LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• Bigeye tuna, known for their incredible strength and large size, can be found in various bodies of water along the Northwest coast of the United States. Anglers seeking the challenge of catching bigeye tuna often venture into the offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean. Here are some popular locations for bigeye tuna fishing in the Northwest:

• OREGON: Anglers targeting bigeye tuna in Oregon often venture offshore from ports such as Newport, Astoria, and Coos Bay. These areas provide access to productive fishing grounds where bigeye tuna are known to roam.

• WASHINGTON: In Washington, bigeye tuna can be found in the offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean. The ports of Ilwaco, Westport, and Neah Bay serve as popular launch points for anglers pursuing bigeye tuna.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Bigeye tuna are pelagic fish that inhabit the open ocean. They are highly migratory and can be found in warm waters, often near the surface or at moderate depths. Bigeye tuna prefer areas with strong oceanic currents, temperature breaks, and concentrations of baitfish.

• They are known to congregate around floating debris, FADs (fish aggregating devices), and areas with abundant marine life.

PATTERNS

SUMMER

• Summer is a prime time for bigeye tuna fishing in the Northwest. During this season, bigeye tuna migrate northward along the coast, following warm-water currents and baitfish schools. The peak fishing months for bigeye tuna are typically from July to September. Anglers often locate bigeye tuna by searching for temperature breaks, offshore upwellings, or areas with concentrations of birds and baitfish.

Bait

• Live Bait: Using live bait can be highly effective in enticing bigeye tuna to bite. Anchovies, sardines, or other small baitfish can be deployed with the use of kites, helium balloons, or outriggers to keep the bait near the surface and in the strike zone of bigeye tuna.

  
  

Techniques

Trolling

• How: Trolling is a popular technique for targeting Bigeye tuna. Use outriggers to spread multiple lines at different distances from your boat. Troll at speeds of 6-8 knots and vary the depths of your lures to cover the entire water column. Bigeye tuna are often attracted to larger trolling lures, such as skirted trolling lures, bullet heads, and jet-head lures.

• Gear: Rods: Heavy trolling rods with roller guides. Reels: High-capacity conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 50-80lb test monofilament or braided line. Lures: Large skirted trolling lures in colors like purple, black, or dark blue.

Chunking

• How: Chunking involves creating a slick of small pieces of baitfish to attract Bigeye tuna. Anchor your boat near underwater structure or current edges and start a steady chum line with chunks of baitfish. Deploy weighted lines with bait chunks at varying depths. Patience is key, as Bigeye tuna may take their time to find the chum slick.

• Gear: Rods: Heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: Powerful spinning or conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 50-80lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Circle hooks or J-hooks appropriate for the size of the bait chunks.

Vertical Jigging

• How: Vertical jigging is an effective technique when targeting Bigeye tuna in deeper waters. Drop heavy metal jigs to the desired depth and work them with vigorous upward jerks followed by controlled descents. Bigeye tuna often strike jigs during the descent.

• Gear: Rods: Heavy jigging rods with a fast action. Reels: High-capacity conventional reels with a strong drag system. Line: 60-100lb test braided line. Leaders: Fluorocarbon leaders with a high-poundage rating. Jigs: Butterfly jigs, knife jigs, or speed jigs in sizes ranging from 6-12 ounces.

Live Bait

• How: Bigeye tuna can be targeted using live baitfish such as skipjack tuna, small bonito, or mackerel. Rig the live baitfish with a bridle rig or a strong hook through the nose or back. Slow-troll or drift the live bait around areas where Bigeye tuna are known to feed, such as seamounts or current lines.

• Gear: Rods: Heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: Powerful spinning or conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 50-80lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: J-hooks or circle hooks appropriate for the size of the live baitfish.