Captain Troy Wetzel

Tuna is one of the most consumed fish in the world. It is well known for its versatility, ease of preparation, and deliciousness. Many people have had the pleasure of eating tuna, whether it is in a can or draped over nigiri. Two of the most popular kinds of tuna are Bluefin and Yellowfin.

Fishing for Bluefin Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna can be a great option for big game anglers, which is why tuna fishing charters are so popular. These two fighters are also amazing for their culinary value. Sometimes, Bluefins can be very similar to Yellowfins in appearance, and they can often share the same habitats. It can be difficult to distinguish between Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna. This quick guide will highlight the difference between Bluefin Tuna vs Yellowfin Tuna.

Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna Appearance

Bluefins are named for their distinctive dark blue color. This is evident on their tails and around their dorsal. Bluefins also don’t have the same dorsal stripes as yellowfins, but their fins can occasionally show yellow tinges. The bluefin’s pectoral fin is shorter than that of the yellowfin.

The bright yellow coloring of yellowfins is what gives them their name. It can be seen on the fins, tails and distinctive dorsal stripe running from head to tail. Yellowfins also have longer pectoral fins than bluefins.

Size

Both the yellowfin and the bluefin tuna species are large but the bluefin is the largest. The Atlantic bluefin tuna is the largest species of tuna. The Atlantic bluefin is a massive fish that has been measured at 1,500 pounds. It rivals the biggest bony fish in all of the ocean. Their only competitions are the black and blue marlin and swordfish.

Yellowfin tuna is also a large fish, but not as big as the bluefin. Yellowfin tuna weighs in at around 450 lbs. They are third in size after bluefin tuna and bigeye tuna.

Color

The Yellowfin Tuna, as its name implies, has a yellow lateral line just above its pectoral fins and a bright yellow second-dorsal fin.

Bluefin Tuna has a second dorsal Fin that is a mix of yellow and gray, and an underside that’s silvery with uneven lines. The Bluefin Tuna’s tail is different from its Yellowfin cousin in that it isn’t yellow and gray but is dark blue.

Fin length

Because bluefin tuna has bright yellow finlets, it’s easy to confuse with yellowfin tuna. You can tell the difference by comparing the length of the pectoral fins.

Yellowfin tuna’s pectoral fins are longer than the second dorsal and extend beyond the second. Bluefins have smaller pectoral fins. Adult yellowfin tuna have a longer second dorsal and anal fin. These fins can reach as far back as the tail base in some large specimens.

Bluefin Tuna cannot reach beyond the first dorsal fin. The pectoral fin of a Yellowfin is noticeably longer.

Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna Habitat

Both Yellowfin Tuna and Bluefin Tuna can be found in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They travel long distances and often for long periods of time. Although they share many common habitats, the Yellowfin Tuna prefers warmer waters while the Bluefin prefers colder temperatures.

Yellowfins can swim well beyond the continental shelves. However, they will also be found in shallower waters when temperatures are higher. Yellowfins are more comfortable in temperate waters than Bluefins, generally speaking. They are a popular catch on long-range California fishing trips as well as in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Atlantic Ocean is home to many Atlantic Bluefins. They mainly stay along North America’s eastern coast, with one part of their population moving to the Mediterranean and the other to Mexico to spawn.

The Pacific Bluefins are also widespread in the Pacific Ocean. They swim a long distance from Japan to the Pacific as juveniles. They swim all the way from Washington to Mexico. After many years of maturing they return to the Philippine Sea or the Sea of Japan to spawn.

Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna Conservation

The conservation status is one of the most important differences between Bluefin Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna. While Yellowfin Tuna may be found in relative abundance across their range, Bluefin Tuna are an entirely different matter.

The bluefin is listed as endangered by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF). Despite the complexity of the data, it is clear that humans don’t practice ethical or sustainable fishing when it comes to bluefin. The Southern Bluefin Tuna is the most at-risk of the bluefin tuna species.

Yellowfin are more common and therefore less of a concern. However, the WWF has classified the yellowfin as near threatened. They are being threatened because they are an alternative to bluefin, and are a higher quality choice than many species that are canned (albacore or skipjack).

Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna Cost

Bluefin Tuna is perhaps the most sought-after commercial fish worldwide. This is one of reasons that Bluefin Tuna is a very expensive fish. A 600-pound specimen sold for $3 million in a Japanese auction. It is primarily consumed in sashimi by Japan. The average price for Atlantic bluefin is around $200 per pound.

Although yellowfin tuna isn’t as common or as large as bluefin and are therefore less expensive. They are still a popular choice for culinary purposes. Yellowfin Tuna can be used to make sushi, sashimi and steaks. These fish are known in Hawaiian culture as “ahi”, a name many may know. Yellowfin are usually available in commercial settings at $8-$15 a pound.

Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna Taste

Bluefin Tuna is a highly sought-after fish, and it is highly prized by both chefs and foodies. It is the most expensive and luxurious fish money could buy. Bluefin Tuna is known for its rich red color and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also has the darkest and fattest flesh of any tuna variety. Bluefin Tuna is a popular fish for sushi and sashimi due to its meaty texture and large flakes.

Yellowfin tuna is a leaner meat with a milder, lighter flavor. Yellowfin tuna has a lower fat content than Bluefin Tuna and is therefore a firmer meat. It should be noted though that Yellowfin Tuna is still a great quality meat. Yellowfin can be used to make sashimi or steaks.

Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna Summary and Comparison Chart

Now that you know the differences between Bluefin Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna, here is a quick comparison guide for reference.

Bluefin Tuna

• Size – Up to 1500 pounds
• Appearance – Dark blue tails, no clear dorsal stripe, smaller pectoral fin
• Habitat – Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, Mediterranean Sea
• Cost – Upwards of $200 per pound
• Conservation – Endangered
• Species – Atlantic, Pacific, Southern

Yellowfin Tuna

• Size – Up to 450 pounds
• Appearance – Yellow tails, Yellow lateral line, dorsal, and anal fins
• Habitat – Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide
• Cost – $8-$15 per pound
• Conservation – Near Threatened
• Species – Single species (Thunnus Alalunga)

Book your Louisiana fishing charters for Yellowfin Tuna today. Captain Troy has years of experience fishing in Venice, Louisiana and specializes in Yellowfin. We can’t wait to see you here!

It is during the colder months that pogie fish, also known as Gulf Menhaden, spawn and feed offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. These fish are the most abundant bait fish around.

Pogies numbers are awe-inspiring, numbering in the millions. They swim in massive, silvery schools that attract many predator species.

“The abundance of pogie bait in the Louisiana Gulf is unbelievable in January, February, March and April,” said Captain Troy Wetzel, Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters. But what are pogie fish?

What is a pogie fish?

Pogie is more of a slang word used to refer to Menhaden. Belonging to the Herring family, Menhaden are sometimes referred to as the most important fish in the world. This is due to their large numbers, the fact that they are eaten by so many other fish, and their several other uses.

The name pogie or pogy may have originated from the north-eastern American French name for menhaden (fish) or poghaden.

Menhaden are flat, silver-colored fish with soft flesh. They also have a long, forked tail. These pogie fish are small (around 8 inches) and can grow to 15 inches (38cm) in length and vary in weight.

Both Gulf menhaden and Atlantic menhaden have small, oily-fleshed fish. They are bright silver with a series of smaller spots behind their main, Humeral spot. They are more slender than Yellowfin menhaden and Finescale menhaden. The tail rays of Yellowfin menhaden are brighter than those of Atlantic menhaden.

A pogie’s diet

Pogie are able to travel in large, slow-moving schools with open mouths. These pogie fish are known as filter feeders. This means that they filter water through modifications to the branchial apparatus (gill arches and gill-rakers).

Pogie typically have two main sources for food: phytoplankton and Zooplankton. The diet of a pogie varies greatly over its life span and is directly proportional to its size. Menhaden under one year old eat primarily phytoplankton. As they grow, adult menhaden gradually shift to eating primarily zooplankton.

Predators of the pogie

Menhaden are preyed upon by many predatory fish. These include striped bass, weakfish, and bluefish, as well as by birds such as ospreys and eagles. Humpback whales off the coast of New Jersey also feed on pogies. Other cetaceans, such as fin whales and dolphins eat pogies quite frequently. Dolphins can eat up to 20 pounds of menhaden a day.

Historical uses of pogie fish

Menhaden were used historically as fertilizers for crops. Menhaden was likely the fish Squanto instructed the Pilgrims how to bury fresh-planted seeds alongside them as fertilizer. Pogie can also be used as bait for fishing, feed for livestock, and “menhaden oil” for human consumption and manufacturing.

In the early years, thousands of fishing ships were harvesting pogie. There were many facilities along the Atlantic coast that could quickly turn the fish into something of value, usually oil. Later fish meal became more popular. Later, The Tragedy in the Commons began and the menhaden population started to decline. Many of these small businesses could not be managed, leaving only a few menhaden fishing firms to survive on the Atlantic coast.

Many sources claim that menhaden is not edible, but the fish used to be eaten as sardines might be or fried. For breakfast, Maine fishermen would eat fried pogies. Fish that weren’t sold as bait would be sold to the less fortunate for food.

The Menhaden fishery

The menhaden fishery is the largest by weight in the Gulf, averaging 1.1 billion pounds per year. Almost all of that catch is reduced into fish oil, meal, and solubles.

Many studies have been done on bycatch in the fishery, showing it ranges from 0.06 to 3.9 percent by number and 1 to 2.8 percent by weight.

How the fishery is monitored

Menhaden catches are closely monitored. The menhaden companies provide catch records and the captain’s daily fishing reports directly to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Port agents with NMFS also regularly take dock-side samples of pogie fish catches.

Size and age data from these samples are used, along with catch records, to assess the health of the pogie stock.

How are pogies processed

At the dock, menhaden catches are unloaded from carrier vessels using pumps that move the fish directly into a steam cooker.

The fish are moved to a press that squeezes oil and water from the fish, leaving what is known as “press cake.” This press cake is dried, and ground into meal and treated for storage.

The oil and water is pumped through screens and filtered to remove particles that are added back to the press cake before it is dried.

Oil is separated from the water and purified for storage or shipment.

How are the pogie fish used

Menhaden fish meal – this fish meal has a minimum of 60 percent protein and a well-balanced amino acid profile. Feeds for aqua cultured fish may contain up to 20 percent fish meal. It is also used in feeds for baby swine. Large quantities are used in all-natural dog food.

China is the largest consumer of fish meal from the United States. Because of these exports, the fishery provides jobs in the US funded with dollars imported from other countries.

Menhaden oil – Although some of the fish oil produced is used in Idaho rainbow trout farms, most is exported to Europe and Canada for use as aqua cultured salmon feed.

Most of the rest that is used domestically goes into pharmaceutical and over-the-counter fish oil capsules. Although the use of menhaden oil in human foods, such as margarine and cooking oils was approved in the U.S. in 1997, no Gulf of Mexico menhaden oil presently goes to making these products.

Fishing for pogie bait fish

As day breaks, Capt. Troy and his crew head offshore a short distance from Venice, La. to where these “pogie balls” are popping up out of the water.   According to Capt. Troy, the monster-sized Wahoo weighing up to 120 lbs. can be caught about 20 to 80 ft. around the oil rigs where they gather ready to ambush the pogie bait fish.

“Big Yellowfin tuna weighing up to 250 lbs. also migrate here during this time of year to have a feeding frenzy on these pogie balls,” said Capt. Troy.

Using pogie as bait fish

Up and down the Atlantic coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico, schools of these popular baitfish hug the shoreline and the beaches.

Officially known as menhaden, these schools measure in acreage terms rather than numbers. Huge schools can be seen flipping their tails at the surface, moving along with the tidal currents. They are usually fairly close to the shore, sometimes right behind the breaking surf, but can be found as far as a mile or more offshore.

There is security in numbers, and security is what these fish need. They are a favorite food for many saltwater species up and down the coast. Redfish, cobia, king mackerel, tarpon, and sharks are some of the major predators that will follow these bait pods.

Catch your own pogies

Pogies are not usually purchased from bait shops because they do not survive well in captivity. People fishing with pogies catch their own, using cast nets in the pods of baitfish on the beach behind the breakers. Often one good cast of the net will catch more pogies than the average boat needs.

Fishing with your newly-caught bait

Fishing with pogies as bait fish can be done in a variety of ways. In the spring, following the bait pods will be cobia and large redfish. Fishing for them involves either anchoring and fishing live pogies both freelined and on the bottom in the area of the bait pods, or site fishing and tossing a live pogy bait to a waiting marauder.

Oversized redfish (larger than twenty-seven inches in length) are common; some very large cobia will be caught as well. The ever-present sharks provide some thrills to anglers fishing with this method, some of them ten feet in length!

Best time to fish with pogies in the Gulf

If you’re looking to catch monster-sized fish in the Gulf of Mexico, January, February, March and April are considered to be the best times of the year. And pogies are considered to be the best choice of Louisiana bait fish.

Visit our website to learn more about booking with Louisiana Offshore Fishing Charters or call 504.701.3474 for more information.

The Billfish Family

You can’t talk about the differences of swordfish vs marlin without talking about their similarities first. Both marlin and swordfish are members of the esteemed billfish family and popular among Louisiana fishing charters.

Billfish are one of the most advanced animals on the planet. Billfish are highly migratory and spend their lives moving from one place to the next. They can be found in all oceans, and some have even been tracked across the Atlantic.

The “sword” of the Swordfish and Marlin

The iconic “sword”, which is visible on all billfish, regardless of whether they are swordfish or marlin, can be seen at the front of every fish’s body. It is called a “rostrum” and is used to slash and stun their prey. It makes for a quick snack as they circle back to complete the task.

How Swordfish and Marlin swim

All billfish possess advanced swim bladders which allow them to quickly change depths without consuming a lot of energy. Swordfish, for example, can reach depths of around 1,500 feet during the day. It is important to have an understanding of the water column before you fish for them.

Marlin vs Swordfish

There are some easy ways to tell the difference when talking about Marlin vs Swordfish. Although, if you’re like most people new to sport fishing, you may consider swordfish and marlin to be the same type of fish species. This is due to their general appearance. Even though these two large marine creatures have similarities, they’re different in several ways, such as their size, their fins and taste. So before you start fantasizing on what it feels like to catch a blue marlin, here are three ways they differ, along with some suggestions on how to prepare swordfish and marlin dishes.

Marlin

If you’ve ever read Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea“, you may remember how an old fisherman struggled to catch a marlin. The most distinguishing feature of a marlin is their spear-like snout or bill and dorsal fin, which forms a crest, reaching forward. The upper jaw of a marlin is long. Furthermore, the spear can be deadly to prey, which is primarily squid and smaller fish. This makes marlins one of the top sea predators.

Marlins have a reputation for being exceptional swimmers as they can swim as fast as 50 mph. These popular, strong sporting fish can be found in the deep-sea tropical regions of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Marlins have a long lifespan with females living as long as 30 years and males reaching around 20 years.

Swordfish

Also known as broadbills, swordfish are salt-water, predatory and migratory fish characterized by their flat, long bill. Their bodies are round and elongated. They get the name swordfish from their bill, which resembles a sword. Interestingly, you can determine the age of swordfish by looking at their annual growth rings that can be found on the fin rays.

Swordfish have a heating mechanism, found next to their eyes, that helps in conserving heat. Besides conserving heat, this heating mechanism also improves the vision of the swordfish, and makes them better hunters. Used much like a spear, their sword-like organ is designed for slashing prey.

How to tell a Marlin from a Swordfish

Although marlin and swordfish are both large fish, these fish species have several differences, such as:

1. Marlin vs Swordfish size

One way to tell the difference between a marlin vs swordfish is size. In fact, the largest marlin species, the blue marlin, is longer than 16.4 feet, weighing up to 1,400 pounds vs swordfish, which are smaller, only reaching 9.8 feet and weighing 1,430 pounds.

2. Marlin vs Swordfish dorsal fin and body

Another difference of a swordfish vs marlin is the dorsal fin, which are the fins on their back. The dorsal fin of a marlin resembles a sail vs a swordfish, whose fins look much like the fins of a shark. What’s more, marlins have a tubular, smooth body, which is unlike the elongated, round body of swordfish.

3. Marlin vs Swordfish taste

The pink flesh of marlin tastes much like swordfish, but swordfish is considerably lighter. Marlin is a fatty fish, consisting of a high-fat content. Thus, marlin flesh is very dense, similar to tuna, having a strong flavor. On the other hand, marlin has a milder flavor than that of swordfish.

Fishing for Swordfish vs Marlin

While there are many differences between them, hunting for swordfish vs marlin is somewhat similar. The most important thing you need is an experienced deep sea charter captain. An experienced fishing captain knows the right time and place to improve the chances of catching either a great marlin or swordfish.

Would you like to go on a Gulf of Mexico sport fishing adventure of a lifetime? Whether you’re fishing for marlin or swordfish or any of the other types of fish anglers can expect to find in the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana Fishing Charters can help. Captain Troy has over 30 years of experience deep sea fishing in the Gulf. Contact us to learn more about our wide range of fishing excursions.

Where can you catch Swordfish and Marlin

Both swordfish and marlin reside in deep water. A good place to start is close to the edge of the continental shelf – the place where the relatively shallow water around land drops off into the deep blue abyss of the open ocean. They frequent the continental shelf drop-off where ocean currents upwell nutrient rich water. These areas contain high concentrations of baitfish, and the billfish are all over them. You can also find marlin and swordfish closer to shore around underwater seamounts and other seafloor features that attract schooling baitfish.

Recipe ideas for Marlin and Swordfish

Both Swordfish and Marlin can taste great if cooked properly. While there are many ways to prepare either Marlin or Swordfish, here are what we feel are the best.

How to cook Swordfish

The best way to prepare swordfish is filleting it into steaks that can be grilled since this fish’s flesh is quite firm. As a result, you can prepare swordfish in a variety of more ways than what can be done with other more delicate fish. An example is placing swordfish steaks on skewers. You could also prepare swordfish as a fish soup, using larger chunks of the fish. Another way is to pan-fry your swordfish or consume it sashimi-style.

How to cook Marlin

Marlin is best when served sashimi style, which is raw, uncooked meat without rice. Don’t cook it entirely. Once done, cut the marlin into thin slices. Sprinkle your marlin with some sesame seed oil drops, fresh coriander and lime juice for a tasty Asian appetizer. You could also eat marlin in sushi, which has rice. You can also quickly sear marlin on all sides and serve it rare like a tuna steak. There’s also Peruvian-style marlin.

However you decide to prepare your tasty meal and whatever your preference of swordfish vs marlin, you can enjoy eating a well earned meal that you caught and cooked yourself!

Did you enjoy this post? Now let’s compare Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna!

Cobia fish species belong to the Rachycentridae family and have multiple unique features. They have black or dark brown scales with bushy stripes close to their underbelly and both sides of their rear part. They have a broad and flat head and an elongated body. You can mistake them for a shark due to their large pectoral fin.

Fishing for Cobia is not unlike fishing for Yellowfin Tuna in that Cobia fish spend a lot of time looking for food or pursuing large predators to kill. They mainly feed on squid, small baitfish, and crabs. Some prefer to swim in groups or schools while others swim alone.

You can easily find them near buoys, floating, or pilings debris in search of prey. Also, they migrate seasonally, so it best to use a charter fishing service to help find them.

1. When and Where Can you Find Cobia on the Gulf Coast?

Once cobia begins their journey to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a sign that spring is fast approaching.  They often move in small schools and are usually accompanied by huge rays. This species’ migration pattern leads them to the warm waters of the Emerald Coast.

Essentially, you can find cobia in the Gulf of Mexico all year round, although they have two peak seasons. In early spring, offshore waters within the Panhandle have lots of Cobia fish. The nearshore waters along the Gulf’s coast get more fish in summer. 

 These fish are curious and will swim towards your boat, making them an easy target. Besides, if the water temperatures hit 70 degrees, cobia moves closer to the shores. Since they are aggressive eaters, they love to move towards structures in search of baitfish. So, you can find them in navigational markers, buoys, wrecks, and nearshore or offshore reefs.

These fish are highly sought near gulf waters for sport and food. Their long runs and tendency to go for structures make them excellent game fish. However, cobia fishing calls for patience and skill. Keep in mind that these fish won’t make it any easier for you. Be ready for an outstanding level of resistance.

2. Are There Any Daily Bag Limits for Cobia?

Before you start your cobia fishing trip, you are expected to set rules and regulations. Although there is no restriction on when you can begin fishing on the Gulf waters, there are daily bag and size limits.

In the gulf waters, the least size limit is thirty-three inches. You are allowed to keep two fish per vessel or one fish per day. Note that these rules are not permanent. They can change anytime, so it’s best to inquire before you head out to cobia fishing.

 3. What is the Best Bait for Cobia?

Of all the saltwater sport fish you can fish for on the gulf coast, cobia is the most exciting and easiest to catch, unlike other species. Anglers mostly use live bait, but artificial lures can also work with cobia due to its curious nature. The best cobia lure is a white bucktail jig along with a soft plastic trailer.

The jig improves casting weight while the trailer and the stout hook adds bulk and traps cobia. This lure can help catch fish roaming on the surface and those far from the surface. Furthermore, a butterfly jig or plugs are also very effective lures.

As for live lures, you can use baitfish such as eel and blue crabs since cobia loves feeding on them.

4. (Bonus) Popular Ways of Cooking Cobia in the Region

Cobia is not just an exciting game fish, but they are delicious. Cobia meat lovers like it for its quality flavor plus its amazing texture. These fish sell at a relatively high price for their tasty meat.

In the Gulf Coast region, there are several ways of cooking cobia. They can be grilled, broiled, or sautéed. They only require a light seasoning.

Finally, cobia fish are always an excellent target since they are easy to trap. Both seasoned and novice anglers can catch them. Fishing from a boat, however, will better your chances.

Fishing for Yellowfin Tuna

Known as the pinnacle of all Tuna fishing, Yellowfin Tuna is irreplaceable in many ways. From migrating seasonally to finding the perfect way to lure and bait the monster fish, it’s worth every ounce of effort learning how to fish for Yellowfin Tuna and catch them.

This species of tuna primarily reside in pelagic waters, or what’s most commonly known as the open water and upper layers of the ocean.

This type of fish is known to be torpedo-shaped with yellow sides and dorsal fins along with a silver belly.

They typically only live for 6-7 years and are most commonly found in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

Learn how to tell the difference between bluefin tuna and yellowfin tuna

 

When Can You Fish For Yellowfin Tuna Off the Gulf Coast

If you’re planning to take an offshore fishing charter anywhere in the deep, open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, then you can be certain Yellowfin Tuna are lurking in those waters.

While they migrate constantly, they can be found year-round. Besides having a great charter fishing captain with you, a good way to locate them is by looking for flocks of birds feeding on the water. This is due to the way that birds frequently follow schools of tuna.

So, when you see a flock of birds, it’s time to push bait to the surface of the water to help make Yellowfin more visible.  

Where Do Yellowfin Hunt and What Do They Eat

If you want to know how to fish for Yellowfin Tuna, it’s important to know that they are hunted by many predators. This is partially why they migrate throughout the entirety of the year.

This makes them very adaptable to changes in things like water temperature, what they eat, and where they swim. Since Yellowfin Tuna can adjust to both warm and cold water, this makes them prime fishing game in the Gulf. 

In adolescent years, they survive primarily off of tiny zooplankton. As they grow they eat larger bony fishes and squids. Sometimes, larger Yellowfins will even eat blackfin tuna. Anywhere there are deep open waters, you can expect Yellowfin to be close by, either eating or migrating. 

What Kind of Bait and Lures are Most Efficient to Catch Yellowfin

Since Yellowfin have a large diet, you can bait them with small fish, squid, or other trolled baits. Additionally, you can try your hand at using live bait to attract them since they are considered predators to other fish.

We recommend using colored diving plugs or cedar to catch bigger Yellowfin.

Tuna swim at a very fast pace compared to other fish, so if you can get in front of a moving school, drop your lures, and let the tuna catch up to you as you move and get up to speed, then you may get a few bites. Once you’ve got a bite, keep moving to try and get multiple bites before bringing in your catch. 

Other great options for bait include:

• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Small pelagic crabs
• Pogies

Difficulty Level: What to Expect

When you’re attempting to hook and reel a massive Yellowfin Tuna, you can expect an adventure.

Yellowfin Tuna are known for sticking it out and not giving up without a fight. They’re incredibly strong and will battle until the end to get away, which is why using a great charter fishing boat is helpful.

Be prepared to use all of your strength to get this monster fish in. Be patient when reeling them in. These massive fish have been known to get up to 400 lbs. And while they’re easily found, they’re not always so easy to catch. You must be willing to stick it out and wrestle to bring them in.

Should You Worry About a Bag Limit?

Yellowfin fishing is year-round, meaning they’re fair game for all tuna fishing charters from Jan 1 – December 31. When fishing for Yellowfin Tuna, no more than 3 Yellowfin per person, per day, per trip can be possessed on board a fishing vessel.

The minimum size for catching Yellowfin Tuna is regulated at 27″, and these standards must be applied no matter the duration of the trip.