Species
Mackerel Tuna
Euthynnus affinis
Also known as little tuna · eastern little tuna · wavyback skipjack tuna · kawakawa · tongkol komo
Tier 3Eating4/10light tackleNSWQLDWANT
7 waypoints~40–70 cm typical
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Range & spots
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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
Best season: when to catch mackerel tuna in Australia
No seasonal pattern for mackerel 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: mackerel tuna fishing spots in Australia
7 mapped fishing spots, marks and waypoints for mackerel tuna across Australia, covering land-based fishing, rock fishing, estuary fishing and offshore and bluewater fishing. Each location below links through to access notes and coordinates.