Following a tragic 2024 season that saw multiple fatalities on the water, New Zealand’s bluefin tuna community is taking action. In a collaborative effort to improve preparedness and reduce risk, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and Coastguard New Zealand have teamed up with some of the country’s most seasoned tuna anglers to deliver a series of educational seminars ahead of the 2025 Southern Bluefin Tuna season.
The aim is simple: ensure every angler has the tools, skills, and information to fish safely and successfully this winter. These events are open to all and designed to benefit fishers of all levels, whether they’re seasoned offshore skippers or heading south for the first time.
Topics covered across the series
The following topics are covered across the series:
Setting up vessels and equipment for offshore tuna missions
Choosing and rigging lures, spreads, and jigs
Vessel inspection and maintenance before long-range trips
Personal safety equipment and how to use it
Understanding navigation tools and using charts effectively
Targeted techniques: trolling, jigging, and topwater methods
Coastal bar awareness and safe crossing strategies
Minimising communication interference offshore
Shared experiences and advice from respected anglers
These free-to-attend sessions are open to all recreational fishers, with particular benefit for those heading offshore for bluefin this season. Anglers will gain practical knowledge from experienced voices, hear about real-world challenges, and leave with actionable insights for both fishing success and safe return.
2025 Southern Bluefin Tuna pre-season upcoming seminar schedule
Seminars have already been held in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, drawing strong attendance. With the fish now on the move and the winter season looming, only three sessions remain.
Auckland
Wednesday 4 June
Outboard Boating Club (OBC), Tamaki Drive
This event sees the return of Luke Davis from Yeehaa Tackle, who previously delivered a well-received session in 2024. This time, he’ll dive into emerging techniques including night jigging for Southern Bluefin Tuna, while also offering a detailed overview of trolling methods that have stood the test of time. Luke will also present a segment on essential safety procedures, including emergency protocols and practical tips to stay safe offshore. The session is supported by both the OBC and Whakatakataka Bay Sport Fishing Club, in partnership with Coastguard.
Kaiapoi
Friday 6 June
Coastguard North Canterbury HQ
This Canterbury-based seminar targets the unique challenges of fishing the South Island coastline, where rapidly changing conditions, isolated waters, and complex bar crossings present distinct risks. Presenters will cover boat readiness, fish-finding strategies, lure deployment, and essential safety checks. Local knowledge will be front and centre, including first-hand accounts from experienced skippers and Coastguard volunteers.
Hamilton
Wednesday 18 June
Waikato Sport Fishing Clubrooms
With many Waikato-based anglers trailering boats to the east coast and west coast, this seminar will focus on trip planning and offshore readiness. From understanding fuel range and electronics to mapping out return plans and bar crossing assessments, this session equips attendees to manage extended tuna trips safely. The importance of pre-launch checks, communication systems, and backup protocols will also be emphasised.
This seminar series is more than a discussion about fishing tactics – it’s a push to build a culture where preparation and safety are taken seriously. Every trip offshore carries risk. The goal is to reduce it through better knowledge, better planning, and a shared commitment to looking after one another.
No registration is required. Just show up, take part, and help set the standard for a safer bluefin season.
Need some south island ones for Greymouth fishing