Blackfin Tuna

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Blackfin tuna, a popular game fish known for its speed and fighting ability, can be found in selected saltwater locations along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. They are commonly found in offshore waters, near reefs, oil rigs, and other submerged structures that provide suitable habitat and food sources.
Alabama: Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay.
Louisiana: Gulf of Mexico, Chandeleur Islands, Breton Sound.
Mississippi: Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Sound.
Texas: Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Bay, Padre Island National Seashore.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Blackfin tuna are pelagic fish and are often found near offshore structures such as reefs, oil rigs, and natural ledges. They prefer habitats with depths ranging from 100 to 300 feet, where they can find ample prey and cover. Blackfin tuna are known for their schooling behavior and are often found in groups.
Look for blackfin tuna around areas with good current flow, upwellings, and temperature breaks. They are highly migratory and can be found in both warm and cooler waters. Blackfin tuna feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans, so they are often found near baitfish schools or areas with abundant prey.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring, blackfin tuna can be found in offshore waters near structures such as reefs and oil rigs. They may be more active as waters begin to warm up. Trolling with small lures or using live bait can be effective in attracting strikes. Pay attention to areas with an abundance of baitfish activity.

SUMMER

In the summer months, blackfin tuna are commonly found offshore and can be targeted around reefs, oil rigs, and other submerged structures. They tend to gather in schools and provide exciting angling opportunities. Trolling with small lures, such as feathers or small skirts, or using live bait can yield success.

FALL

As fall arrives, blackfin tuna continue to feed actively and can be found near offshore structures. They may move to different depths depending on water temperature and prey availability. Trolling with lures or using live bait can be effective during this season. Pay attention to changes in water temperature and target areas with good current flow.

WINTER

During the winter months, blackfin tuna may migrate to warmer waters or deeper offshore areas. While they can still be caught, targeting them may require venturing farther offshore. Fishing around structures or areas with good current flow using live bait or lures can increase your chances of encountering blackfin tuna during the winter.

Blackfin tuna are opportunistic feeders and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Common bait options for blackfin tuna fishing include small live baitfish such as pilchards, cigar minnows, or ballyhoo. Trolling with small lures such as feathers, skirts, or diving plugs can also be effective in imitating the prey of blackfin tuna.

Trolling

How: Trolling is an effective technique for blackfin tuna. Use high-speed trolling in the 8-10 knot range to cover more water and attract their attention. Troll with small to medium-sized lures, such as feathers, cedar plugs, or small skirted trolling lures. Pay attention to signs of bird activity or surface disturbances, which can indicate the presence of feeding blackfin tuna.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy trolling rods. Reels: Lever drag reels with a high line capacity. Line: 30-50lb test monofilament or braided line. Lures: Feathers, cedar plugs, skirted trolling lures.

Chunking

How: Chunking involves using chunks of baitfish to attract blackfin tuna. Find an area with active baitfish or locate birds diving into the water. Cut fresh baitfish, such as bonito or mackerel, into chunks and throw them overboard to create a scent trail. Drop your baited hooks into the same area, using a heavy sinker to get the bait down quickly.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods or conventional rods. Reels: Spinning reels or conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 20-40lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Circle hooks or J-hooks in sizes 2/0-4/0.

Live Bait

How: Live bait fishing can be highly effective for blackfin tuna. Catch live baitfish, such as pilchards, herring, or small mackerel, using a cast net or small hook and baitfish rig. Keep the baitfish alive in a well-aerated baitwell or livewell. When you find a feeding frenzy or see tuna actively feeding near the surface, cast your live bait into the area and let it swim freely.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods or conventional rods. Reels: Spinning reels or conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 20-40lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Circle hooks or J-hooks in sizes 2/0-4/0.

Jigging

How: Jigging is a popular technique for targeting blackfin tuna. Use vertical jigs, such as butterfly jigs or knife jigs, and drop them down to the desired depth. Jerk the rod upwards to create an erratic action, imitating a wounded baitfish. Blackfin tuna are known to strike these jigs aggressively during the fall.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods or conventional rods. Reels: Spinning reels or conventional reels with a high line capacity. Line: 30-50lb test braided line. Leaders: 30-50lb fluorocarbon leaders. Jigs: Butterfly jigs, knife jigs.

Fly Fishing

How: Blackfin tuna can be targeted with fly fishing gear. Look for feeding frenzies or diving birds, which indicate the presence of tuna. Use fast-sinking or intermediate sinking fly lines to get the fly down quickly. Flies that imitate small baitfish or shrimp patterns are effective. Strip the fly with quick, erratic movements to entice a strike.
Gear: Rods: 8-10wt fly rods. Reels: Large arbor fly reels with a smooth drag system. Line: Fast-sinking or intermediate sinking saltwater fly line. Leaders: 9-12ft 20-30lb fluorocarbon.