Skip to content
RigMyFishFind a Rig

How to Rig for Southern Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus maccoyii

Southern bluefin tuna are large, fast tuna that feed along the continental shelf of southern Australia and New Zealand, drawing big fleets of recreational boats when the season fires. Most are caught trolling skirted lures and bibbed minnows, or on cubed pilchard drifted in a berley trail. The stock was heavily overfished and is recovering under strict management.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Leadhead Jig Rig
Best bait
Metal jig or stickbait cast or jigged into feeding schools
Where
boat
Typical size
30–70 in
Season
Runs off Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania typically fire from late summer through winter, roughly February to July. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.
Realistic Leadhead Jig Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Leadhead Jig Rig

intermediateboat

A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure. Heavier than a dropshot and fished actively rather than held still, built for punching through current to reach lingcod and cabezon holding tight to reef.

  • Main line50-65 lb braid
  • Leader40-60 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length3-5ft from braid to jig via a leader knot or swivel
  • Hooks150 - 300g knife jig or stickbait with assist hooks
  • WeightJig head itself, no separate sinker
  • Line to sinkerNot applicable, weight is molded into the jig head
  • BaitMetal jig or stickbait cast or jigged into feeding schools
Open complete guide →
Main line from outriggerBall-bearing swivelWind-on leader 12-20ftCrimpSkirted lureHookTowed at 6-9 knots
Offshore Lure Trolling Rig
Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting.
View rig →
Heavy main lineSwivel or wind-onLeader60-200 lbCircle hookLive bait, floss bridlethrough the nose or eye sockets
Heavy Live Bait Rig
A big non-offset circle hook is bridled through the nose or eye sockets of a live mackerel, scad, or small tuna with floss, so the bait swims freely and the hook stays clear to set in the corner of the jaw.
View rig →
Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Southern Bluefin Tuna?

The Leadhead Jig Rig is the top recommendation for Southern Bluefin Tuna. A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure. Heavier than a dropshot and fished actively rather than held still, built for punching through current to reach lingcod and cabezon holding tight to reef.

What bait works for Southern Bluefin Tuna?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Southern Bluefin Tuna.

When is the best time to catch Southern Bluefin Tuna?

Runs off Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania typically fire from late summer through winter, roughly February to July. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.. Typical size runs 30–70 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Southern Bluefin Tuna?

Southern Bluefin Tuna is caught while boat fishing. Southern bluefin tuna are large, fast tuna that feed along the continental shelf of southern Australia and New Zealand, drawing big fleets of recreational boats when the season fires. Most are caught trolling skirted lures and bibbed minnows, or on cubed pilchard drifted in a berley trail. The stock was heavily overfished and is recovering under strict management.