Southern Bluefin Tuna
Southern bluefin tuna are the big-game target of Australia's southern and eastern offshore waters. Juveniles run close to the southern coastline in summer, giving shore-based and small-boat anglers a crack at schoolies in the 10–25 kg range.
The big fish — kegs and barrels pushing 80–140 kg — are a different proposition entirely, drawing serious game-fishing effort offshore.
Scientific Name: Thunnus maccoyii
Also known as SBT, schoolies (juveniles), kegs (45–60 kg fish), barrels or jumbos (70 kg+)
- Jet-black back fading to turquoise blue on the sides, then bright silver-white belly — unmistakable in the water or on deck.
- Bright yellow finlets and a yellow caudal keel on adults; all fins fold flush into grooves, giving the body a clean torpedo profile.
- Commonly caught at 10–25 kg (schoolies); big fish run 80–140 kg; anything over 120 kg is exceptional. Australian record stands above 167 kg.
- Adults have proportionally smaller eyes than juveniles — a useful field distinction from similar-sized yellowfin tuna.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the southern hemisphere; in Australian waters they range from northern Western Australia, around the southern coast, up to northern New South Wales.
- Juveniles spend summer months (December–April) near the surface in coastal waters along the southern Australian coast; they move into deeper oceanic water over winter.
- After roughly age five, fish rarely appear in near-shore surface waters — older fish are predominantly offshore and pelagic.
- Vertical migrants capable of diving beyond 500 m; prefer surface temperatures around 18–20°C but tolerate a wide range due to their heat-retaining circulatory system.
Key Locations
- South Australian waters off Port Lincoln — the centre of Australia's SBT aquaculture industry and a key area for both commercial and recreational fishing.
- Southern Tasmanian coast — experienced guides like Jonah Yick operate here; the east and south coasts regularly produce schoolies and larger fish.
- Tathra, NSW South Coast — site of Australia's largest recorded SBT at 167.5 kg; the area is known for producing big fish during summer runs.
- Southern Victorian offshore waters, including the continental shelf south of Portland and the Otway coast, see regular SBT activity during summer and autumn.
Specific Spots
- Schoolies concentrate near the surface over temperature breaks and current edges — find the 18–20°C water boundary and you'll find fish.
- Offshore canyons and drop-offs along the southern and southeastern continental shelf hold larger fish, especially where baitfish schools are pushed up by upwellings.
- Floating debris, FADs (fish aggregating devices), and weed lines attract juvenile fish looking for shade and bait — worth a slow pass before moving on.
- In South Australian waters, purse-seine operations target fish near the surface in open water; recreational anglers work similar open-water areas by reading bird activity and bait schools.
Southern Bluefin Tuna FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Southern Bluefin Tuna?
Trolling skirted lures and bibbed minnows (Rapala-style stickbaits in blue/white or pink/white) at 7–10 knots is the most common way to raise fish, cover water until you mark or see surface activity, then slow down and work the school.
When is the best time to fish for Southern Bluefin Tuna?
Summer (December–April): juvenile schoolies congregate near the surface along the southern Australian coast, the peak window for recreational anglers in Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.
How do you catch Southern Bluefin Tuna?
Most recreational anglers target SBT from trailer boats or charter vessels, trolling lures along temperature breaks and current edges until fish are located, then switching to casting or live bait once a school is found.
What do Southern Bluefin Tuna eat?
SBT eat a wide range of prey, small fish, squid, crustaceans, and salps. In practical terms, anything that looks like a fleeing baitfish or a squid will draw strikes. Skirted trolling lures and bibbed minnows imitate fleeing fish; soft plastic squid imitations work when fish are feeding on cephalopods.
Where do Southern Bluefin Tuna live?
Native to the southern hemisphere; in Australian waters they range from northern Western Australia, around the southern coast, up to northern New South Wales.
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