Tuna are among the most sought-after big game fish in the world. These deep sea creatures are on every angler’s bucket list. But why are Tuna so popular? What does it mean to go after Tuna? How do you clash with these titans? When should you pursue them? Okay, you know the answer to the first question. But in the following sections, we’ll try to answer the rest, along with many other dilemmas you may have about Tuna fishing.
We’ll start with the different Tuna varieties and briefly go over the most popular species before we dive deeper into what makes Tuna so desirable catches. As you keep on reading, expect to find out more about their seasonality, hotspots, techniques, and regulations. There’s a lot to cover, so without further ado, let’s get started.
What are you interested in?
Tuna Varieties
You probably know about Yellowfin Tuna, but have you ever heard of Bigeye or Dogtooth Tuna? There are more than a dozen Tuna varieties across the globe. Based on their commercial or recreational value, some fish are more in demand than others. Meet the top Tuna species worth testing your angling skills against:
- Yellowfin Tuna. Yellowfin Tuna enjoy a special status among Tuna aficionados. Fast, stubborn, powerful, and picture-perfect – Yellowfin Tuna possess all the qualities of a trophy fish! It’s no wonder they rank high in the angling circles.
- Bluefin Tuna. While young Bluefins may be confused with their Yellowfin cousins, adult Bluefin Tuna are breathtaking 1,000 lb behemoths that cannot be mistaken for another Tuna. So, if you’re up for some back-breaking action, go for Bluefin Tuna.
- Blackfin Tuna. Unlike the previous giants, Blackfin Tuna usually don’t exceed the 50-pound mark. But what they lack in size, they make up for in attitude. They’re energetic fighters who refuse to be overshadowed by their larger and more intimidating relatives.
- Albacore Tuna. If you thought that Yellowfin Tuna were swift, just wait to see what speedsters Albacore Tuna are! Bullet-shaped and lightning-quick, Albacore are excellent at avoiding predators and eluding your line. Learn how to further tell them apart from Yellowfin Tuna in our Albacore vs. Yellowfin Tuna article.
- Bigeye Tuna. As their name suggests, Bigeye Tuna’s most distinctive feature is their large eyes. Were it not for their eyes, it would be difficult to differentiate between them and Yellowfin Tuna. As for angling, expect tight lines and screaming reels, as these Tuna won’t go down without a fight.
- Skipjack Tuna. Along with Albacore Tuna, Skipjack Tuna are the backbone of commercial Tuna fishing. While they’re not always the first choice for recreational anglers, fishing for them can be quite exciting, especially when you stumble upon a large school of them.
What about Dogtooth Tuna? Well, they aren’t actually Tuna. While they share the name and closely resemble Tuna in how they look, Dogtooth Tuna are actually members of the Bonito family.
Reasons to Fish for Tuna
The beauty of Tuna fishing lies in the fact that each angler will have their own motive for going after these gorgeous beasts. Be it the thrill of chasing Tuna, the adrenaline rush of the actual battle, or the delicious meat you’ll get after the end of the trip… Every Tuna aficionado agrees – whatever your reason is, once you go Tuna hunting, you’ll be hooked for life!
The list of reasons to fish for Tuna will differ from angler to angler. But here are our top five incentives to go Tuna fishing – and you can expand the list by telling us yours in the comment section below:
- Game quality. Tuna are among the best game fish out there. They’re fast and furious, which makes them mean opponents. Add their size and strength to the mix, and it becomes clear that you’re up against tough challengers. So, if you want to see what crossing paths with worthy deep sea rivals is like, go Tuna fishing.
- Trophy fish. Tuna are the ultimate trophy catches. The excitement and pride of outsmarting and overpowering Tuna are beyond imagination! Nothing compares to the feeling of landing a 200 lb beast – except perhaps reliving that moment through photos! When you come out victorious from your Tuna wrestling match, don’t forget to snap a photo so you can keep bragging about your trophy fish for years to come.
- Expertise. The great news for all our readers is that Tuna fishing isn’t reserved solely for seasoned anglers. While previous experience can help you reel in your target more efficiently and effectively, it isn’t a prerequisite for testing your skills against Tuna. However, it’s of utmost importance to follow your captain’s instructions if you want to succeed in landing that trophy fish.
- Different approaches. Trolling is by far the most commonly employed angling method for catching Tuna. Depending on the species you’re targeting, you can troll live bait or use artificial lures. However, trolling isn’t the only approach to fishing for Tuna. You can practice everything from jigging to fly fishing based on your skills or preferences.
- Excellent food. Tuna are incredibly tasty – everyone knows that. From sushi to steaks, Tuna dominate the world of fine dining. But let’s not forget the globally consumed canned Tuna, either. Their meat is packed with protein and nutrients, so it’s no wonder they’re on everyone’s menu. However, not all Tuna are suitable for steak. To learn what type of Tuna suits which meal best, read our article on the different Types of Tuna.
Tuna Fishing Seasons
The Tuna fishing season differs depending on where you are. With these fish showing up in places as diverse as Cape Cod, the Outer Banks, and West Palm Beach, it makes sense! Even though Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida are all on the East Coast, some fisheries shine bright in spring and summer, whereas others peak in winter. The main reason for such big differences in availability is migration.
In other words, if you want to understand Tuna’s seasonal patterns better, you’ll want to dig deeper into their migration habits. We’ve illustrated this using the example of Bluefin Tuna in this article.
Also, keep in mind that the fishing season isn’t the same for all Tuna species. Bluefin Tuna in North Carolina, for example, rule the waters in winter. Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, on the other hand, take over in spring. For a detailed account of Tuna’s seasonality, check out our Tuna Fishing Season article.
Best Tuna Fishing Spots
In even better news, Tuna show up all over the place! They inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans across the globe. From the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific and Indian Oceans, you won’t have any trouble finding Tuna.
Knowing that Tuna are widespread species is a relief, but it can be overwhelming at the same time. Why? Well, it’s difficult to decide where to go first! For some inspiration, here are four articles about Tuna fishing in Florida, California, New Jersey, and North Carolina to get you going:
Should you crave more Tuna fishing destinations, you can always pick one of the following hotspots, and you’ll be in for a treat:
Tuna Fishing Tips
You’ll have plenty of angling approaches at your disposal when fishing for Tuna. You can try anything from beginner-friendly methods to skill-heavy techniques. But one thing is certain – Tuna are seldom found anywhere but in the open waters. So, whatever fishing technique you opt for, you’ll do it offshore while deep sea fishing from a charter boat.
Trolling is the most productive method of grabbing a Tuna’s attention. High-speed trolling, in particular, gives the best results. Use either live bait such as mullet, sardines, squid, and herring, or artificial lures that resemble the bait fish Tuna feed on. Besides trolling, chumming and chunking are great ways of attracting Tuna.
If you spot a large school of Tuna near the surface, you can also give it a go with casting. Just make sure to get ahead of them so you can make your cast in time. In case you’re curious to try jigging, you’ll need a fast retrieve. More into spearfishing? Head to California where you’ll have a blast while chasing Bluefin or Yellowfin Tuna under the water.
And if you really want to show off your Tuna fishing skills, then opt for fly fishing. Tuna on the fly requires skill, precision, and strength, and every passionate Tuna angler wants to master all three!
Tuna Fishing Regulations
Tuna fishing regulations differ depending on the fishery and species. If you’re angling in the US, consult the NOAA’s Highly Migratory Species (HMS) program for Tuna bag, size, and season restriction, along with marine protected areas. Besides the NOAA, we recommend double-checking the official Wildlife and Natural Resources websites of the state where you plan to fish.
If you’re fishing in Mexico, South Africa, Portugal, or any other country, you must adhere to the local rules and regulations. This includes purchasing a fishing license, finding out where and when you can fish for Tuna, and learning about whether you can keep or have to release them.
Here’s a list of the most useful links you should read up on before going on your Tuna fishing trip:
- The NOAA’s Highly Migratory Species (HMS) program
- Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Minimum Sizes and Bag Limits
- NOAA Fisheries – West Coast Region
- California Department of Natural Resources
- Hawaii’s Division of Aquatic Resources
- North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality
- Sportfishing and Nautical Tourism of Mexico
- Sportfishing Regulations of The Bahamas
- South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas
- Directorate General for Natural Resources
Tuna Fishing FAQs
The post Tuna Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
https://ift.tt/IBm9aTu
0 Comments
Enregistrer un commentaire