Blackfin Tuna Fishing Guide

The blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) is the only tuna species found exclusively in the western Atlantic Ocean, making it a uniquely American gamefish — from Cape Cod south through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. Though the smallest of the genus Thunnus (rarely exceeding 46 pounds), blackfin are fierce pound-for-pound fighters that readily take both trolled and live baits, and are a staple of offshore light-tackle and fly fishing in Florida, the Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. Their deep, dark meat with excellent fat content makes them arguably the finest eating of the small tunas. Blackfin are frequently found in mixed schools with yellowfin and skipjack, particularly at temperature breaks and floating weed lines in the Gulf Stream. The Florida Keys, Islamorada, and the Yucatan Channel are legendary blackfin grounds where double-digit action is not uncommon.

Blackfin Tuna is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Blackfin tuna are restricted to the western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia to Brazil, with highest concentrations in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Florida Keys. They favor warm blue water between 72–82°F and are associated with current edges, temperature breaks, floating sargassum, and submarine topography like canyon edges and seamounts. Seasonal migrations push them north along the Atlantic coast in summer.

Diet

Blackfin tuna feed on small fish including anchovies, sardines, and herring, along with squid and crustaceans. They are opportunistic surface-to-mid-water feeders that readily take live pilchards, cut bait, and small trolled lures. When feeding aggressively, blackfin will crash baitballs at the surface in spectacular fashion.

Fishing Techniques

• Chunking with cut baitfish
• Trolling cedar plugs and small lures
• Casting fly poppers to surface-feeding schools
• Spinning to busting fish with small jigs

Best Seasons

Spring, Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 12 lbs. World record: 45.92 lbs (Bermuda (1978)).