Species
Mackerel Tuna
Euthynnus affinis
Also known as little tuna · eastern little tuna · wavyback skipjack tuna · kawakawa · tongkol komo
Tier 3Eating4/10light tackleNSWQLDWANT
7 waypoints40–70 cm (max 100 cm) typical
Overview: about mackerel tuna
Also called kawakawa — a fast inshore tuna of northern NSW and the tropical north. Targeted with small metals, stickbaits and skirts at busting schools. Generally a sport target and livebait rather than a table fish — bleed and ice quickly if keeping.
Biology: Mackerel Tuna size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic
- Typical size
- 40–70 cm (max 100 cm)
- Weight
- 2–6 kg (max 14 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–50 m
- Diet
- pilchards, anchovies, squid
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Indo-Pacific tropical and subtropical (kawakawa, Euthynnus affinis)
How to target: Mackerel Tuna angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- small metals cast into surface bust-ups
- trolling small skirts at 5-7 knots along current lines
- live yakkas free-swum on a kite for larger fish
Safety & handling
Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.
Often used as live bait for larger pelagics rather than eaten.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught mackerel tuna
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Where to catch: mackerel tuna fishing spots in Australia
More information: mackerel tuna references & sources
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