Bluefin tuna are found throughout Mediterranean and Northern Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf Coast. The most effective method for catching Bluefin is trolling using squid, mackerel, herring or mullet for bait.
Habitat: Ocean
How to identify Bluefin Tuna
The bluefin tuna is shiny blue on the top and silver/white on the bottom with reddish rear fins. It is a very large fish with a torpedo-shaped body that helps it move fast in the water. Bluefin tuna have small pectoral fins that help distinguish it from other species of tuna.
Where to catch Bluefin Tuna
The warm waters of the Mediterranean, the Black Seas and the North Atlantic are where the bluefin tuna are most abundant. These fish prefer surface waters where they often swim in schools but can be caught as deep as 500 to 1,000 meters. They also have the most extensive/longest migration routes among all fish species. Bluefin migration revolves around spawning, the temperature of the water, and where the source of food are seasonally found. Spawning habitat for the western population bluefin tuna is in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s not unusual for bluefin to migrate across the entire Atlantic Ocean.
The following are habitats where you can catch Bluefin Tuna:
How to catch Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tunas are very strong and put up a good fight when caught. They are known for their deep dives and fast surface runs. Anglers hoping to catch them should bring a strong fishing belt and heavy tackle. The best method to use to catch bluefin tuna is trolling. This lets anglers cover large areas to increase the chance of find bluefins. Other methods used to catch bluefin include drift fishing and jigging. Anglers should be prepared to swap rigs easily – snap swivels work well for this. Those who head out in the morning and early evening should be prepared for bluefin to bite more aggressively during these times. Bluefin tuna are found in deep-feeding areas, near islands, and around reefs. Note that these fish are strictly managed federally and anglers must comply with state/federal rules and guidelines.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Bluefin Tuna:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Bluefin Tuna
Good bait choices for catching bluefin tuna include crustaceans, squid, eels, mackerel, herring, mullet, whiting, and flying fish. They also respond well to lures, such as feathers, spoons, and plugs.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Bluefin Tuna:
