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| striped tuna (skipjack tuna) [katsuwonus pelamis] |
Size
2 - 15 kg.
Habitat
Striped tuna are found in water temperatures of 20°C or more from inshore to out past the Continental Shelf. They are attracted to headlands, large bays, offshore reef areas and clear blue current waters.
Qualities
Great speed and stamina making tuna a tough fighting sports fish. A migratory species that travels in large schools.
Record
Australian record 9.3kg.
Best Bait
lure: Skirted lure, Slice, Slugs Other: Trolling high speed lures of 5 - 8cm. Best types include red and white feathers, pink plastic squids, Juro Shiners and Wonder Pilchards.
Tackle
Link: 10kg main line with a 40kg 2m monotrace. Hook: 2/0 - 10/0 Mustad 34007 Stainless Steel. Sharp trebles for lures. Rig: Overhead trolling type.
Hints
Use the largest hook as possible to suit the lure since tuna have very fragile lips and a hookup through the cheek would be best. Set the drag lightly to allow for the sudden jolt at strike. Troll at speeds above 15km/h so that the lure makes a trail in the surface of the water. Medium diving minnows (10cm) set to run just below the surface at 5 - 8 knots will often encourage a strike when the fish fail on surface lures. Sharp hooks are essential.
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| freshwater species |
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| saltwater species |
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