Forget what you thought you knew about recreational fishing in Victoria - giant Pacific bluefin tuna are putting Lakes Entrance in the national spotlight
For years, local fishers have swapped stories of enormous tuna lurking beyond the Gippsland coast. Now, those stories are becoming reality.
An extraordinary run of giant bluefin tuna off Lakes Entrance has anglers travelling from across Victoria for a chance to hook what could be the fish of a lifetime. With fish weighing well over 100 kilograms and catches exceeding 200kg, East Gippsland has suddenly found itself at the centre of one of Australia’s most exciting emerging game fishing stories.
Why this is such a big deal
Pacific bluefin tuna are among the most powerful and sought-after sportfish on the planet. Built like torpedoes and capable of crossing entire oceans, they are renowned for their speed, strength and stamina. Landing one can take hours of intense battle, testing both equipment and experienced anglers to their limit.
What makes the recent catches even more remarkable is that Pacific bluefin tuna have rarely been recorded in Victorian recreational fisheries. In October 2026, CSIRO scientists confirmed the first genetically verified recreational catches of Pacific bluefin tuna in Victorian waters after DNA testing samples from massive fish caught in Bass Strait.
In recent weeks, anglers fishing off Lakes Entrance have been reporting numerous giant tuna catches. Early assessments suggest many of these fish may also be Pacific bluefin tuna, creating excitement across Australia’s fishing community.
The catches turning heads
The local tuna run has delivered some astonishing figures.
One of the first standout catches was a 154kg bluefin landed with the help of 10-year-old Oliver Grech, his dad Ricky and his uncle Troy in September. Since then, multiple fish between 130kg and 239kg have been caught offshore from Lakes Entrance.
Among the most talked-about captures is a 239kg giant landed near East Gippsland, believed to be a Victorian record and one of the largest tuna ever caught in Australia on rod and reel.
For comparison, the first Victorian Pacific bluefin tuna scientifically confirmed by CSIRO weighed 165kg and 131.6kg.
Confirmed by science
The breakthrough came thanks to collaboration between anglers and scientists.
After unusually large tuna were caught in Victorian waters, experienced fishers noticed features that didn’t quite match southern bluefin tuna. Samples were collected and tested by CSIRO’s tuna genetics team, led by Principal Research Scientist Dr Peter Grewe.
The DNA testing confirmed the fish were Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis), marking the first genetically confirmed recreational catches of the species in Victoria.
Want your own shot at a giant tuna?
The best part? You don’t need your own offshore vessel to get involved.
Several East Gippsland charter operators offer offshore fishing experiences and are closely following the tuna activity. Local Lakes Entrance operators such as Lakes Charter Fishing have been at the forefront of recent catches and are taking enquiries from anglers keen to chase these giants.
Booking a charter gives you access to local knowledge, specialised tackle, proven equipment, and vessels capable of reaching the offshore waters where these fish are being found.
Whether you’re a seasoned game fisher or simply looking to tick a bucket-list experience off your list, this may be one of the most exciting opportunities currently available in Victorian waters.
More than just a fish
Around the world, trophy tuna fisheries attract travelling anglers who stay longer, spend more and return year after year.
Local charter operators believe Lakes Entrance is perfectly positioned to become Victoria’s next great tuna destination, with existing boating infrastructure, accommodation and a long-established reputation as one of Australia’s premier fishing towns.
For visitors, it offers something even more special: the chance to be part of a fishing story from the very beginning.
The next giant tuna could be yours.
Until then, we’ll catch you down at the Bullock Island boat ramp watching the latest weigh-ins!
Prefer Your Tuna on a Plate?
Not everyone wants to spend hours battling a giant tuna offshore, and that’s okay. Lakes Entrance is one of Australia’s great seafood towns, making it easy to enjoy the catch without picking up a rod.
Visitors can sample fresh local seafood at favourite restaurants and cafes including Sodafish and Sea Shanty, and multiple fish ‘n’ chip shops near the footbridge. For those keen to take home the freshest catch possible, local seafood retailer Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Co-operative processes and sells their catch in their fresh seafood outlet Off The Wharf Seafood and stock locally caught seafood straight from East Gippsland waters.
Whether you’re reeling one in yourself or ordering it fresh from the menu, there’s never been a better time to experience Lakes Entrance’s seafood,
Heading Offshore? Don’t Forget Your Fishing License
Planning to chase a bluefin tuna, drop a line off the jetty, cast from the beach or set a crab pot while you’re in East Gippsland? You’ll generally need a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) before fishing in Victorian waters.
You can purchase a licence online, through the Service Victoria website, at many bait and tackle stores, or participating outlets across Victoria. Before heading out, make sure you’re familiar with Victorian fishing rules, size limits, bag limits and seasonal closures.
Visit your local Visitor Information Centre to grab a ruler sticker and a copy of the latest regulations.
Who needs a licence?
Most people aged 18 to 70 years fishing in Victoria require a recreational fishing licence. Exemptions apply for some people, including children under 18 and adults aged 70 and over.
