Mackerel Tuna

Oceans & Range: Indo-Pacific and tropical Pacific — from Hawaii and Japan south to Australia and west through the Indian Ocean. Found in warm offshore Pacific waters but rarely encountered in continental US sport fishing. More commonly targeted in Hawaiian, Australian, and Asian fisheries.

Preferred Water Temperature: 72°F–84°F. A warm-water tropical species that prefers surface waters above 70°F. Found near offshore structure, FADs, and areas of baitfish concentration.

Size & Weight: Typically 5–20 lbs. Maximum size approximately 30 lbs. World record: 31 lbs. Often confused with Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) — the two species have overlapping ranges in the Pacific.

Best Lures: Small feather jigs trolled at 6–8 knots produce consistent results. Metal jigs cast into surface schools generate fast action. Small skirted lures work at trolling speed. Surface poppers and stick baits produce when fish are feeding on top.

Best Baits: Live and dead small baitfish are highly effective. Small squid are excellent. Cut chunks of fresh fish produce well. An outstanding light tackle sport fish and excellent table fare in Pacific Island fisheries.

Indo-Pacific and tropical Pacific — from Hawaii and Japan south to Australia and west through the Indian Ocean. Found in warm offshore Pacific waters but rarely encountered in continental US sport fishing. More commonly targeted in Hawaiian, Australian, and Asian fisheries.

72°F–84°F. A warm-water tropical species that prefers surface waters above 70°F. Found near offshore structure, FADs, and areas of baitfish concentration.

Best Lures: Small feather jigs trolled at 6–8 knots produce consistent results. Metal jigs cast into surface schools generate fast action. Small skirted lures work at trolling speed. Surface poppers and stick baits produce when fish are feeding on top. Best Baits: Live and dead small baitfish are highly effective. Small squid are excellent. Cut chunks of fresh fish produce well. An outstanding light tackle sport fish and excellent table fare in Pacific Island fisheries.

Typically 5–20 lbs. Maximum size approximately 30 lbs. World record: 31 lbs. Often confused with Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) — the two species have overlapping ranges in the Pacific.

1 official record on file for Mackerel Tuna