Bluefin Tuna fishing
The Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a pelagic fish that can grow up to 500kg (1000lb). The biggest Bluefin Tuna ever caught was 780kg (1496lb). These great fighters can be caught trolling, jigging, casting or drifting; mainly off-shore.
For Ernest Hemingway the Bluefin Tuna is “The king of all fish”. They are prized among sport fishers for their fight and speed.
Overfishing has pushed the Atlantic bluefin populations to the brink of extinction.
Top Bluefin Tuna Fishing destinations
The three species of bluefin—the Atlantic, Pacific, and southern—have divided the world’s oceans among themselves, and they roam all planetary seas except the polar.
Among the best bluefin tuna fishing destinations are Nova Scotia, Madeira, Canary Islands, the Strait of Gibraltar, Ebro Delta and Balearic Islands in Spain, Sicily, Sardinia, Italy and Australia.
Good to eat Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna and humanity have had an intense relationship from more than 5000 years. Japanese fishermen have been fishing for Pacific bluefin for more than 5,000 years.
Stone Age paintings of bluefin tuna have been found in Sicily. Ancient Mediterranean cultures such as the Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek or Roman cultures have been hunting for them from the Gibraltar Straits to the Bosporus.
Bluefin tuna have been eaten by humans for centuries: marmitako, the fermented fish sauce called Garum used by rich romans and greeks as a condiment in the cuisines, sushi, sashimi...
Other Fish Species similar to Bluefin Tuna
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The Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) has large eyes and long pectoral fins. This is why this species is also known as longfin tuna. The largest Albacore can reach up to 140 cm (4.6ft) and weigh up to 40 kg (90lb).
MORE INFO >Albacore
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The Amberjack species are a game fish that are found both in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Jigging and live bait fishing are the best techniques to target these magnificent fighters. Greater Amberjack can weigh up to 170 lb (80 kg).
MORE INFO >Amberjack
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Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus) belong to the tuna family just like Bluefin Tuna, Albacore or Yellowfin Tuna. They can grow up to 200kg (450lb) and over 2 meters long. These pelagic fish are found in temperate and tropical waters (off shore) and are targetted mainly trolling.
MORE INFO >Bigeye Tuna
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The Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is probably the most wanted fish in the sport fishing world. The magnificent fighter usually feeds during day time on fish, octopuses and squids. Blue Marlin is mainly caught trolling with artificial lures or with dead bait (bonito, mackerel...).
MORE INFO >Blue Marlin
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Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) are also commonly referred to as dorado, dolphin or dolphinfish. They are recognizable by their bluntly shaped heads, long dorsal fin and their bright colouring, dark blue and green on their dorsal side and yellow on their sides and underside.
MORE INFO >Dorado
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Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), also known as Ono (meaning “delicious” in Hawaiian), are found in many subtropical and tropical waters. They’re identifiable by their blue-green upper body which shifts into silver towards their belly. They also have blue vertical striping along their sides. These predators are torpedo-shaped and have long and largemouths with teeth.
MORE INFO >Wahoo
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The White Marlin (Kajikia albida) is a very nice predator which can be caught off shore in warmer waters. This powerful fighter usually feeds during day time on fish, octopuses and squids. They can be caught trolling with artificial lures or with dead bait (bonito, mackerel...).
MORE INFO >White Marlin
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Yellowfin tuna grow fast, up to 400 pounds (180kg) in about a 7-year lifespan, and they range in length from 59 inches to 88 inches long. They’re known for their torpedo shape, with a pointed nose and a sickle-shaped tail, and have dark blue backs with yellow sides (thus their name) with a silver underside.
MORE INFO >Yellowfin Tuna
Best Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters
Makaira
Horta, San Sebastián de la Gomera (Spain)
Royal Charters Mallorca Rodman 1250
Can Picafort, Mallorca (Spain)
Aura Marina
Puerto Calero, Lanzarote (Spain)
Charter Pescamar
DENIA, Denia (Spain)