Southern Bluefin Season Is On
The Southern Bluefin have started turning up, bringing with them one of the most exciting saltwater fishing windows of the year. Chasing these powerful fish in winter demands serious gear, and we’ve got you covered. Our hand-picked collection of Simms winter offshore apparel is designed to keep you warm, dry, and protected from the harshest cold and rain. Whether you're launching early, running wide, or grinding it out in the elements, this is the gear you’ll want on your back.
The Southern Bluefin Tuna season is just beginning to stir, with early sightings and reports starting to come through. For many Kiwi anglers, this marks the start of the buildup to one of the most highly anticipated winter fisheries. If you're looking to get in on the action this year, now’s the perfect time to start planning, prepping your gear, and locking in dates.
Where to Find Them?
While it’s still early days, the tuna are starting to show up in several locations, and history tells us it won’t be long before things heat up across several key regions.
Waihau Bay (Bay of Plenty) is the beating heart of the Southern Bluefin trailer-boat scene. Each winter, anglers from all over the country make the pilgrimage here, forming a buzzing offshore community in pursuit of these hard-fighting giants. With early fish being spotted, anticipation is running high.
East Coast of the South Island from Kaikōura down to Otago, particularly off the Canterbury Bight and Banks Peninsula, Southern Bluefin have become a more frequent winter visitor. These areas often fire later in the season and can produce serious fish for those who put in the miles.
Fiordland & South Westland is A less conventional but increasingly productive area, particularly for those running larger vessels. Bluefin are sometimes encountered wide of Milford Sound and off the West Coast, where deep ocean trenches come close to shore.
Northland (early-season and late-season). Occasionally, SBTs will push up the Northland coast, especially in fringe years or during warm current anomalies. While not as reliable as the East Cape or BOP, they’ve been caught off the Poor Knights and in deep water off the Cavalli Rise..
Now, for all you Aussies - we haven't forgotten about you
What makes the New Zealand Southern Bluefin Tuna fishery even more exciting is its connection to the broader Southern Hemisphere migration. Each year, large numbers of SBT pass through Tasmanian waters, particularly off Eaglehawk Neck and the South East Coast, where anglers enjoy a booming fishery from late summer through autumn.
As winter rolls around, many of these same fish continue their migration across the Tasman Sea and begin to show up off the East Coast of New Zealand. The SBT seen in our waters are often the same fish that fired up rods and reels in Tasmania just weeks before.
This shared connection adds depth and excitement to the fishery here in Aotearoa, knowing you're part of a much larger migratory route that ties together two world-class bluewater destinations.
How to Target Them?
There are several proven methods to put yourself in front of a Southern Bluefin, and diversifying your approach can pay off big.
- Trolling – The go-to method for many. Run a spread of skirted lures and deep-diving minnows (like Halco Laser Pros or Rapala X-Raps) to cover water effectively. Skirts in purple/black, lumo green, or redbait patterns often do the damage.
- Night-Time Jigging – Gaining popularity, night jigging involves deploying heavy jigs over deep marks after dark. The bite can be electric, and it's often less pressured than the daytime troll. Slow-pitch or high-speed vertical jigging setups will both find their place depending on the depth and current.
- Live Baiting & Chunking – Particularly effective around bait-rich areas like meatballs or structure. If you can get a consistent chunk trail going and position yourself properly, this method can produce explosive strikes.
Also, while you're out there, don’t miss the chance to drop down for Bass and Hapuka. These deepwater brutes add another level of excitement and make the most of your offshore mission.
Angler: Bryce Helms | Jacket: Simms Challenger Jacket - Woodland Camo Steel | Species: Southern Bluefin Tuna
Stay Warm, Dry & Focused with Simms Outerwear Essentials
Fishing for Southern Bluefin Tuna in winter means long hours exposed to the worst of the elements—rain squalls, heavy seas, and icy winds. Having the right outerwear can make or break your trip.
For those pushing the limits in rough offshore conditions, the Simms ProDry system is the gold standard. Made from 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro fabric, it delivers elite-level waterproof protection, unmatched breathability, and comfort for those all-day sessions. Trusted by professional guides and tournament anglers worldwide, this gear is engineered to perform when everything else is soaked, freezing, or failing. For extra information, read our outerwear buying guide.
Key Features:
- GORE-TEX® Pro waterproof & breathable technology
- Articulated fit for active movement
- Storm hood and dual-cuff sleeves to keep water out
- Reinforced seat & knees on bibs for durability
Simms Challenger Jacket & Bibs
For anglers looking for rugged, reliable protection without the top-tier price tag, the Challenger range hits the sweet spot. Ideal for trailer boat missions and foul-weather days, it uses 2-layer Toray® fabric to offer solid waterproofing and wind resistance while still being breathable and lightweight enough to wear all day. For extra information, read our outerwear buying guide.
Key Features:
- 2-layer Toray® waterproof technology
- Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets
- Adjustable storm hood & hem
- Comfortable enough to layer underneath
Whether you're launching in the pre-dawn cold or battling a mid-storm hookup, both the ProDry and Challenger outerwear systems will keep you dry, warm, and locked in for the fight.
Ready to gear up?
Explore our full Winter Offshore Fishing Collection and get outfitted for one of the most thrilling fisheries New Zealand has to offer. The tuna are here—make sure you're ready.