Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna are a warm-water gamefish that push into New Zealand's northeastern offshore waters each summer, drawing serious offshore anglers from around the North Island.
The Bay of Plenty sees the heaviest action, but fish range from North Cape to East Cape and occasionally further south. In New Zealand, a typical fish runs 15–45 kg, with anything over 70 kg considered a big one.
Scientific Name: Thunnus albacares
Also known as YFT, ahi
- Metallic dark blue back fading to a yellow-silver belly; bright yellow dorsal and anal fins and finlets make identification straightforward at boatside.
- Torpedo-shaped body with long, pointed pectoral fins; the elongated second dorsal and anal fins become more pronounced as fish grow larger.
- New Zealand fish commonly run 15–45 kg; anything over 70 kg is exceptional. The NZ record stands at 95 kg, caught off Whakatane in 1984.
- Juveniles under 60 cm have shorter, more rounded pectoral fins and are rarely encountered in New Zealand waters.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A migratory, open-ocean species that follows warm subtropical water; in New Zealand, fish arrive when offshore surface temperatures reach 19–20°C.
- Concentrated along the northeastern North Island — from North Cape to East Cape — with the Bay of Plenty the most consistent area of activity.
- Found at depths down to around 250 m, but most fishing occurs in the upper water column where schools are actively feeding near the surface.
- Schools by size: smaller fish often mix with skipjack tuna; larger fish above roughly 40 kg tend to travel alone or in smaller groups.
Key Locations
- Bay of Plenty — the most consistent concentration of yellowfin in New Zealand, with fish accessible from ports including Whakatane and Ōpōtiki.
- North Cape to East Cape corridor — the full northeastern sweep of the North Island where warm subtropical water pushes closest to shore each summer.
- Offshore canyons and seamounts along the East Cape — depth changes concentrate bait and hold fish in summer.
Specific Spots
- Temperature breaks and color changes offshore — where warm blue water meets cooler green water — concentrate baitfish and hold tuna.
- Floating debris, FADs (fish aggregating devices), and weed lines attract smaller baitfish, which in turn draw yellowfin underneath.
- Active bird activity and surface feeding schools are the most reliable visual cues; fish working bait near the surface are catchable on poppers, stickbaits, or trolled lures.
- Deeper water below surface schools holds larger, less active fish that can be reached with jigs worked vertically.
Yellowfin Tuna FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Yellowfin Tuna?
Skirted trolling lures in the 6–9 inch range are the standard search tool; tuna prefer speed, so trolling at 6–8 knots keeps lures working correctly. Smaller profiles often outperform large ones when fish are keyed on small bait.
When is the best time to fish for Yellowfin Tuna?
Late December to January, fish begin arriving as offshore water temperatures climb above 19–20°C; early season fish can be large. February to March, peak season with the most consistent numbers of fish in the Bay of Plenty and along the East Cape.
How do you catch Yellowfin Tuna?
Nearly all yellowfin fishing in New Zealand is done from offshore charter or private boats, running 20–60 nautical miles to reach blue water.
What do Yellowfin Tuna eat?
Yellowfin feed heavily on small baitfish, flying fish, mackerel, and anchovies, as well as squid. Trolled skirted lures and bibbed minnows that match the size and profile of local baitfish are the go-to starting point.
Where do Yellowfin Tuna live?
A migratory, open-ocean species that follows warm subtropical water; in New Zealand, fish arrive when offshore surface temperatures reach 19–20°C. Concentrated along the northeastern North Island, from North Cape to East Cape, with the Bay of Plenty the most consistent area of activity.
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