Bigeye Tuna

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Bigeye tuna, highly prized for their strength and delicious flesh, can be found in the saltwater bodies surrounding the Southwest region of the United States. Anglers travel to these waters in pursuit of bigeye tuna, known for their powerful fights and impressive size. Here are some typical coastal areas and regions where bigeye tuna can be found:
California Coast: Along the California coastline, bigeye tuna can be encountered in offshore waters, particularly in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Popular areas for targeting bigeye tuna include the offshore banks such as Cortes Bank, Tanner Bank, and the waters around San Clemente Island. These areas provide prime opportunities for bigeye tuna fishing.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Bigeye tuna are pelagic species that inhabit the open ocean, and understanding their preferred structures and habitats can enhance your fishing success. Here are some key features to consider:
Offshore Banks: Bigeye tuna are often associated with offshore banks, submerged seamounts, or underwater plateaus. These structures attract baitfish, which in turn attract bigeye tuna. Targeting these areas using trolling techniques, drifting with live bait, or deploying deep-diving lures can yield favorable results.
Temperature Breaks: Bigeye tuna are sensitive to water temperatures and can be found near temperature breaks, where warm and cold water masses meet. These temperature differentials concentrate baitfish and create an ideal feeding zone for bigeye tuna. Paying attention to temperature changes and targeting areas with distinct temperature breaks can improve your chances of encountering bigeye tuna.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During spring, bigeye tuna are more active and can be found in shallower waters. They often follow schools of baitfish and can be found near offshore banks, temperature breaks, or areas with floating debris. Trolling with skirted lures, deploying live bait rigs, or using chunk baits can be effective techniques during this time.

SUMMER

In the summer months, bigeye tuna are typically found in offshore waters, where they seek out cooler depths. They may follow baitfish that congregate around offshore banks or underwater structures. Trolling with diving plugs, deploying live bait rigs, or using vertical jigging techniques can be effective methods for targeting bigeye tuna in summer.

FALL

As temperatures cool down in the fall, bigeye tuna tend to move to deeper waters or migrate to warmer areas. Targeting offshore banks, underwater structures, or areas with thermal upwellings can increase your chances of finding bigeye tuna during this season. Deep dropping baits, trolling with diving plugs, or using vertical jigging techniques can be effective methods for fall bigeye tuna fishing.

WINTER

During winter, bigeye tuna may become less active and seek deeper waters. They can be found near offshore banks, underwater seamounts, or areas with favorable water temperatures. Deep dropping baits, deploying live bait rigs, or using vertical jigging techniques can be effective for targeting bigeye tuna during the winter months.

Bigeye tuna are known for their voracious appetites and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Common bait options include live baitfish such as mackerel, skipjack tuna, or squid. Trolling with artificial lures such as cedar plugs, feather jigs, or skirted trolling lures can also entice bigeye tuna. It's essential to match the bait size and color to the prevailing conditions and mimic the natural forage of bigeye tuna.

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.