Open Year-Round
Yellowfin Tuna
Thunnus albacares
Also known as: Yellowfin, Ahi
DPIRD Category
Large Pelagic Finfish
Peak Season
Dec-May
Difficulty
Difficult
Fight Rating
★★★★★
Regulations & Limits
LARGE PELAGIC FINFISH
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
OPEN
Min Size
—
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
OPEN
Min Size
—
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
OPEN
Min Size
—
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Good to Know
- Part of 3 fish mixed large pelagic limit
- Premium sashimi grade fish
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 100 cm |
| Max Size | 200 cm |
| Typical Weight | 30 kg |
| Max Weight | 150 kg |
Habitat
Where: Open ocean, FADs, current edges, seamounts
Depth: 20-250m
ID Features: Dark blue back, silver-gold sides, bright yellow finlets and second dorsal/anal fins
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Dec-May | Water Temp: 24 – 30°C
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna
1
High-speed trolling
Setup
- Line: PE6-8 / 37-50kg
- Leader: 100-130lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Skirted lures 8-12inch
- Konaheads
- Jets
Best Baits
- Skipjack strips
- Ballyhoo
2
Stickbaiting
Setup
- Line: PE5-6 / 30-40kg
- Leader: 80-100lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Stickbaits 150-200mm
- Poppers
- High-speed spinners
Best Baits
- Chunked tuna
- Live yakkas
Eating Quality
Flesh: Red/pink
Best cooked: Sashimi, seared, grilled rare
The Fight
Powerful, deep runs, high endurance