The Ultimate Guide to Tuna Fishing

Tuna are prized, highly sought-after game fish known for their strength, size, and delicious meat. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know about tuna species, behaviors, where to catch them, techniques for catching, best lures, optimal gear, fishing conditions, sustainability, food prep and more. Whether you’re new to tuna fishing or a seasoned angler looking to improve your success rate, this is your one-stop resource.

Tuna Fishing Guide – Key Takeaways

• Learn to identify major tuna species like yellowfin, bluefin, bigeye, albacore and skipjack based on appearance, size and behavior
• Search for areas holding baitfish like temperature breaks, current rips and structure for your best chance locating roaming tuna
• Focus tuna fishing efforts during early morning, evening and night when tuna feed heavily
• Master trolling, casting, jigging and live baiting techniques effective on tuna
• Properly equip yourself with medium-heavy to heavy offshore rods, lever drag reels and sturdy 80+ lb braided lines
• Follow regulations on size limits, quotas and ethical practices to ensure sustainable recreational tuna fisheries
• Handle your catch carefully; chill and bleed fish immediately for highest quality meat
• Impress your guests preparing fresh sashimi, seared pepper tuna and poke from your trophy catches

Tuna Fish Overview

Tuna are large, predatory fish belonging to the tribe Thunnini part of the mackerel family Scombridae. They are apex predators in the food chain, feeding on smaller bait fish, squid, crustaceans and even some marine mammals. Their torpedo-shaped bodies, efficient circulatory system and powerful tails make them strong swimmers capable of hitting speeds over 70 mph. This also enables them to migrate long distances quickly.

There are over 15 recognized species of tuna found in tropical and subtropical marine waters around the world. Some of the most popular game fish targets include:

Common Name	Scientific Name	Average Size	Peak Season
Bluefin Tuna	Thunnus thynnus	Up to 1,500 lbs	Spring through fall
Yellowfin Tuna	Thunnus albacares	Up to 400 lbs	Late spring through early fall
Bigeye Tuna	Thunnus obesus	Up to 400 lbs	Late spring through early winter
Albacore	Thunnus alalunga	Up to 100 lbs	Summer & early fall
Skipjack Tuna	Katsuwonus pelamis	10 – 40 lbs	Spring through fall

Tuna exhibit unique behaviors and adaptations making them exceptional sport fishing targets. Their aggressive feeds, blistering runs when hooked, and unrelenting fights push angler skill and endurance to the limits. Their habitats spanning offshore waters around the world provide fishermen exciting travel opportunities. And their incredible table quality as sashimi or seared steaks motivate many new anglers to take up the challenge of catching these global adversaries.

While some tuna populations have experienced overfishing pressure resulting in tighter regulations, sustainable recreational fisheries following best conservation practices thrive in many places. Through ongoing science-based management, technological innovations to reduce bycatch, and fishermen emphasizing ethical angling methods, the future remains bright to enjoy these iconic game fish for generations.

This comprehensive tuna fishing guide will equip you with insider knowledge to consistently put yourself in the mix against various tuna species worldwide. Let’s dive in and reveal the exciting world of tuna angling. Read more about fishing tuna in Hawaii here.

Identifying Tuna Species

One key to tuna fishing success lies in understanding subtle differences between species. Their varying sizes, shapes and coloring along with behavioral traits dictate ideal tackle, techniques and locations. Study the following profiles highlighting unique characteristics of the most popular tuna targets:

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna stand apart as the largest tuna species with some Atlantic specimens exceeding 1,500 lbs. They live up to 50 years. Unlike other tunas restricted to warm waters, bluefins are warm blooded with an advanced circulatory system enabling these predators to dive into frigid depths exceeding 3,000 feet when chasing herring, mackerel, squid and other baitfish. Bluefins make lengthy migrations across oceans following food.

Several bluefin tuna stocks have experienced severe depletion from overfishing. Strict quotas now help populations rebound across regulated waters. The lucrative market for top grade fatty bluefin for sushi and sashimi adds fishing pressure. Anglers specifically target world record size bluefin tuna off exotic destinations like Nova Scotia, St. Thomas and New Zealand where giants still roam.

Yellowfin Tuna

The most popular tuna among recreational anglers due to their wide distribution in tropical and subtropical waters, yellowfin tuna range up to 400 pounds. Their metallic dark blue backs fade to a light belly with distinctive yellow second dorsal and anal fins, aptly describing their common name. Yellowfins school in size classes as they hunt down baitfish, squid and crustaceans close to the surface or holding around structure and temperature breaks. Highly migratory, they follow nutrient rich currents and changing conditions. Pound for pound one of the strongest fighting tuna species, yellowfin tuna stand out for their sprinter-like runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked.

Bigeye Tuna

As the name suggests, bigeye tuna feature noticeably large, round eyes allowing them to spot prey at dark depths. Their adaptations make bigeyes specialists at hunting in low light environments far below the ocean surface. Using specially oxygenated blood and muscles which resist lactose acid buildup, bigeyes dive over 3,000 feet down daily, then recover at shallower depths. Anglers pursue giant bigeye tuna exceeding 400 pounds particularly around offshore seamounts and islands. Their popularity for sushi translates to high market prices today.

Albacore

Sometimes called longfin tuna for their exceptionally long pectoral fins, albacore tuna swim in large schools feeding primarily on anchovies, sardines, mackerel, squid and even krill. Their migrations cover incredible distances across open oceans. While the largest recorded albacore stretched just over 110 lbs, their average 10 – 40 lb size makes albies popular light tackle and fly fishing targets. Their continual high speed circling within schools tests the most proficient anglers. Commercial fleets heavily exploit Albacore tuna stocks requiring strict limits to maintain sustainability.

Skipjack Tuna

The smallest tuna, skipjack or striped tuna average 10 – 40 pounds max with sleek streamlined bodies built for speed. Fast-paced hunters, skipjacks constantly prey on schools of flying fish, anchovies, squid, crabs and shrimp. Their high activity level and aerobatic jumps when hooked allows easy identification. Troll through areas holding diving seabird flocks to find skipjack tuna schools. Skipjacks spoil quickly given their high body temperatures requiring immediate bleeding and icing after catching. Light tackle fly and spin anglers especially enjoy targeting scrappy skipjacks.

Use these unique traits like size, structure, and markings when identifying the unseen adversary battling on the other end of your line once hooked up offshore. These subtle differences also impact where and how you fish for each tuna species.

Locating Tuna

The open oceans tuna patrol seem infinitely vast to search for fish. Expert anglers eliminate unproductive waters by focusing on preferred habitat and environmental features that attract tuna like moths to the flame. Master reading the following fishy clues to pinpoint where to cast lines:

Thermoclines: Subtle temperature breaks where warm water meets cold water creates a nutrient rich zone that aggregates baitfish which tuna prey on. Mark oxygen level changes and temp breaks with sonar fish finders when offshore.

Weedlines: Oceanic drift lines of floating Sargassum weeds or kelp paddies harbor small baitfish. Cruising tuna patrol the edges of these weedlines waiting for opportunities.

FADs: Fish aggregating devices used on commercial purse seine vessels attract all manner of sealife. Tuna heap on these artificial structures. where legal, small scale recreational anglers can take advantage of these lures for pelagic predators.

Seamounts & Reefs: Submerged underwater mountains and reefs push nutrient rich waters to the surface, baitfish sweep in, and roaming tuna soon trail.

Rip lines: Strong currents tearing apart water at sharp angles signal oceanic boundaries holding plankton and baitfish for tuna to feed on.

Birds: Diving flocks of gulls, terns and gannets mark frenzied baitfish activity tuna push to the surface. Even a lone shearwater swooping on bait clues nearby tuna presence.

Use the above structure, temperature and bait clues when offshore exploring the open blue to significantly improve your odds of crossing paths with roaming tuna.

Best Times to Catch Tuna

Tuna maintain a highly active metabolism which demands frequent feedings on vast amounts of protein rich prey. Their peak feeding windows focus around the following environmental and seasonal factors:

Light Levels: As predators relying heavily on sight to hunt, tuna feed most actively at low light times when the shadows and dark provide ambush advantage over baitfish and squid. Prime windows happen at dawn, dusk, and night.

Water Temps: Species like skipjacks prefer 66-73 ̊F degree water, while yellowfin and bigeyes thrive in 78-84 ̊F zones. Search temperature breaks where appropriate warmth zones for targeted tunas congregate baitfish.

Season: While tuna are caught year round somewhere, there are peak regional seasons when fish migrate through or aggregate locally in big numbers. Knowing the best months for each species allows properly timing trips.

Moon & Tides: Solunar feeding times based on lunar movement are well documented for many species. New and full moons near tidal currents rip also boost feeding aggression.

Use the four factors above to determine the best times and conditions to be on the water for the tuna species you are targeting to achieve peak success rates. The fish biting is the easy part – finding them is the real challenge for tuna anglers. You can also see our Hawaii fishing calendar here.

Tuna Fishing Techniques

Experienced tuna anglers carefully match specialized fishing methods with conditions and targeted species behavior. Having a versatile arsenal of tuna tactics ready puts you ahead. Here are the most productive techniques to know:

Trolling is the default search technique, covering wide swaths of promising waters to locate tuna schools. Let out 6 to 10 rods with combinations of jet heads, cedar plugs and skirted ballyhoo way back as you slowly cruise likely zones at 4 to 7 knots depending on target species and bait types. The repetitive motion triggers reaction bites from hungry tuna. Using hard and soft plastic lure mixes allows precisely tuning depth levels. Add teasers and bird daisy chains to spread the bait zone even wider. For bluefin tuna over 1,000 pounds tracking massive live mackerel behind the transom proves most enticing. Modern electric reels allow dropping multiple deep divers to exact depths for precision trolling.

When tuna do materialize busting bait at the surface, casting lures and live baits to breaking fish takes over. Quickly maneuver the boat upwind and drift into casting range. Employ spinning rods for slinging small poppers, metals and plastics as far as possible. Allow lures to sink for several seconds until a tuna rockets onto it, then immediately point the rod tip downward during the hookset to drive home treble hooks. Accuracy quickly getting baits onto the boil matters most. For this “train wreck” situation turning active fish into more bites, heavy chumming the area first can extend the frenzy.

Commercial tuna anglers rely heavily on longlining to maximize catches. Recreational users can borrow this deadly technique on a small scale. Use heavy spinning or conventional tackle suspended from drift socks and floats. Send hooks baited with live mackerel, bonito or squid hundreds of yards back as the boat idles into position. Designate a rod to actively work hookups so multiple hooked fish do not tangle lines. Take care bringing fish alongside for unhooking and release using longlining to avoid bite-offs.

For targeting chunky yellowfin or giant blue fin tuna holding deep beneath bait balls acres in diameter, vertical jigging shines. Hefty essentric or butterfly jigs weighing 24 to 48 ounces plummet into the depths. Allow jigs to free fall until nearly stopped. Then aggressively hop the rod tip a couple feet while simultaneously winding tight and cranking fast to pull the jig upward into the depths where tuna lurk. Allow it to flutter downward again, repeating the upward yanks. Stay tuned for subtle pickups felt through the line. Set hooks hard on any hesitation signaled by the slack line. Powerful extra heavy jigging rods and reels spooled with 80+ pound braided lines shine for working heavy jigs at depth. Precision electronics like the Garmin Echomap Plus 93sv depth finder spot suspended tuna while vertical fishing. When tuna stack up beneath schools of baitfish holding tight to structure, verticle jigging vertically often triggers the most explosive strikes often producing the largest specimens.

More specialized niche methods for tuna like kite fishing and fly fishing produce exciting strikes catching tuna off guard. Kite fishing suspends live or artificial baits off planer kites at the surface to mimic frantic flying fish or squid. Retrieving baits back with the tuna in hot pursuit trying to capture the prizes fools them once close to the boat. Fly casters produce vicious takes from 20+ pound class tuna targeting schooling albacore and skipjacks tuna willing to chase small profile baitfish patterns. Use stiff 12 weight fly tackle with sinking shooting heads for distance casting. So called Hootch flies, Deceiver patterns and Clouser Minnows draw reflex bites. Setting the hook on a tail walking tuna sighted in the fly line backing stacks the deck at your favor landing a true trophy exceeding most angler’s expectations using so called “trout candy” on these open ocean beasts.

Tuna roam world oceans satisfying their extreme appetites. Dialing in the following specialized techniques suited for each species, conditions and region allows experience anglers consistent success.

(Continue reading about productive tuna fishing methods)

Gearing Up for Tuna

Chasing powerful tuna capable of long blistering runs and stubborn bulldogging battles near the boat demands having properly matched tackle. Tuna repeatedly expose any weak links in rods, reels, lines or leader connections. Tackle up for success using this tuna gear guide:

Rods – Stock up on a dedicated tuna outfit including a stout 30 – 80 or 100 lb class stand up rod for tossing live baits and vertical jigging. Still looking light in your hands, these composite stick must have reserves of lifting power when big cows inhale baits and make that first searing run peeling drag like melting butter. Opt for a softer tip to lob baits, with a strong butt section backbone leveraging brute strength when leaned on heavily. Short 5 1⁄2 to 6 foot rods suit trolling spreads well, with longer 6’ 6” – 7’ lengths ideal for tossing live baits distance. Pack 12 – 20 lb medium conventional and spinning setups for casting poppers, metals and light jigs at breaking skipjacks in your arsenal.

Reels – Common preferences for chasing all but giants see 30 – 50 wide capacity lever drag or star drag reels stacked with 500+ yards of 80 – 100 lb braided lines tied to wind on leaders of 100 – 150 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon. Reels designed for live baiting need sufficient freespool for letting line peel effortlessly when tuna grab and go. For trophy tuna hunters, stepping up to 50 – 80 lb gear with mega-large lever drags like Shimano Tiagra or Avet LX series reels filled with 100+ lb braid bring necessarybrute strength with ultra smooth drags taming the most powerful sprints of giant bluefins over 1,000 lbs. Using electric stand up spots reels like the Diawa Tanacom 1000 allows easy dropping tuna jigs hundreds of feet down without wearing out arms. Pelagic game like tuna were the very inspiration for oversized spinning reels like Shimano Stella 20000 sized for braid which muscle in medium sized yellowfin.

Terminal Tackle – Start your tuna terminal tackle kit with assorted cedar plugs, jet heads, umbrella rigs, skirted ballyhoo, spreader bars and scented plastic squids proven to illicit strikes trolling spreads for yellowfin and bigeye tuna offshore. Mix colors until the bites demonstrate a preference each day. Always carry an ample supply of 5/0 to 8/0 offset tournament grade circle hooks critical for lodging in the tunas’ hardened mouth corners when live baiting. Bring heavy duty tuna clips for attaching mono or fluorocarbon windon leaders in 200 – 400 lb test ratings. Personal preferences show top producing tuna jigs like Shimano Butterfly flatfalls andessential rubyeye shanks in 4 to 8 ounce weights. Don’t forget trolling teasers, daisy chains, bird rigs and shell crankbaits like Ilanders, cedar plugs and chugger spoons to mimic fleeing squid and baitfish plates tuna home in on instinctively. Prep sufficient gear and spare parts for extensive battles to avoid losing the fish of a lifetime to worn out tackle.

The right rods, reels, lines and terminal tackle specifically engineered withstand prolonged fights while retaining high performance separates casual anglers from fierce tuna fanatics. Investing in quality components prevents heartbreaking losses after long fights against worthy adversaries. For expert recommendations on complete rod and reel combos ready for tuna, check popular products designed by top names in big game fishing now.

How to Find Tuna Consistently

Even armed with the best tuna techniques and gear, locating nomadic schools roaming vast oceans frustrates many hopeful hunters. Top captains and crews eliminate searching blindly by gathering intelligence to pinpoint concentrations. They also remain vigilant to signs of lurking tuna presence. Follow this offshore fish finding cheat sheet:

Scout Oceanographic Data

Advancements in hydrographic data helps eliminate unproductive water. Scan up to date sea surface temperature maps, chlorophyll readings, current forecasts, weather models for productive zones favorable for targeted tuna species environmental preferences weeks ahead of planned trips. Satellite data reveals temperature breaks concentrating baitfish that migratory tuna traverse while transiting between rich feeding zones. Subscribe to offshore weather and conditions data logging services to stay on top of changing currents, water clarity, plankton blooms, and developing thermal gradients indicating potential hot spots for intercepting roaming tuna herding baitfish ahead of their migrations. Leverage modern technology to eliminate searching vast unproductive waters for the best chance at tuna success.

Employ Radar Scouting

Use both conventional marine radars with adjustments to detect birds as small as terns clustering miles distant and specialized high-definition bird radars like Furuno. Set the radar’s gain to clearly display massing baitfish driven to the surface by predator activity. Correlate radar targets with precise GPS locations to directly scout the most promising areas holding bait and tuna during trips.

Follow The Birdlife

Flocking shearwaters, diving gulls and terns serve as natural producers for pending feeding activity. A lone Audubon’s shearwater backwinging over submerged structure likely signals unseen tuna herding baitfish underneath. Pull within casting range should a boil suddenly erupt. Scan for circling frigate birds hoping to steal hooked baits indicating nearby tuna aggression.

Read Your Electronics

Modern fish finding and mapping electronics provide sophisticated glimpses below the surface. While trolling or drifting, continuously scan returns for signs of life. Hard arches and purple school marks portray large predatory fish bounds to be yellowfin, bigeye or bluefin tuna prowling among clouds of baitfish holding in thermoclines and structure. Note exact GPS waypoints on promising zones to circle back and work thoroughly. Dropping a live bait straight down often proves all that’s needed to trigger vicious strikes.

Set Out Tuna Jigs

Send weighted tuna jigs plummeting 200 feet or more to ply depths where schools patrol. Jigs imitate vulnerable crippled baitfish, provoking savage strikes. When tuna materialize under the boat, a jig dropped rapidly to depth continues raising aggressive fish. Use braided line and hyper-sensitive graphite rods to feel tentative pickups telegraphed through tight lines. Attempt multiple drifts over promising areas while varying retrieve cadences.

Never Stop Watching

Maintain constant vigilance for subtle surface disturbances anywhere from momentsary flares or boils erupting unexpectedly around the boat to steady pushes a distance away. Screaming drags signal early warnings of potential catchable fish. Tuna tails and sickle shaped dorsal fins slicing the water provides obvious evidence of tuna presence worth investigating.

Applying this offshore fish finding knowledge separates successful tuna anglers from disappointed dreamers. Seemingly barren waters transform into fertile grounds after interpreting the natural clues to tuna locations and actively pursuing every lead, resulting in bent rods and stretched lines!

(Continue advancing your tuna IQ with tips on productive tuna fishing conditions)

Regulations and Ethical Angling

Worldwide demand for sashimi-grade tuna strains commercial fisheries with many species now considered overfished. Recreational participants play a crucial role adhering to regulations in the name of sustainability. Ethically-focused angling practices also ensure healthy tuna populations into the future. Familiarize yourself with the following guidelines for responsible tuna fishing:

Know Regulations – Each region, country and even local towns establish specific tuna fishing seasons, size limits and equipment standards you must recognize before fishing unfamiliar waters. Common rules include defined quotas, slot limits on sizes kept, reporting requirements and hooks types and sizes. Fines meet anglers ignorant of the laws.

Limit Bycatch – Emphasize tuna tactics selectively targeting intended species. Perform gear experiments to identify best performing lures or live baits tuna prefer over bait stealing sharks and billfish. Move away from areas producing high numbers of non-target species brought boatside. Consider circle hooks which lip snag tuna over environmentally damaging J-hooks.

Support Science – Cooperate with fishery managers by allowing observers onboard during charter trips. Carry approved electronic tracking equipment transmitting fishing data. Share catch information through voluntary angler log programs. Follow recommendations from scientific marine agencies to improve sustainability.

Respect Fellow Anglers – Practice the catch and release fishing ethic for extraordinary specimen. Share productive areas and methods with fellow tuna anglers rather than hoarding locations. Avoid areas crowded by spectator boats harassing hooked fish. Promote tuna fishing education through clubs and youth mentorship.

Ethical, lawful tuna anglers serve as the greatest stewards assisting fishery managers rapid response to changes in worldwide tuna populations. Doing your part ensures healthy tuna stocks for future generations while allowing amazing fishing opportunities to continue.

(Check regulations and restrictions by region at the Tuna Fishing Regulations Resource.)

Handling Your Catch

After an epic battle, a prized tuna comes boatside. Ensuring highest eating quality fillets begins immediately through proper catch care. Follow these essential steps:

Revive Carefully – When the fish appears exhausted, avoid prematurely gaffing or netting tuna to boat. Gently guide larger specimens alongside while continually oxygenating the mouth and gills until showing renewed energy to swim off strongly. Reviving maximizes survival.

Vent Bleed Generously – Once retaining tuna with a secure hold, vent bloodlines with a sharp knife near the pectoral fin. Continually replenish clean seawater inside mouths and over gill areas allowing steady bleeding until the water runs cleanly red. Bleeding prevents spoilage.

Ice Thoroughly – After bleeding extensively, eviscerate smaller tuna while keeping gills submerged. Then transfer medium fish into thick plastic bags with drain holes before burying in dense ice slurry of melted water and block ice. For giants, hang partially butchered carcasses in refrigerated fish holds overnight while underway. Applying ample ice ensures quality meat.

Process Quickly – Upon returning to port, deliver tuna to processing houses, trusted partner restaurants or your own prep tables within two hours maximum. The adage “treat tuna like a criminal – get it on ice quickly” conveys the urgency to optimize freshness and shelf life.

Follow the tips above to benefit from the fruits of your offshore labor converting bruised battlers into the highest quality, clean tasting fillets possible providing epicurean meals that live far beyond the actual catch.

Recipes for Preparing Tuna

After successfully catching tuna, you’ll want to turn your catch into a delicious meal. Here are some popular recipes for preparing fresh tuna:

Tuna Poke Bowl
The Hawaiian staple using thick chunks of yellowfin or bigeye tuna diced into bite size pieces and marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil and Hawaiian sea salt for serving on a bed of sushi rice or spring salad mix. Add sweet Maui or Walla Walla onions, avocado, seaweed salad, tobiko caviar with spicy mayo and unagi sauce to finish this epic dish.

Seared Peppercorn Tuna Steaks
Cut 3⁄4 inch slices across deep red ahi or bluefin tuna loins. Coat with cracked black peppercorns, set aside. Heat cast iron skillet or grill to very high heat. Sear tuna slices 1 minute per side. Slice into strips accompanied by wasabi mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus spears. Spoon miso vinaigrette over the perfectly rare cooked tuna.

Cajun Blackened Tuna Tacos
Brush yellowfin or albacore steaks with Cajun seasoning containing paprika, garlic and lemon. Sear over high heat until blackened 3 minutes per side. Allow to rest 5 minutes, then slice across grain of tenderloins into 1⁄4 inch strips. Place strips across warm corn tortillas topped with shredded cabbage, mango salsa and avocado crema with a squeeze of lime.

Grilled Ahi & Pineapple Skewers
Soak bamboo skewers in water briefly. Thread 1 inch ahi tuna cubes and pineapple chunks alternately. Brush with teriyaki glaze. Grill over high heat 2 minutes per side until lightly charred. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving atop sticky rice and salad greens finished with ginger vinaigrette.

Take full advantage of your catch preparing delicious, restaurant-worthy tuna dishes at home the whole family will love with these proven recipes. Tuna’s versatility allows many preparation methods beyond sashimi so get creative discovering your favorites!

So now you are fully armed with extensive knowledge covering all facets of world-class tuna fishing. From the various species, best times and locations to productive techniques, terminal tackle and ethical practices, this detailed guide shared insider secrets even seasoned anglers can apply for reaching the next level scoring consistent success with these exceptional aquatic adversaries. Hopefully you are inspired to plan your next epic tuna battle after absorbing this information. Just don’t forget the ice and camera when boatsiding the trophy of a lifetime. Tight lines, sticky drags and keep chasing gamefish!

Frequently Asked Questions