In New Zealand, Yellowfin Tuna (YFT) are the Ferraris of the summer run—fast, visual, and notoriously fussy. Unlike the heavy grind of winter Bluefin, chasing Yellowfin in 20°C+ water requires a spread that balances aggressive surface commotion with high-speed stealth rigging. To dominate the "Garden" or the shelf this season, you need a coordinated attack using the Big Three: Halco, Bonze, and Fatboy.
1. The Anchors: Fatboy Lures
Yellowfin are suckers for surface spray. Fatboy lures are designed to hold their position while creating a massive visual signature that cuts through the glare.
The "Flaming Moe" Rogue (Short Rigger)
The Rogue is your primary noisemaker. Its deep cupped face and reverse-tapered head create a violent "dive-pop" cycle. In the Flaming Moe colorway (orange/pink/black), it provides a high-contrast silhouette that Yellowfin can track easily through the white foam of the prop wash.
The "Lumo" Sniper Jet (Long Rigger)
When the sun is high, you need Lumo. This jetted bullet stays submerged, leaving a fine, high-speed bubble trail. It is the ultimate "match the hatch" lure for NZ's clear blue water, mimicking a panicked slimy mackerel.
2. The Attractors: Bonze Lures
Graeme "Bonze" Fleet's designs are legendary for their ability to "dance" at various speeds, specifically tuned for South Pacific conditions.
The D-Shackle (Long Corner)
The heart of the spread. The D-Shackle's aggressive splash pulls fish up from the deep. Run it in "Fruit Salad" or "Zucchini" to catch the midday light and provide those bright multi-color flashes.
The Weapon (Short Corner)
When the fish are "skittery" and feeding on small saury or pilchards, downsize to The Weapon in "Kahawai" (Green/Gold). Its smaller profile often triggers fish that have been spooked by larger gear.
3. The Enforcers: Halco Hardbodies
If the surface is quiet, the tuna are likely sitting 5 meters down. Halco lures are your "insurance policy" for when the bite goes sub-surface.
Laser Pro 190 (Shotgun)
Run a Laser Pro 190 in "Pilchard" or "King Brown" pattern at least 100m back. Its deep-diving lip keeps it in the strike zone long after the tuna have passed the boat's wake.
Max 220 (Flat Line)
This bibless minnow is built for speed. If you are searching for schools at 9–10 knots, the Max 220 is the only lure that will stay planted and vibrating without blowing out.
The Terminal Toolkit: Rigging for High-Speed Combat
Yellowfin have incredible eyesight; your rigging must be bulletproof but streamlined using industry leaders like Centro, Sabre, and Bonze.
| Terminal | Brand Choice | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hooks | Sabre Talon 7691S | Use 8/0 to 9/0 singles. Single hooks allow for a more natural lure action. |
| Hooks | Bonze Platinum | Ultra-sharp points for the "slash-and-run" strike style of Yellowfin. |
| Sleeve | Centro Aluminum | Soft enough to not damage fluorocarbon, but strong enough for 60kg+ fish. |
| Swivel | Centro Ball-Bearing | Dual Rotation is a must to prevent line twist during the "death circle." |
Shop Centro Rigging → | Shop Sabre Hooks →
Expanded Pro Tactics for the Captain
The Daisy Chain Exciter: Rig 3 or 4 Fatboy Sniper shells (no hooks) ahead of your main hooked lure. This mimics a small school of baitfish and is significantly more effective at raising curious Yellowfin than a lone lure.
The Acceleration Strike
Yellowfin are triggered by escape. When you mark fish on the sounder, bump the throttle from 7 to 9 knots for a few seconds. This causes the Fatboy Rogue to "bolt," often forcing a split-second strike.
Reading Bird Body Language
- High Wheeling: Fish are deep. Put your Halco Laser Pro way back.
- Vertical Plummeting: Fish are on the surface. Troll the perimeter of the work-up with your Bonze D-Shackle.
Managing the "Death Circle"
Once a Yellowfin is boat-side, it will circle vertically. The skipper must keep the boat in gear and moving slowly away from the fish to keep the line clear of the hull and props.
The Ultimate NZ Yellowfin Spread
- Short Corner: Halco Max 220 (Chrome Pink)
- Long Corner: Bonze D-Shackle (Fruit Salad)
- Short Rigger: Fatboy Rogue (Flaming Moe)
- Long Rigger: Fatboy Sniper Jet (Lumo)
- Shotgun: Halco Laser Pro 190 (Pilchard) — Set 100m+ back
Tight lines and bloody decks.
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