Yellowtail Scad
Trachurus novaezelandiae
Yellowtail Scad (Trachurus novaezelandiae) is a small schooling jack found in coastal waters of Australia and nearby Southwest Pacific islands. It feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans, often forming fast-moving surface schools around bays, reefs, and offshore edges.
Identification points
- Yellow to yellow-gold caudal fin and often a yellowish tail base
- Slender jack-like body with a strongly forked tail
- Prominent curved lateral line with scutes near the tail
Habitat
Coastal marine waters over reefs, sand, and seagrass, usually in schools in bays, harbors, estuaries, and along nearshore drop-offs; juveniles often enter sheltered inshore water.
Bait notes
Small metal slugs, sabiki rigs, and tiny soft plastics work well; natural baits such as prawn strips, squid, or pilchard pieces also take fish when they are feeding near the surface or under lights.
Behavior
A midwater schooling feeder that chases plankton and tiny baitfish, especially at dawn, dusk, and around current lines or bait concentrations. Schools move quickly and can be seen busting bait near the surface.
Caution
Sharp scutes along the lateral line can cut fingers when handling. Like many coastal pelagics, check local advisories for any harvest limits or contamination guidance before eating.
Fishing notes
Use light tackle and small hooks; cast ahead of moving schools or fish a sabiki vertically around bait schools and jetties. Keep retrieves fast and erratic, and match the tiny forage they key on.