A remarkable run of giant tuna catches off the coast of Lakes Entrance in eastern Victoria has attracted fishing enthusiasts from across Australia, bringing renewed attention to the coastal town and providing a boost to local tourism. The story gained national attention after a five-person group known as the A Team landed a tuna weighing 231 kilograms on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club described the catch as a club record.

Lakes Entrance is located approximately 300 kilometres from Melbourne and is well known for its waterways, fishing opportunities and coastal attractions. In recent weeks, anglers fishing offshore have reported catching exceptionally large tuna, with individual fish weighing between approximately 140 and 231 kilograms.

Local charter fishing operator Ricky Grech was among the early anglers to catch one of the large fish. He landed a 154-kilogram tuna while fishing with his 10-year-old son, Oliver, last month. Other anglers subsequently reported catches weighing 190 kilograms or more. Belinda Brogna also caught a tuna weighing 204 kilograms, while Tristan Rodgers landed a 217-kilogram fish.

The extraordinary catches have created a surge of interest in the town. Visitors have travelled from Sydney, Queensland, Adelaide and Western Australia in the hope of catching one of the giant fish themselves. Local businesses have reported increased interest in accommodation, restaurants, fishing equipment and charter trips.

Grech described the activity as unusual for the region, with more than 150 boats reportedly out on the water at one point. Boat trailers filled local parking areas, and accommodation providers and fishing shops received additional enquiries. For a regional community that relies partly on tourism, the influx of visitors offers an opportunity to support local businesses and attract new visitors.

However, the identity of the giant tuna remains an important scientific question. Earlier in October, the CSIRO confirmed that two tuna caught off Western Port Bay in July were Pacific bluefin tuna. These were the first fish of that species to be genetically confirmed in Victorian waters. Researchers are now investigating whether the tuna being caught near Lakes Entrance belong to the same species.

Scientists are examining genetic samples and otoliths, which are small structures in fish ears that can help researchers determine a fish's age. Recreational anglers and charter operators are assisting by sharing information and providing samples. Although the fish reportedly have anatomical features consistent with Pacific bluefin tuna, their identity has not yet been genetically confirmed.

Researchers say information supplied by people who regularly fish in local waters can be valuable in understanding unusual marine sightings and changes in fish distribution. Why such large numbers of giant tuna have appeared near Lakes Entrance remains uncertain.

The fishing activity has also raised the profile of Victoria's eastern coastline as a destination for recreational fishing. Charter operators, accommodation providers and hospitality businesses may benefit if the attention encourages visitors to explore the area beyond the current fishing season.

For now, the giant tuna catches remain both a fishing spectacle and a scientific mystery. Further genetic testing should help determine which species are responsible for the unusual catches and improve understanding of their presence in Victorian waters.