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

Al M

@almcglashan

Sydney NSW

There’s something special about bluefin - but we need to appreciate them and do our bit to enhance the fishery, so it’s even better for the next generation.

Al M

Sydney NSW

We need to respect to the fishery and process the fish so we use all of it. That respect is what I love most about Tuna Champions. …and getting the right shot.

Really big SBT can be photographed boat-side. For a decent shot of a smaller fish in the boat, clean off the blood and take the photo while it’s fresh. And make sure you’re smiling – you just caught a tuna!

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.

Trish S

@bluewatermagazine

Southport QLD

I love the hydrodynamic perfection of bluefin tuna.Their streamlining is amazing! Even their fins fold into slots to minimise drag.

Trish S

Southport QLD

Try diving minnow-shaped hardbody lures - like Halco's excellent Laser Pro in sizes 160 & 190, which can handle trolling speeds up to 10 knots.

These lures dive beneath the surface chop and engine propwash, and often out-fish skirted lures on tuna. Switch hooks to in-line singles - they minimise damage to fish you'll release and hold better on heavier tackle.

Shop like a Tuna Champion

Slip on a t-shirt, jump into our new hoodie and slap on a cap. Now that’s Tuna Champion cool.

…or get onboard with the limited edition Reel Brand + Tuna Champion long-sleeve fishing shirt.

Find out about sizing and more here, or hit the button below to head straight to our online shop.

I want one

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

Tuna Champion gear

All profits from the sale of merchandise go back into the Tuna Champions program

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 moves 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?

Watch this!Skill up

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