Skipjack Tuna

Skipjack Tuna

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Tuna

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These small, highly migratory tuna are caught to about 10kg in New Zealand waters, and are easily identified by a series of longitudinal dark stripes on the belly.

They make their first appearance off northern NZ coasts in December, lingering until May, when cooling waters see their departure. Warm summers will see them spread south two thirds of the way down the North Island.

Skipjack are a popular light tackle sportfish, particularly in the Bay of Plenty, and are a sought after bait species, being primarily used for strip baits. Usually caught by trolling small skirted lures, but also by spin-fishing with metal lures, small live baits, and flyfishing.

- © Fairfax NZ News