Saltwater Fishing: Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus
AKA:  leaping tuna, tuna, footballs, tunny, shortfin tuna, ahi, great albacore.

Distinguishing Markings:

Fusiform body, robust, dark blue or black above and silvery white below with alternating pale lines and light dots.  The first dorsal fin is yellow or blue, second is reddish brown; anal fin and all finlets are dusky yellow with a black edge.

Size: 

Up to 14 feet, usually 10 feet, and weighing 200 to 300 pounds

Distribution:

Labrador to Northeast Brazil, including Bermuda, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Eastern Atlantic.

Habitat:

Surface of open seas; young in warmer waters.

Food Preference:

Small baitfish, squid, crustaceans

Spawning:

Probably spawn in the Eastern Pacific

Tuna Fishing Tips:

Charter boats troll surface lures until a school is located, then drift live anchovies.  They can be located by either trolling feathers or anchoring at a spot known to be frequented by bluefin tuna, and chumming with live anchovies.  Once the fish are attracted, anglers must use light line (12# test or less), small hooks (#4’s or smaller), and the "hottest" bait available that season (usually live anchovies or pieces of squid).

Other Types of Tuna:

• Albacore Tuna

Types of Offshore Fishing Boats:

• Cuddy Cabins
• Inboard Cruisers
• Sedan Bridge
• Sportfishing Boats
• Stern Drive Cruisers