In response to the tragic 2024 season, where too many of our mates lost their lives on the water, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and Coastguard have teamed up with some bluefin legends to run pre-season seminars across the North Island and beyond.

The goal is simple: support our fishing community to prepare for the Southern Bluefin Tuna season by sharing knowledge, improving safety, and helping everyone get home safe.

In Whakatane, we have Matt Watson joining us to pass on his top tips on SBT fishing. This event forms part of the Whakatane Sport Fishing Club - Hubbard Contracting Ltd Winter Tuna Tournament (link below if you want to join the tournament). The seminar is open to the public.

https://whakatanesportfishingclub.co.nz/hubbard-contracting-ltd-winter-tuna-tournament/

If you are already entered in the Winter Tuna Tournament then no need to register here on Humantix.

Seminar Topics

Setting up your boat and gear
Spreads, lures, and rigging tips
Vessel preparation
Safety equipment and planning
Maps, charts, and navigation for SBT hotspots
Techniques: trolling, jigging, topwater
Insights from local experts
How to work around commercial fleets
Tips for how to cross a bar
Sharing knowledge to help us all come home safe