IT’S ABOUT WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT WE catch
SMALL MOVES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
who we are
Being a Tuna Champion means doing it better
and knowing more about what you’re catching
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Ambassadors

Meet our Ambassadors, pick up some hot tips on the best fishing practices for SBT and even find out how to channel your inner chef. Let’s go!

All Ambassadors

Richie A

@richard.abela.35

Melbourne VIC

SBT are tough competitors. I love the challenge of the fight - and the joy of seeing someone catch their first big one.

Richie A

Melbourne VIC

Take plenty of ice onboard, because if you don't chill them down quickly the meat is ruined.

When tagging and releasing a big SBT, it's always better to have the boat moving forward slowly - and keep the fish's head below water at all times. This makes it easier to control the fish, as fresh oxygenated water continues to flow over the gills.

Stuart N

@Stuart-Nicols-Personalised-Sea-Charters

Eaglehawk Neck TAS

SBT have been a big part of my life for 20 years. I still love taking customers out to experience catching this amazing fish.

Stuart N

Eaglehawk Neck TAS

When the fish are on, it gets very exciting on deck, with multiple rods going off at once. Among the frenzy, I remind customers to think about how much meat they want to take home, to only take what they'll use, and to release other fish to fight another day.

There's no point landing every fish if the meat will go to waste. It's the best of both worlds - an amazing experience catching these hard-fighting fish and taking home just the amount of meat that can be kept in good condition so it's all enjoyed and not wasted.

Patrick D

@patrickdangerfield @reeladventuresshow

Geelong VIC

I love tangling with Southern Bluefin Tuna because they are big, fast and fiesty - the true athletes of the sea.

Patrick D

Geelong VIC

When using hard body lures to target SBT, I prefer to have them fitted with single J-hooks. Because there's less chance of straightening a hook on a big fish, less chance of damaging the fish if I'm going to release it - and less chance of damaging me.

Shop like a Tuna Champion
and get 20% off this christmas!

It’s starting to look a lot like (a Tuna Champion) Christmas!

Stuff those stockings with 20% off our Tuna Champion black or white t-shirts, plus stickers and a set of info cards for your boat!

I want one

Tuna Champion t-shirts don’t just look cool, they’re great quality and fit – and super comfy. Available in black or white, in unisex sizes S, M, L, XL and 2XL (size guide) …or get onboard with this Limited Edition Reel Brand + Tuna Champion long-sleeve fishing shirt. It comes with a free t-shirt!

Half-price standard or express postage within Australia only (or discounted international postage)
EVERY DAY!

I want one

These links re-direct you to our Tuna Champions shopping page, currently hosted by UTAS.

Tune up your tuna skills

Being a Tuna Champion means using the best fishing practices for Southern Bluefin Tuna – and encouraging others to do the same. Small actions make a difference.

keep

Are you familiar with iki jime humane fish-killing practices?

catch

Do you have the right fishing gear to catch big fish and is it in good condition?

release

Will the fish you release have the best chance to survive?

handle

Are you leaving the fish in the water when possible, and handling it with care?

prepare

Do you know how to make the most of the meat you harvest and not waste the fish?

how-to videos

Become a Tuna Champ - Take the tuna Pledge

I do solemnly swear to catch, handle, keep or release southern bluefin tuna as safely and humanely as possible – and to prepare it well, so no fish is wasted.

Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what people are saying about Tuna Champions…

“With the help of the Tuna Champion movement, competitions are moving from whole-fish weigh-ins to gill gutted. We’re seeing a real change in how people bring in the fish, including how much ice they take on their boat.”

John Johnstone, Owner, Portland Bait & Tackle

“In support of the Tuna Champion program, a ‘Tag and Release’ category has been introduced to the month-long Hooked On Tuna competition for 2019. This program encourages recreational fishers to respect SBT and adopt ways to fish better with minimum waste. In recognition of this, competition rules are now aligned with best practice fishing of the SBT, with all fish presented at weigh-in mandated to be gutted, gilled and bled to avoid wastage.”

Michael Cottee, Tourism and Events Manager, Glenelg Shire Council

IT’S ABOUT WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT WE catch

SMALL MOVES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Being a Tuna Champion means doing it better

and knowing more about what you’re catching