Sampson Fish

How to find Sampson fish?

The places fish are found are called “structures”for example, a rock ledge, reefs, coral reef, a submerged cave, drop off ledge, pinnacle rocks and old ship wrecks etc. are perfect places to find fish homes. Fish seek these places out to school, for protection and also for ambush. Even pelagic fish which roam the world’s oceans following warm water currents are attracted to underwater structures, which can hold smaller schools of baitfish.All pelagic species such as Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Maui Maui, Mackerel, Kingfish, Cobia, Sampson fish etc., all follow water currents and without question are in search of baitfish, squid etc. So if you find the baitfish, you find the larger predators. The baitfish might be down deep or on the surface.
(Note: Fish are active at dawn and dusk ½ to full moon phases)

How to Troll a deep diving Lure?

If the baitfish school is deep, often a sounder is needed to identify the schooling baitfish. Use a “deep diving Matrix with a fast Troll about 7 to 9 knots. Troll or cast around bomies or drop offs offshore. This is not the most effective way for targeting Sampson fish but can be caught with a host of other species. Best methods with lures is jiging metal or soft plastic lures in deeper water.

How to Jig a lure?

If the baitfish school is deep, often a sounder is needed to identify the schooling baitfish. A “Jig King” is also useful for jigging structures with a high-speed retrieve. Let the Jig King sink to the bottom and retrieve with a jerking motion around the strike zone and let drop and repeat the action. The darting and flashing at speed are important to success.

How to fish the surface for Pelagic species?

Although it is not common for Sampson fish to be caught fishing the surface there are times Sampson fish are found in shallow reefs and may target bait fish towards the surface. If the baitfish surface, the flocks of bird life will alert you to the schools of baitfish. A deep diving Matrix may do the job.

How to fish with soft Plastics for Pelagic Species?

If the baitfish school is deep, often a sounder is needed to identify the schooling baitfish. The schooling baitfish are usually around a structure for protection. You can use a “Livin’ Squid” or “Big Eye Buff” or Power Prawn and work the soft plastics slowly. The emphasis is to make it behaviour like a live bait, try and replicate a squid action or Pilchard in the wild.