The activities of vessels longlining for yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares, were analyzed to determine the effects of vessel characteristics and operational practices and conditions. Significant differences were found between fisheries in the northern and southern regions of the inshore yellowfin tuna fishery in the east Australian Exclusive Economic Zone. The type of vessel used, and fishing practices such as soaktime, patrolling the longline, and choice of surface water temperature were found to have significant effects on catch rates.