Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) are a great winter time gamefish that arrive in mid November of each year in the offshore waters of Key West and continue until they reach a zenith in the Gulf of Mexico during the month of April. These fish start showing in the blue water off of the lower keys in the early fall with an average weight of 18 to 22 pounds and continue to gain weight and power until the spring where they reach weights of 30 plus pounds.
The all tackle world record was taken off of Key West and is a whopping 45 pounds. Although it is common practice to fish for these tackle busters with live bait, we invite you to test your skills with light tackle and artificial lures and flies. This is a highly visual fishery with bone jarring surface strikes, culminating with weary arms and sore muscles.
Sushi and grilled tuna steaks are delicious ways of eating Blackfin Tuna. Recipes for cooking Blackfin Tuna as well as other types of fish can be found on our Weekly Recipes page.
Blackfin Tuna On Fly Video
Blackfin Tuna Photo Gallery
Blackfin Tuna Fishing Locations
Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas is the last, great vestige of sportfishing in the northern hemisphere. This remote group of islands are surrounded by more than ten thousand square miles of fishing resources that have remained relatively untapped due to the time that it would take to cover this vast and remote area.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico, for our purposes, begins at the North side of the flats, along the lower Florida Keys and includes a portion of the Florida Bay, continuing to the West and North of the Dry Tortugas, encompassing more than 5000 square miles of fishable water within range of our hi-tech, offshore boats.
Key West
Key West offers the sportfishing enthusiast the largest variety of gamefish in the world. Other locations will argue that they are the sportfishing capital of the world, or the best for this species or that particular fish. There are more “I.G.F.A. World Records” from the waters of Key West than the next closest, several locations combined.
Marquesas
Marquesas is a magical word that conjures thoughts of tropical breezes, emerald green water surrounding a tropical island paradise. A ring of islands surrounded by acres and acres of pristine water and shallow flats where giant Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Mutton Snappers, great Barracudas and monster Sharks of all kinds prowl the flats.
