Open Year-Round

Mackerel Tuna

Euthynnus affinis

Also known as: Kawakawa, spotty tuna

DPIRD Category Large Pelagic
Peak Season Year-round (tropical)
Difficulty Beginner
Fight Rating ★★★☆☆
Mackerel Tuna

Regulations & Limits

LARGE PELAGIC

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size40-60 cm
Max Size100 cm
Typical Weight1-3 kg
Max Weight14 kg

Habitat

Where: Inshore and offshore waters in tropical regions, often in schools near reef edges

Depth: Surface to 40m

ID Features: Dark spots between pelvic and pectoral fins, wavy lines on back, compact torpedo shape

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Year-round (tropical) | Water Temp: 24-30°C

How to Catch Mackerel Tuna

1

Trolling

Setup

  • Line: PE 1-3
  • Leader: 30-50lb fluorocarbon

Top Lures

  • Small skirted lures
  • Bibbed minnows
  • Spoons
2

Casting

Setup

  • Line: PE 1-2
  • Leader: 30-40lb fluorocarbon

Top Lures

  • Metal slugs
  • Soft plastics

Eating Quality

★★☆☆☆ Fair

Flesh: Very dark red, strong flavour, best eaten fresh

Best cooked: Smoked, sashimi when very fresh, bait for larger species

The Fight

★★★☆☆ 3/5

Zippy and energetic fighters for their size, with fast runs and plenty of head shakes. Great fun on light tackle.

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