(subfamily : scombrinae)

Longtails or Northern Bluefin Tuna are prevalent in the Torres Strait, from June/July through September. On the west coast there can be football fields of fish smashing bait fish.

Spinning and trolling are the way to target these fish, with birds usually an indicator of where they are feeding.

They are hard fighting, the torpedo-like body enables the fish to peel line with ease, when taking erratic blistering runs. Kept fish should always be bled and iced immediately.

As sashimi (raw fish slices) they are a delicacy, the shoulder when cut thin and chilled, melts in your mouth. As steaks on the BBQ they are also very good. Also found up here are Mac Tuna, which are equally fun to catch, though their table qualities are not as high rating.