Tuna

Size and possession limits:

For up-to-date information on size and possession limits visit QLD Fisheries.

Targeting:

Mackay is well known for its schools of tuna – usually mack or northern blue – that will bust up within reach of small trailer boats (sometimes even within casting distance of the beach and Marina wall). Metal slices work well, but often these tuna will be feeding on baitfish no larger than a child's little finger and won't touch bigger offerings. Unfortunately, small metal slices lack the weight needed for long-casting at flighty schools. That's why featherhead jigs work so well – you can increase the casting weight without increasing the profile of the offering! 

Offshore, around the reefs, yellowfin tuna are common bycatch when trolling for Spanish mackerel.  Even further offshore, towards the Coral Sea, dogtooth tuna can be jigged or trolled up around deep reef pinnacles or drop-offs.