Blackfin Tuna

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean only — the most regionally restricted of all tuna species. Found from Cape Cod, Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Most abundant from the Carolinas through South Florida, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, and in Caribbean waters.

Preferred Water Temperature: 70°F–82°F. A warm-water species that concentrates near Gulf Stream eddies, temperature breaks, and offshore structure in 200–600 feet of water.

Size & Weight: Typical catch is 5–25 lbs. Trophy fish reach 40 lbs. World record: 45 lbs 8 oz. The smallest of the main sport tuna species but pound-for-pound one of the toughest fighters and highly prized table fish.

Best Lures: Small trolling lures in blue-white, black-red, and chartreuse produce consistent results. Cedar plugs at 7–9 knots are highly effective. Small feather jigs work well. Casting chrome metal jigs and small poppers into surface schools produces fast action. Small Yo-Zuri and Rapala lures work on surface-feeding fish. Jigging vertical metal jigs near the surface produces during feeding frenzies.

Best Baits: Ballyhoo rigged under a colored skirt is the classic Florida approach and extremely effective. Small whole squid produce consistent strikes. Live pilchards and scaled sardines are excellent when available. Cut chunks of fresh-dead ballyhoo or mackerel produce well when chumming. Blackfin are outstanding eating and are the favorite tuna of many Florida and Caribbean anglers for their rich flavor.

Western Atlantic Ocean only — the most regionally restricted of all tuna species. Found from Cape Cod, Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Most abundant from the Carolinas through South Florida, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, and in Caribbean waters.

70°F–82°F. A warm-water species that concentrates near Gulf Stream eddies, temperature breaks, and offshore structure in 200–600 feet of water.

Best Lures: Small trolling lures in blue-white, black-red, and chartreuse produce consistent results. Cedar plugs at 7–9 knots are highly effective. Small feather jigs work well. Casting chrome metal jigs and small poppers into surface schools produces fast action. Small Yo-Zuri and Rapala lures work on surface-feeding fish. Jigging vertical metal jigs near the surface produces during feeding frenzies. Best Baits: Ballyhoo rigged under a colored skirt is the classic Florida approach and extremely effective. Small whole squid produce consistent strikes. Live pilchards and scaled sardines are excellent when available. Cut chunks of fresh-dead ballyhoo or mackerel produce well when chumming. Blackfin are outstanding eating and are the favorite tuna of many Florida and Caribbean anglers for their rich flavor.

Typical catch is 5–25 lbs. Trophy fish reach 40 lbs. World record: 45 lbs 8 oz. The smallest of the main sport tuna species but pound-for-pound one of the toughest fighters and highly prized table fish.