A small coastal town about 300 kilometres from Melbourne has become the centre of Australian fishing talk. Giant tuna at Lakes Entrance, some weighing more than 200 kilograms, have drawn anglers from across the country. The biggest catch so far came on Sunday, when a five-person crew calling themselves the A Team landed a 231kg fish. The Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club says it is a club record.
How the Lakes Entrance Tuna Run Started
The run began quietly. Local charter operator Ricky Grech of Lakes Charter Fishing was among the first to land one of the giants. He caught a 154kg tuna last month while out with his 10-year-old son, Oliver. Over the following weeks, other anglers hooked fish between 140kg and 190kg, and then the weights climbed past 200kg.
The jump in size and numbers caught even seasoned locals off guard. Grech described it as bigger than anything he had seen at Lakes Entrance. He said more than 150 boats were on the water at one point, and a fisheries officer told him it was busier than Easter.
Record Catches at a Glance
| Angler or crew | Approximate weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ricky Grech (with son Oliver) | 154kg | One of the first giants landed, last month |
| Other early catches | 140kg to 190kg | Reported as the run built momentum |
| Belinda Brogna | 204kg | Recent catch off Lakes Entrance |
| Tristan Rodgers | 217kg | Recent catch off Lakes Entrance |
| The A Team (five anglers) | 231kg | Landed on Sunday, a Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club record |
Are They Pacific Bluefin? The Scientific Mystery
The excitement has a scientific side. Earlier this month the CSIRO confirmed that two tuna caught off Western Port Bay in July were Pacific bluefin. These were the first genetically confirmed fish of that species in Victorian waters. Researchers are now working out whether the Lakes Entrance giants are Pacific bluefin too.
Victorian Fisheries Authority recreational fisheries manager Dr Taylor Hunt says the fish look highly likely to be Pacific bluefin, but genetic testing has not confirmed it. He points to physical features that set them apart from the southern bluefin usually caught in Victoria. Why so many have turned up off Lakes Entrance is still unexplained.
Recreational fishers and charter operators are helping the research by contributing genetic samples and otoliths, the ear stones that help scientists estimate a fish’s age. CSIRO scientist Dr Peter Grewe says reports from people on the water every day are invaluable to researchers.
What the Tuna Rush Means for the Local Economy
The effects reach well beyond the boat ramp. Visitors have arrived from Sydney, Queensland, Adelaide and Western Australia. Boat trailers have filled the car parks, and accommodation has been in demand. Grech says restaurants, pizza shops, holiday rentals and tackle shops have all felt the surge, which he says matters a great deal to a small regional town.
Planning a Trip to Lakes Entrance for the Tuna
If you are thinking of joining the crowds, a little preparation goes a long way:
- Book early. Accommodation has been in demand while the fishing is hot.
- Expect crowded launch areas. Parking for boat trailers has been hard to find, so arrive with time to spare.
- Check current rules. Fishing regulations apply, so look at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s guidance before you go.
- Consider a local charter. Operators know the water and are involved in the research effort.
- Report unusual catches. Samples and observations from anglers are helping scientists.
FAQs About Lakes Entrance Tuna
How big was the largest tuna caught at Lakes Entrance?
The largest reported so far weighed 231kg. It was caught on Sunday by a group of five anglers calling themselves the A Team, and the Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club says it is a club record.
Are the Lakes Entrance tuna Pacific bluefin?
That is not confirmed yet. Scientists are investigating, and fisheries officials say the fish look highly likely to be Pacific bluefin. The CSIRO has already confirmed the species in Victorian waters for the first time, using two fish caught off Western Port Bay in July.
Why are so many giant tuna appearing off Lakes Entrance?
Nobody knows yet. Officials describe the reason as a mystery, and researchers are still gathering samples.
Where is Lakes Entrance?
It is a coastal town in East Gippsland, in Victoria’s east, about 300 kilometres from Melbourne.
Source for the facts above: ABC News, “Fishers flock to Lakes Entrance in Victoria’s east after anglers land 230kg tuna” (20 October 2026), https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-20/giant-tuna-fishing-lakes-entrance/107281986