in large numbers along the eastern coast of Australia. Their hard-fighting nature makes them a popular catch for anglers of all skill levels.

How to Identify Yakkas

✅ Silver body with a distinctive yellow stripe
✅ Forked tail for fast swimming
✅ Small mouth, best suited for small hooks and lures
✅ Typically 10-20 cm, but can grow over 30 cm

Where to Find Yakkas

Yakkas thrive in coastal waters from Queensland to Victoria. They often school near:
🐟 Rocky reefs
🎣 Piers & jetties (ideal shore fishing spots!)
🌊 Harbors & estuaries

They prefer structure-rich environments and often feed near the surface, making them easy targets for shore-based anglers.

Best Fishing Gear for Catching Yakkas

Rod & Reel Setup

🎣 Rod: 7-foot, light-to-medium action (The Bream Reaper Travel Rod)
🎣 Reel: 2500-4000 size spinning reel
🎣 Line: 6-8 lb fluorocarbon (yakkas are line-shy!)

Best Bait for Yakkas

🐠 Bread on a small size 8-10 hook under a float
🐠 Prawns & small fish pieces (can attract other species)
🐠 Canned tuna & bread burley mix (creates an irresistible scent trail)

Best Lures for Yakkas

✅ Small metal jigs (lightweight and flashy)
✅ Soft plastics (match small baitfish)
✅ Sabiki rigs (multiple small hooks mimic a school of baitfish)

🔹 Pro Tip: In Japan, targeting yakkas with lures is known as “Ajing” fishing, a highly effective technique!

Best Fishing Techniques for Catching Yakkas from Shore

1. Float Fishing for Yakkas

One of the easiest ways to catch yakkas is using a float rig. Simply attach a small hook with bait and let it drift in the current. Yakkas feed near the surface, making this method highly effective.

🎣 Recommended gear: ReproBaits Float Kit & Luderick Hooks (available on our site)

2. Using Sabiki Rigs for Yakkas

Sabiki rigs are incredibly effective for catching multiple yakkas at once. These rigs feature several small hooks, often tipped with beads or feathers, to mimic tiny baitfish.

🎣 How to Use a Sabiki Rig:
✅ Cast the rig near piers, jetties, or reef edges
✅ Let it sink and jig it back gently
✅ Keep it in the strike zone for maximum bites

🛍️ Need a Sabiki Rig? Check out our ReproBaits Tackle range for premium rigs & small jigs.

3. Burleying for Yakkas

Creating a burley trail will attract yakkas to your fishing spot and keep them biting!

🔥 Best Burley Recipe for Yakkas:
✔️ Bread soaked in seawater
✔️ Canned tuna or tuna oil for scent
✔️ Throw small handfuls into the water every few minutes

🚨 Pro Tip: Don’t throw out large chunks—you want to attract fish, not feed them!

Expert Tips to Catch More Yakkas

✔️ Fish at Dawn & Dusk – Yakkas are most active early morning & late afternoon
✔️ Target Structures – Piers, jetties & reefs are their favorite hangouts
✔️ Use Light Line – Fluorocarbon leader (6-8 lb) works best
✔️ Keep the Bait Moving – A slow retrieve mimics natural baitfish movement
✔️ Jig Your Sabiki Rig – Keeps it in the strike zone longer

How to Use Yakkas as Live Bait

Yakkas are one of the best live baits for targeting larger fish like kingfish, mulloway, and snapper.

Keeping Yakkas Alive

✔️ Use a bucket with an aerator or change water frequently
✔️ Hook Placement:
✅ Through the back (for free-swimming action)
✅ Through the nose/lips (for stability in strong currents)

Can You Eat Yakkas?

Yes! Yakkas are not just great live bait—they’re also delicious. They have firm, white flesh and are perfect for:

🍽️ Pan-Frying – With garlic, butter & lemon juice
🌮 Fish Tacos – Shredded & seasoned
🥘 Fish Cakes – Minced with herbs & breadcrumbs

🚀 Cleaning Tip: Fillet them whole, then skin them in one quick motion for fast prep!

Catch More Yakkas Today!

Catching yakkas from the shore is fun, easy, and rewarding—whether you’re fishing for live bait or fresh seafood. With the right gear, bait, and techniques, you’ll be reeling in yakkas in no time.

🎣 Shop the Best Yakka Fishing Gear 🎣
🛍️ Check out our premium hooks, floats & sabiki rigs for the ultimate fishing experience.

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FAQs About Catching Yakkas

What’s the Best Time to Catch Yakkas?

Early morning & late afternoon for the highest activity.

What’s the Best Bait for Yakkas?

Bread, prawns, small fish pieces, or a tuna/bread burley mix.

Can Yakkas Be Used as Live Bait?

Yes! They’re excellent for kingfish, snapper & other predatory species.

Are Yakkas Good to Eat?

Absolutely! They’re great pan-fried, in fish cakes, or as tacos.