Tuna fishing in Australia is an exhilarating experience for anglers of all skill levels. With a variety of tuna species, including yellowfin, southern bluefin, and longtail tuna, the country’s waters offer world-class fishing opportunities.
Whether you’re targeting deep-sea giants or inshore speedsters, using the right techniques and gear is crucial for success. In this guide, we’ll cover the best strategies for catching tuna, the ideal tackle setup, and why Favorite rods should be your go-to choice for offshore fishing.
1. Best Tuna Fishing Locations in Australia
Australia is home to some of the best tuna fishing spots in the world. Here are the top regions where anglers consistently land trophy-sized fish:
🔹 Southern Bluefin Tuna Hotspots:
✅ Portland, Victoria – One of Australia’s premier destinations for southern bluefin tuna. Fish between March and August for the best action.
✅ South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula – Known for large schools of tuna during the colder months.
🔹 Yellowfin Tuna Hotspots:
✅ Sydney Offshore (New South Wales) – Tuna run along the continental shelf from spring to early summer.
✅ Bermagui, NSW – This area is a magnet for big game anglers, with yellowfin often exceeding 50 kg.
🔹 Longtail Tuna Hotspots:
✅ Fraser Island, Queensland – Shallow water tuna action in the Great Sandy Strait.
✅ Exmouth, Western Australia – A tropical haven where longtail tuna can be caught inshore.
👉 Pro Tip: Use real-time fishing reports to track tuna movements before heading out!
2. Tuna Fishing Techniques That Work
🎣 Trolling for Tuna (Best for offshore fishing)
Trolling is the most effective way to cover large areas and locate feeding schools of tuna. It involves dragging artificial lures or bait behind a moving boat at speeds between 6-10 knots.
🛠 Best trolling lures for tuna:
•Halco Laser Pro 190 – Great for yellowfin and southern bluefin.
•Rapala X-Rap Magnum – A deep-diving lure perfect for offshore trolling.
•Yo-Zuri Bonita – A proven tuna magnet for big game fishing.
✅ Recommended Gear:
•Rod: Favorite Offshore Heavy 7’6” – Ideal for deep-sea trolling and handling large pelagic species.
•Reel: Shimano Tiagra 50W or equivalent heavy-duty overhead reel.
•Line: 80-130 lb braid with a 200 lb fluorocarbon leader.
🎣 Casting Stickbaits and Poppers (Best for surface action)
Tuna are aggressive surface feeders, making stickbaits and poppers highly effective when they’re actively chasing baitfish.
🛠 Best surface lures for tuna:
•Nomad Chug Norris 150 – A heavy-duty popper for explosive strikes.
•Daiwa Saltiga Dorado Slider – A deadly stickbait for yellowfin and longtail tuna.
✅ Recommended Gear:
•Rod: Favorite X1 Saltwater 8’0” – Designed for long-distance casting and battling fast-moving fish.
•Reel: Daiwa Saltiga 14000 – Strong drag system for stopping powerful tuna.
•Line: 50-80 lb braid with a 100 lb fluorocarbon leader.
👉 Pro Tip: Look for feeding birds and breaking water, as tuna push baitfish to the surface.
🎣 Jigging for Tuna (Best for deep water fishing)
Vertical jigging is a high-intensity technique that works well in deep offshore waters where tuna schools hold at different depths.
🛠 Best jigs for tuna:
•Shimano Butterfly Flat-Fall Jig – Effective for targeting tuna at mid-depths.
•Nomad Streaker Jig 200g – A fast-sinking jig for aggressive tuna.
✅ Recommended Gear:
•Rod: Favorite Skyline Jigging 6’6” – Perfect balance of flexibility and power for vertical jigging.
•Reel: Shimano Stella SW 8000 – High-speed retrieval for effective jigging.
•Line: 60-100 lb braid with a 150 lb fluorocarbon leader.
👉 Pro Tip: Use an aggressive lift-and-fall motion to trigger reaction strikes from tuna.
3. Essential Tuna Fishing Gear Checklist
✅ Rods: Choose heavy-action rods for trolling and fast-action spinning rods for casting.
✅ Reels: Opt for high-capacity reels with strong drag systems to handle long runs.
✅ Lines & Leaders: Use braided lines for casting and heavy fluorocarbon leaders to withstand tuna’s abrasive teeth.
✅ Terminal Tackle: Strong circle hooks, ball-bearing swivels, and solid split rings are a must.
✅ Electronics: A fish finder and GPS help locate tuna schools efficiently.
👉 Pro Tip: Always check and maintain your gear, as tuna are powerful fighters that test every piece of equipment.
4. Tuna Fishing Regulations in Australia
Australia enforces strict tuna fishing regulations to ensure sustainable stocks. Always check local rules and bag limits before heading out.
✅ Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT): Recreational bag limit 1 per person in most states.
✅ Yellowfin Tuna: Regulations vary by state; check with Fisheries NSW, VIC, or QLD.
✅ Longtail Tuna: No strict limits in most states, but always practice catch and release where possible.
📌 For official updates, visit: Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)
Conclusion
Tuna fishing in Australia is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Whether you prefer trolling, casting, or jigging, having the right techniques and gear is essential for success.
💡 Upgrade your offshore fishing setup with Favorite rods designed for battling big game fish.
🌊 Ready to catch your next trophy tuna? Share your best tuna fishing moments in the comments below!