The Pacific Bluefin is among, if not the most, prized sport fish that can be caught by any angler. Many new anglers struggle to even get one on the line, but even if you do hook one, you have to have perfect execution to get it on the deck. They put up one hell of a fight, often lasting hours. I have seen them wear through very thick fishing line by just pure brute strength and a strong will to live. All that being said, there is no more of an exhilarating battle to be found between a man and a fish. Remember, 40 to 300lbs!
Generally speaking, when you are fishing for Bluefin, you need to come well prepared. The trip out to the tuna grounds, depending on the time of the year, is between a two and five hour ride each way. The minimum time need for a bluefin trip is 12 hours. This short trip is ONLY viable in the peak of the season.
Even in the peak of the season, the overnight and multiday trips are still the best overall choice. Bluefin are sometimes hard to find, and even when you do find a school they may be shy or just dive away. I cant tell you how many times the last few hours of an extended charter have yielded the results!
The most popular trip, the 1.5 day trip the perfect balance between time and cost. If you really want to go deep, we even have 2.5, 3.5, and longer trips!
Because overnight and multiday charters always depart at night, it is a good idea to always get the ".5" on the end of your trip. That extra half day means that on the day of your return, instead of heading home at 2pm, you will instead stay until the sun sets, and travel home at night.
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BLUEFIN TUNA SEASON
The good news is that Bluefin Tuna are caught year round, but it makes the most since to go when the fishing is good! Bluefin Tuna fishing in San Diego changes slightly each year, depending on when the migration starts. This is based on water temps and weather. Usually however, high season is July to September. Low season is January to March. Remember though, Blufin don't know what a calendar is and sometimes they just show up early or stay late.
The graph below shows approximately, which much are best for bluefin tuna.
Bluefin Tuna (aka BFT) Characteristics
Bluefin tuna are known to be the ficklest of the West Coast tuna species in Southern California waters. They often show up in May or June, but their behavior has been impacted by warmer water temperatures due to El Niño. Bluefin in this region can be found exhibiting unique behaviors such as "breezing" on the surface with their tails out of the water or creating "shiners" where the school swims just below the surface, creating a shimmer effect underwater. Anglers targeting bluefin in Southern California waters need to adopt a strategic approach, using lighter lines and a stealthy approach when approaching schools of fish. Tactics such as fishing upwind and up swell of the spots on the surface, casting surface irons and small jigs, or slow-trolling live sardines in areas with bird activity or scattered breaking fish can prove effective. Finding good water with the right temperature, around 63 degrees, is crucial for a successful early-season bluefin strike. Bluefin tend to gather where warm water meets a slight temperature break, where baitfish are stacked up and bluefin are actively feeding. While early season bluefin fishing can present challenges such as long runs to offshore high spots and the need to hunt for them without the assistance of a fleet, the opportunities to target these elusive fish in Southern California waters are unique and worth pursuing when weather conditions permit.
MEANS AND METHODS OF CATCHING BLUEFIN
Here we see the Nautilus launching a kite/balloon.
KITE and helium balloon fishing
Kite fishing is the method of using a kite to fly your bait up and away from the boat. Frozen Flying Fish are the weapon of choice. This accomplishes 2 things.
Firstly, it moves your bait far away from your noisy boat.
Secondly, it takes the fishing line out of the water so that the Bluefin can not see the line. The kite just dips the bait in the water occasionally. Putting frozen flying fish as bait is irresistible to them.
When the wind is calm a Helium Ballon is used with or in place of a kite to lift the bait away from your boat, and out of the water. Good for a calm day.
Using the kite to position the bait over the foaming bluefin provides the ability to place bait in the water without spooking the fish with visible fishing lines, boat sights or sounds, and effectively will double your chances of getting the hookup. Also, being able to land a flying fish on their head is also the way to go. Flying fish have been THE ticket last season and we will be planning on using them again this year.
Using Frozen Flying Fish
Caught on the kite!
This is how you rig a bait.
This big tuna was caught by casting on foamers!
SIGHT FISHING
Boiling and Foaming Tuna will make any bluefin tuna fisherman start to sweat. This is because if you see them boiling on the top, they are on the hunt, or are already feeding. That means that if you can sneak up on them, fly a kite on them, or land a live bait or a popper on their head... you are gonna be hooked up almost instantly.
The key for this to work is to come in SLOW and QUIET and have the best casting rod and angler parked on the bow, iron or popper in hand. At the furthest possible point away from the school of tuna, throw on them!
If you are loud or come in fast , the tuna will dive and you will never ever see them again. You have one chance so be patient as the captain maneuvers the boat so that it will eventually drift, or be blown by the wind, right at them.
Once the first bluefin is on the line, then the boat can come in closer. If your captain planned it right your are up current or up wind of the school, and are now drifting right toward the school of tuna , with one on the line attracting the other tuna towards the boat.
At this point, everybody should now have bait in the water, and before you know it the entire boat is hooked up. That is how you sight fish bluefin.
Trolling is the most widely used method of Tuna fishing!
on the troll
The oldest and some argue, still the best, method of catching bluefin is to lay out four to six swimming baits behind your boat and proceed to troll them at 7-10 knots. On the hookup, throw a ton of bait, and switch to a free line live bait if your not hooked up. The speed of the crew and passengers in switching over to free line after the troll hook up is key. This method does offer more precision, as you can do drive bys on kelp patties that are known to hold fish. The downside, is that the larger and older bluefin have seen this trick many times, and will likely not fall for it. They see the line, and they are gone. Once the blue fin dive, your chances of picking them up are slim.
When you are on the troll, your Captain will usually be running between 3 and 6 trolling rigs. They will have heavy line, so that if you hook a fish, that one can be brought to the boat quickly. The other bluefin in the school will sometimes follow the hooked tuna to the boat. Likewise, once a hookup occurs your Captain will immediately order the deckhands to dump live bait off the side of the boat. Make sure that you have your free line set ups rigged and ready to go before the troll, and once the trolling lines are in, immediately get a nice live bait, and get it into the water before the boat even stops. Between the live bait, and following the hooked tuna, often times you will have an open bite below your boat.
A good Free Line set up is a standard 20-25 pound test rig (depending on the size of the tuna) with a size 1 to 2/0 hook depending on bait size and the size of the tuna. Fluorocarbon leader can be super effective if the fish are touchy (biting infrequently). This set up will be the primary bait fishing set up. A good drag system and fresh line are a must when fishing for tuna. Also a longer rod will come in handy for casting away from the boat. Our rental gear will definitely get the job done. If possible, also have a heavier setup just in case you run into a wide open bite, or a school of larger specimens. 40-50lb test.
See that big one at the bottom, caught on a popper!
poppers, jigs, irons
Artificial baits work VERY WELL for catching Tuna. They are an excellent "First Strike" weapon in your tuna fishing arsenal. There is no faster way to get hooked up on a Tuna then to park yourself on the anchor pulpit of the boat, as it quickly approaches a school of foaming bluefin. You usually only have one shot. Your goal is to cast your bait into the school from as far away as possible. Once the fish detect the boat, they will dive, and you will never see them again. This is why its important to make sure you cast from range.
Even after the carnage starts, casting an iron or popper far over the heads of the other anglers who are free lining bait, can often yield a hook up!
When using irons, cast past and over the foaming fish and then draw your iron right through the middle as fast as you can reel. A two speed reel designed for this purpose is the ideal setup.
When using poppers, cast right into the middle of the school and violently yank the line. Be sure to keep the popper in the water, while at the same time creating as much surface splash as possible with your popper. As soon as you have cleared the main body of fish , reel in and start again. Often times you will get hit as you land, or right after, so be ready.
FLATFALLS
Flat Fall fishing is very effective and is a great strategy to fish in low light conditions or when the Tuna are marking on the Sonar at depths 50-250 feet. Here is the scenarios where this method works well.
While everybody else is sleeping grab your rod and reel and throw a GLOW IN THE DARK flat fall on it. The captain will alert you when and if a sonar mark shows up on the sonar. The Captain will call out the depth, so make sure that you give time to get down there. It takes several minutes to get to 200 feet. Once you have arrived at the desired depth then real up as fast as you can. You can imagine what that must look like to the Tuna in the clear depths. A glow in the dark light rising quickly against the dark background. The Tuna believe this is a squid headed to the surface, and this is one of their favorite foods. They can not resist it. Even if there is no marks sometimes you can get lucky.
Without the light of day, it's easier to increase the weight of your tackle without the sharp eyes of a tuna becoming wise to the situation. Heavier tackle can greatly improve your chances of landing one of these intensely hard fighting fish. Use a 50 to 80-pound class conventional reel and 6 to 7-foot heavy rod for trolling. Two speed reels are ideally suited to this endeavor.
One of our favorite destinations is the backside of San Clemente, North side of the island. This is a good starting point for a number of different destinations. This method is especially effective behind the island before sun up.
The second scenario when Flat Fall fishing is when you find tuna on the sonar but they are at a depth below 50 feet. To deep for live bait, and not well suited to iron. Drop a flat fall on the sonar mark and you have a good chance of nailing a big bluefin.
TROPHY BLUEFIN JUST OFF THE COAST!
The Bluefin Tuna is widely regarded as the pinnacle species of sport fishing. There are bigger fish, like the Marlin, but NOTHING will prepare you for the pull a 300lb tuna can put out. Where the Marlin may win in overall size, the tuna definitely will out pull it. It can take an experienced angler several hours to boat a big tuna, and many an inexperienced fisherman has lost there first hook up on bluefin, because they have never fought a fish like this one. You need to pace yourself, and present only the very best rod, reel, line, knot, and hook to the fish. If any one of these aspects is lacking, you will surely loose your fish. Also, technique will play a large part in your success. Make sure that the drag is just right, keep the rod tip up, and dont be ashamed to tag team the fish, by taking turns to get the fish on the boat.
Bluefin fishing is the pinnacle of Southern California sportfishing (and arguably the world) for its pure brute strength and incredibly tasty table fare. Favoring water temps around 60-72 degrees, this broader spectrum of temperature flexibility allows this fish to bite nearly year round. However, the general season usually starts in March and goes through October.
Rest assured, we take Blue Fin Sport Fishing very seriously! All of the gear provided on a bluefin trip is our best, heaviest, and newest tackle. We run 50 wides for when the big blues are out! If you do hook one of these monsters, be prepared for a long and hard fight. Our captain will maneuver the boat to put you in the best position to land the fish, all the while our deckhands will be standing by with multiple gafs. As soon as you see the fish under the water, yell "COLOR" and one of our deckhands will quickly come over and land your fish.
TOP bluefin sport fishing spots
How do anglers prepare and set out for early-season bluefin tuna fishing in Southern California?
Anglers preparing for early-season bluefin tuna fishing in Southern California typically monitor weather conditions closely before setting out. Favorable weather forecasts play a crucial role in determining if boats can safely venture out to the fishing grounds. In Southern California, fishing for bluefin tuna often requires traveling long distances offshore, so it is essential for anglers to ensure that wind and swell conditions are suitable for their particular type of vessel. When it comes to fishing for bluefin tuna, anglers often opt for lighter fishing lines and employ a stealthy approach to increase their chances of success. This involves carefully approaching schools of bluefin tuna that may be feeding near the surface. Anglers aim to position themselves strategically by getting upwind and upswell of the fish, allowing them to cast surface irons and small jigs effectively. Another effective strategy for early-season bluefin fishing is slow-trolling live bait, such as sardines, in areas teeming with baitfish and other signs of fish activity, like birds or breaking fish. This method is particularly popular among anglers fishing from smaller boats, as it can yield consistent results. Finding the right water temperature is critical to locating bluefin tuna during the early season. Anglers typically look for warm water hovering around 63 degrees Fahrenheit, as this temperature range tends to attract bluefin tuna. Additionally, identifying subtle temperature breaks in the water can help concentrate baitfish and bluefin tuna in specific areas, increasing the likelihood of a successful fishing expedition.
What factors indicate the potential for another epic year of tuna fishing in Southern California?
The potential for another exceptional year of tuna fishing in Southern California is indicated by several key factors. One such factor is the debate surrounding the nature of the bluefin tuna population in the region, with some speculating on whether they are migratory visitors or fish that have overwintered due to optimal water temperatures. Furthermore, the consistently positive reports of fishing experiences being described as 'the best ever' over the past two seasons suggest a trend that is likely to continue. The current presence of a significant volume of fish, the ease of catching limits, as well as observations that the fish are more responsive to lighter fishing lines, all point towards the likelihood of another successful year for tuna fishing in the region. Additionally, the influence of El Niño conditions is believed to play a significant role in the abundance of fish, further raising expectations for an epic fishing season ahead.
How to cook your catch
If you're lucky enough to catch a bluefin tuna during the fishing season, congratulations! These beautiful and powerful fish are prized by anglers and chefs alike. Here's how to cook your catch so that you can enjoy it at its best.
To start, you'll need to clean and gut the fish. This can be done by cutting along the belly from the gills to the vent and then removing the entrails. Once the fish is cleaned, it's time to prepare it for cooking.
One popular way to cook bluefin tuna is to grill it. To do this, simply cut the fish into steaks or fillets and season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Then, preheat your grill to high heat and cook the tuna for about 2 minutes per side.
Another great option is to pan-sear the tuna. This gives it a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside nice and moist. To do this, simply heat some oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season your tuna steaks or fillets with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings, and then place them in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
No matter how you decide to cook your bluefin tuna, be sure not to overcook it! These fish are best when they're still pink in the center, so err on the side of caution.
BLUEFIN BAG LIMITS
The bluefin tuna is a highly prized fish, and for good reason. They're massive, they're strong, and they put up one heck of a fight when caught. That's why sport fishing for bluefin tuna is such a popular pastime. However, there's more to bluefin tuna fishing than just the thrill of the catch. There's also the matter of conservation. Because bluefin tuna are so sought-after, they're in danger of being overfished. That's why it's important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding bluefin tuna fishing before heading out on your next charter. In this blog post, we'll give you an overview of the bluefin tuna sport fishing season, including when it is and what the catch limit is. We'll also provide some tips on how to fish for bluefin tuna sustainably.
Currently, the bag limit for Bluefin Tuna is two per angler per day.
For up to date information, click this LINK directly to the California Fish and Game Regulations Booklet for the San Diego.
We know that it takes a lot of time, effort, and money to go after Giant Bluefin Tuna. We take your trust into consideration by providing you with the BEST chance. Our vessels are well equipped, seaworthy, and most importantly, they are captained by professionals that specifically know how to not only find, but boat the big blues that you are after. Having the right gear is only part of the equation. Only through years of experience and trial and error earned by many days spent on the water, can a captain repeatedly and consistently land tuna. When you go deep sea fishing with us, you can be assured we have the experience you want.
- BLUEFIN TUNA FACT SHEET
The Pacific Bluefin Tuna Season typically spans from May to October, although the specific time frame may differ based on the location and the yearly migration patterns of the fish. Recreational anglers targeting bluefin tuna along the Pacific coast do not have a specific closed season, but there are restrictions on the number of fish that can be caught, known as bag limits, enforced by each state.
San Diego is a prime location for bluefin tuna fishing, with the fish being a popular target for both recreational and commercial anglers. The bluefin tuna is a large and powerful fish that can grow up to 14 feet in length and weigh over 1,500 pounds. They are found in the Pacific Ocean and migrate along the California coast each year, making them a seasonal catch for fishermen.
The bluefin tuna is a highly sought-after game fish due to its size, strength, and delicious meat. The meat is dark red and has a rich, oily flavor that is highly prized by sushi chefs and seafood enthusiasts. The fish is also a favorite among sport fishermen for its acrobatic leaps and hard-fighting nature.
The best time to catch bluefin tuna in San Diego is from late spring to early fall when the fish migrate along the coast. The most popular method for catching bluefin tuna is trolling with artificial lures or live bait. Trolling involves pulling a lure or bait behind a boat at a slow speed, which mimics the natural swimming action of small fish. This method is effective for catching bluefin tuna as the fish are attracted to the movement of the lure or bait.
A popular method for catching bluefin tuna is casting with bait or lures. This method involves casting a bait or lure into the water and allowing it to sink to the desired depth. Once the bait or lure is in place, anglers wait for a fish to bite. This method is more effective when the fish are near the surface and can be seen by the angler.
Bluefin tuna fishing in San Diego requires a lot of patience and skill. The fish can be elusive and often requires a lot of time and effort to find them. Anglers will typically spend several hours on the water before they find a school of bluefin tuna. Once a school is located, the fishing can be fast and furious.
The bluefin tuna is a large and powerful fish that requires the use of heavy tackle to catch. Anglers should use a rod and reel with a line test of at least 80-100 pounds. CHECK WITH YOUR CAPTAIN, OR CREW, they will guide you here if you need help! The reel should be able to hold at least 500 yards of line. This will ensure that the angler has enough line to fight the fish and bring it to the boat.
When fishing for bluefin tuna, it is important to use the right bait or lure. The most effective baits are live anchovies, sardines, or mackerel. These baits can be fished on a hook or behind a trolling lure. Lures that mimic the shape and color of these baitfish can also be effective.
In San Diego, bluefin tuna fishing is regulated by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to ensure the conservation of the species. There are a number of regulations in place to protect the fish, including catch limits and minimum size limits. Anglers should be aware of these regulations and obtain the necessary permits before fishing for bluefin tuna.
A Bluefin Tuna is a species of tuna known for its large size and torpedo-shaped body. These fish are found worldwide and are known for their extensive migrations. In the United States, Bluefin Tuna can be located along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico where they reproduce. It is important to note that Bluefin Tuna are protected in their spawning habitats, with regulations in place to limit fishing activities in these areas.
The management of Pacific Bluefin Tuna presents challenges due to their extensive migratory patterns, spanning from California to Japan. The species is caught by multiple states and countries, each with varying regulations regarding harvesting practices. As a result, the effectiveness of regulations in one region on maintaining the population is limited, given the decentralized nature of management efforts.
Bluefin tuna fishing in San Diego is not only a popular pastime but also a vital part of the local economy. The fishing industry provides jobs for many people and supports many local businesses. The fish are also an important food source for many people in the area.
VISUAL IDENTIFICATION GUIDE FOR BLUEFIN TUNA
Also check out the in depth full GUIDE TO TUNA SPECIES IDENTIFICATION.
Bluefin tuna are a highly sought-after species of fish due to their size and the quality of their meat. They are also a valuable resource for commercial and recreational fishing. However, due to their similarity in appearance to other tuna species, it is important to be able to accurately identify a bluefin tuna.
One of the most obvious characteristics of a bluefin tuna is its size. Adult bluefin tuna can grow up to 14 feet in length and weigh over 2000 pounds. Juvenile bluefin tuna, known as “school tuna”, can be as small as 20-30 pounds. This size difference is important to note because it can help distinguish bluefin tuna from other tuna species, such as yellowfin tuna, which typically only grow to around 8-10 feet in length.
Another key characteristic to look for when identifying a bluefin tuna is the shape of its body. Bluefin tuna have a very elongated and streamlined body shape, with a pointed head and a pronounced dorsal fin. They also have a very large tail fin, known as a “caudal fin”, which is also elongated and pointed. This body shape is unique to bluefin tuna and can help distinguish them from other tuna species that have more rounded or square-shaped bodies.
The coloration of a bluefin tuna can also be a useful identifier. Bluefin tuna are typically a deep blue color on their back, fading to a silver color on their sides and belly. They also have a number of dark spots on their sides, which can be used to help identify individual fish. These spots are unique to each fish and can be used to identify them in the same way that fingerprints are used to identify people.
Finally, another way to identify bluefin tuna is through their fins. Bluefin tuna have a number of fins that are relatively small compared to other tuna species. Their dorsal fin and pectoral fins are relatively short and their anal fin is also small. Their fins are also relatively round and their leading edge is curved.
In summary, bluefin tuna can be visually identified by their size, body shape, coloration, and fins. Adult bluefin tuna can grow up to 14 feet in length, have a elongated and streamlined body shape, deep blue on the back and silver on the sides, dark spots on the side, and small fins. By paying attention to these characteristics, one can accurately identify a bluefin tuna.