Dogtooth tuna is one of the most sought after game fish species by anglers. The best methods for catching Dogfish tuna include trolling, jigging and spin casting with lve bait. Bonito and Rainbow Runner are the preferred bait for catching Dogtooth Tuna.
Habitat: Ocean
How to identify Dogtooth Tuna
The dogtooth tuna gets its name from its large, cone-shaped teeth. Most of its body lacks scales with the exception of the sides of the lateral line and corselet. Its second set of dorsal fins are taller than the first set. The dogtooth tuna doesn’t have any body markings, though its second dorsal/anal fins are tipped with white.
Where to catch Dogtooth Tuna
Dogtooth tunas can be found in coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They have been caught in the Red Sea, Society/Marquesas Islands, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Australia, Africa, and occasionally in the southern seas of Japan. Although these fish are typically found in the open ocean and migratory waters, it’s not unusual to find them in inshore areas, such as channels, coral reefs, and passes, feeding on reef fish during warm weather.
The following are habitats where you can catch Dogtooth Tuna:
How to catch Dogtooth Tuna
Dogtooth tunas feed frequently on open-ocean fish. They will run long and hard when they are hooked, then will put up a tough fight while circling deep. The best methods to use for these fish include deep trolling or deep live/dead bait fishing near offshore reefs. Some anglers catch dogtooth tunas by accident while trying to catch other fish. Occasionally, a dogfish tuna can be caught using heavy-vertical jigs and spin casting. When jigging target drop offs and plateaus off shore using 200-300 grain jigs with an 80lb leader.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Dogtooth Tuna:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Dogtooth Tuna
When trying to catch dogtooth tunas, try using baitfish, such as bonito, rainbow runner, strip bait, mullet, squid, and mackerel. Lures, such spoons, plugs, feathers, and plastic can also be effective, but Dogtooth tuna prefer live bait.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Dogtooth Tuna:
