Longtail Tuna illustration
Species

Longtail Tuna

Thunnus tonggol
Tier 2Eating7/10medium tackleNSWQLDWANT
31 waypoints60–100 cm (max 145 cm) typical

Overview: about longtail tuna

Inshore tuna of northern NSW, QLD and northern Australia — often busts up on baitfish along beaches, headlands and inshore reef. Targeted by casting metals, stickbaits and small skirts at feeding schools. Strong, fast and accessible from shore in many spots.

Biology: Longtail Tuna size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic
Typical size
60–100 cm (max 145 cm)
Weight
4–15 kg (max 36 kg)
Depth range
0–100 m
Diet
pilchards, anchovies, squid, krill
Most active
diurnal
Global range
Indo-West Pacific tropical to subtropical (Thunnus tonggol)

How to target: Longtail Tuna angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • small metal slugs (30-60g) cast into bust-ups along headlands and beach gutters
  • stickbaits skipped over surface boil-ups
  • fly with 10wt and small surf candies into balled bait
  • trolling small skirts and bibless minnows along current lines

Best season: when to catch longtail tuna in Australia

NSW
Feb-Jun (north coast)
QLD
year-round (peak Apr-Sep)

Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.

Safety & handling

Bleed immediately and ice — flesh deteriorates fast.

Conservation

IUCN: Data Deficient

Recent community catches: anglers who caught longtail tuna

No longtail tuna catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: longtail tuna fishing spots in Australia

Queensland15
Northern Territory11
Western Australia3
New South Wales2

More information: longtail tuna references & sources

Log catch