Bluefin Tuna Farming

Yellowfin Tuna

As one of the prized catches around the coastline for recreational fishermen, yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are fast, dogged, and powerful fighters.  Adults are identified by a sickle-like anal and second dorsal fins together with long pectoral fins.  Yellowfin tuna have a robust body which tapers towards its crescent-shaped tail.  The yellowfin tuna's skin coloring is dark blue above, shading to yellow and silvery underneath, often with a yellow or blue band along the flanks.  All of its finlets are bright yellow.  An important commercial species, yellowfin tuna flesh is generally a light pink/red color.   Yellowfin tuna have become a popular grilled fish while the highest-grade yellowfin is prepared raw for sushi and sashimi.  Yellowfin tuna can grow to 180 kg, but a 60 kg fish is considered a notable achievement.

How to Catch:

  • Most successful catches are made with live bait including yellowtail, mackerel, striped tuna, and pilchards.

  • Trolled mullet and garfish.

  • Drifting longline fishing.

  • Squid lures, kona-heads, knuckleheads, spoons, and feathers.

Features:

  • Extremely long second dorsal fins which are bright yellow in mature fish.

  • Bright yellow anal fins and pale white spotted underbelly with distinct stripes.

  • Shaped like a guided missile and runs with the bait or lure on contact.

  • Yellowfin tuna are strong fighters, running hard and deep when hooked and circle the boat towards the end of the fight.

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