tuna champions

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
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.
Lee R
@leerayner @leeraynerfishing
Melbourne VIC
If you're going out to catch SBT, take the right gear. With super light tackle you have to fight them too long.
Lee R
Melbourne VIC
Most people would have two sets of treble hooks or event two singles on a lure, but it's better to use single hooks if you're letting SBT go. Our hook up rate is exactly the same when we run a single hook on the lure - and the fish don't get damaged.
I'd rather just keep one or two 20kg school fish we can deal with on the boat. Because if you can't kill them, bleed them, gut them and put them straight on ice it's just not worth keeping them.
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

 

Step out in style! 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… and stocks are limited, so don’t miss out! I want one

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

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

 

Tune up your tuna skills

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

READ MORE TESTIMONIALS HERE

Share your love of tuna

Whether you're keeping or releasing it, tell us what makes bluefin special to you.

What I like about SBT:

What appeals to me about Tuna Champions:

My hot tip for fishing or preparing bluefin is:

Please note that we may edit your submission for style and fit, but we won’t change what you mean.

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