Southern Bluefin Tuna are serious bluewater speedsters and one of the hardest-pulling fish you’ll hook offshore. Aussie anglers love them for the long runs, brutal power and top-quality eating fish when handled properly.
In Australia they’re mainly found in the cooler southern waters, from WA right across SA, Victoria, Tasmania and into southern NSW. They roam offshore around the continental shelf, bait-rich grounds, current lines and temperature breaks, but smaller fish can also show up surprisingly close to the coast at times.
They hunt fast and hard, smashing schools of pilchards, sauries, squid and other baitfish. Most of the time they stay on the move, and when they’re fired up they’ll push bait to the surface and feed in short, hectic bursts.
Tide matters less in open water than it does for estuary fish, but periods with stronger current flow can stack bait and switch them on. Low light around dawn and dusk is often prime, especially if fish are feeding high in the water. Light to moderate wind is usually best because it lets you spot working birds, surface bust-ups and clean current lines without too much chop. A modest swell can help concentrate bait offshore, but big messy swell makes boat control harder and can shut down a clean troll or cube trail.
Most anglers target them with heavy spin or overhead tackle, solid leaders and skirts, deep divers, stickbaits or rigged trolling baits. If fish are on the chew but fussy, cubing with pilchards and dropping back an unweighted bait can be deadly. Keep your drag smooth, hooks strong and be ready for a long fight.
Southern Bluefin Tuna can keep their body temperature above the surrounding water, which helps them stay powerful and fast in the cold southern ocean.