Overview
Yellowfin follow warm currents and bait aggregations along the shelf, often mixed with albacore and skipjack.
Cubing a berley trail of pilchard or slimy mackerel at anchor or on the drift is the classic east-coast method and still one of the most effective.
Handling is everything for quality: bleed, gut, and ice immediately for the best result on the table.
Where to find them
- ▸Continental shelf edges and canyons.
- ▸Temperature breaks and colour changes offshore.
- ▸Working birds and surface bust-ups.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 15–37 kg game outfits or PE 6–8 spin rods.
- ▸Line: 50–130 lb with heavy fluorocarbon leader.
- ▸Lures and baits: skirted lures, deep divers, cubed pilchard, stickbaits for surface schools.
Tips from the water
- ▸Keep the cube trail steady and unweighted so baits drift naturally.
- ▸Match hook size to the cube and hide the point completely.
Regulations
Recreational bag limits apply nationally. Check current rules.