Species
Bigeye Tuna
Thunnus obesus
Tier 4Eating10/10heavy tackleVulnerableNSWQLDWA
4 waypoints~100–180 cm typical
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Range & spots
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Overview: about bigeye tuna
Deep-water tuna typically caught well offshore on the continental shelf and beyond, particularly off the east coast. Targeted by gamefishers deep-trolling or with live baits in current edges and seamounts. Often confused with yellowfin — the larger eye and shorter pectorals give it away.
Biology: Bigeye Tuna size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Offshore, Pelagic
- Typical size
- 100–180 cm (max 250 cm)
- Weight
- 30–100 kg (max 210 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–500 m
- Diet
- squid, lanternfish, pelagic fish
- Most active
- cathemeral
- Global range
- Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide
How to target: Bigeye Tuna angling strategies
Generally fished with heavy tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- deep trolling skirted lures with downriggers along shelf drop-offs
- night chunking with squid and pilchards on the shelf
- live-baiting slimies on a kite rig over deep canyons
Best season: when to catch bigeye tuna in Australia
No seasonal pattern for bigeye tuna yet. Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions — check state fisheries advice and recent local reports before planning a trip.
Where to catch: bigeye tuna fishing spots in Australia
4 mapped fishing spots, marks and waypoints for bigeye tuna across Australia, covering offshore and bluewater fishing. Each location below links through to access notes and coordinates.