How To Catch Yellowfin Tuna

Are you thinking about fishing for yellowfin tuna? Do you want to learn how to catch yellowfin tuna? Yellowfin tuna fight hard, swims very fast, has a lot of stamina and strength. Additionally, it is a great-tasting fish. It can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Yellowfin tuna is constantly migrating and are available all year round.

In this article, we discuss how to catch yellowfin tuna and share fishing tips and tricks, best baits and lures, as well as fishing tackle to help you land these great and tasty gamefish.

How To Catch Yellowfin Tuna

1. Trolling

Trolling is a widely employed method for targeting yellowfin tuna, offering anglers the ability to cover large areas of water and present a variety of lures at different depths. Anglers typically deploy multiple lines equipped with various trolling lures, such as skirted trolling baits, cedar plugs, or diving plugs, behind a moving boat.

The boat’s speed and direction are adjusted to simulate the movement of prey fish, enticing yellowfin tuna to strike. Anglers often use outriggers or downriggers to spread out their lines and achieve a wider trolling spread, increasing their chances of attracting and hooking yellowfin tuna.

It’s essential to vary trolling speeds, lure colors, and depths until locating productive areas where yellowfin tuna are actively feeding. For comprehensive information on trolling techniques and regulations, anglers can refer to resources provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, which offers guidance on sustainable fishing practices and conservation efforts.

2. Chumming

Chumming is another fishing method used by anglers to catch yellowfin tuna. Chunks of cut bait or live bait are dropped into the water to attract fish. When they are attracted to the chum and are in a feeding frenzy, you can then drop your bait to hook and reel them in. Chumming is a good fishing method that you can use to learn how to catch yellowfin tuna if you are a beginner.

3. Kite Fishing

Kite fishing is an innovative and effective method for targeting yellowfin tuna, particularly in offshore environments where these pelagic predators are prevalent. Anglers utilize specialized fishing kites to deploy baits, typically live baitfish like mackerel or bonito, at a distance from the boat.

The kite keeps the bait suspended on the water’s surface, creating a natural and enticing presentation that mimics the behavior of fleeing prey. This technique allows anglers to cover a larger area and present baits in a manner that closely resembles the natural movements of baitfish, increasing the likelihood of attracting yellowfin tuna.

As the kite dances above the water, it provides visual cues for anglers to monitor bait activity and detect strikes. Anglers must carefully adjust the kite’s position and line tension to ensure proper bait presentation and maximize their chances of success.

Resources provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service offer valuable insights into kite fishing techniques, safety measures, and regulations, empowering anglers to engage in responsible and sustainable fishing practices while pursuing yellowfin tuna in offshore waters.

4. Chunking

Chunking, also known as chunk baiting, is a proven method for attracting and catching yellowfin tuna, particularly when targeting larger specimens. Anglers anchor their boats over productive offshore structures, such as seamounts, ridges, or wrecks, and begin a process of chumming by deploying chunks of baitfish, such as mackerel, bonito, or skipjack tuna, into the water.

The oily scent and slick created by the chum draw yellowfin tuna to the area, where they can be targeted with baited hooks or lures. Anglers typically use heavy tackle and sturdy hooks to handle the powerful strikes of yellowfin tuna attracted by the chum slick. Patience and precise bait placement are crucial when chunking for yellowfin tuna, as the fish may take time to locate and commit to the bait.

For anglers seeking to learn more about chunking techniques and best practices, the National Marine Fisheries Service provides valuable resources and guidelines to promote sustainable fishing practices.

5. Jigging

Jigging is a dynamic and versatile technique for targeting yellowfin tuna, particularly when they are holding over underwater structures or feeding near the seafloor. Anglers use specialized metal jigs, such as butterfly jigs or knife jigs, to mimic the appearance and movement of wounded baitfish, enticing yellowfin tuna to strike.

Jigging requires anglers to drop their jigs to the desired depth and then impart an erratic, vertical motion through the water column by jerking or jigging the rod. This action can trigger aggressive strikes from yellowfin tuna, especially when they are actively feeding.

Anglers should vary the speed and cadence of their jigging motion to determine the most effective presentation for the prevailing conditions. For anglers seeking expert advice on jigging techniques and gear selection, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service provides valuable resources and guidelines to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine ecosystems.

6. Live Bait Fishing

Live bait fishing is a highly effective method for targeting yellowfin tuna, offering anglers the opportunity to present lively, natural baitfish to hungry predators. Anglers typically catch live bait, such as small mackerel, bonito, or flying fish, using specialized rigs or live bait tanks to keep the baitfish healthy and active.

Once live bait is secured, anglers deploy them either on the surface or at various depths using kites, balloons, or downriggers, depending on the water column where yellowfin tuna are feeding. The natural swimming action and behavior of live baitfish make them irresistible to yellowfin tuna, often resulting in explosive surface strikes or subtle, deepwater takes.

Anglers must exercise caution and handle live baitfish carefully to maintain their vitality and attractiveness to yellowfin tuna. For anglers seeking guidance on live bait fishing techniques and regulations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers valuable resources and information to promote responsible angling practices and conservation efforts.

Best Baits For Yellowfin Tuna

1. Squid

Squid is a highly effective bait for targeting yellowfin tuna, prized for its versatility and attractiveness to these pelagic predators. Anglers often use fresh or frozen squid as bait when targeting yellowfin tuna in offshore waters. Squid’s natural oily texture and strong scent make it an irresistible option for enticing yellowfin tuna to strike.

Anglers typically rig squid on large hooks or as part of a daisy chain setup to mimic a school of baitfish, enhancing its appeal to yellowfin tuna. To catch yellowfin tuna using squid as bait, anglers deploy their baits at various depths, ranging from near the surface to deeper waters where tuna may be actively feeding. Proper presentation and rigging techniques are crucial for success, ensuring that the squid appears lifelike and enticing to passing tuna.

Additionally, anglers often employ trolling or drifting techniques to cover a larger area and increase their chances of encountering yellowfin tuna. Resources provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service offer valuable guidance on bait selection, rigging methods, and fishing regulations, empowering anglers to effectively target yellowfin tuna using squid as bait in offshore environments.

2. Mackerel

Mackerel serves as an excellent bait choice for targeting yellowfin tuna due to its oily flesh and strong scent, making it highly attractive to these pelagic predators. Anglers often catch fresh mackerel using various methods such as trolling, live bait fishing, or jigging. Once secured, anglers typically rig the mackerel on large hooks or wire rigs to withstand the powerful strikes of yellowfin tuna.

Some anglers prefer to fish with live mackerel to enhance the bait’s natural swimming action and appeal to hungry tuna. Others use fresh or frozen mackerel chunks or strips to create enticing bait presentations. To effectively catch yellowfin tuna using mackerel as bait, anglers deploy their baits at different depths, ranging from the surface to deeper waters where tuna schools may be found.

Successful fishing techniques often involve trolling at varying speeds or drifting with live or rigged mackerel baits to cover a wider area and increase the chances of hooking into a yellowfin tuna. Valuable information and regulations regarding bait selection and fishing methods for yellowfin tuna can be found on the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, providing anglers with essential guidance for targeting these prized game fish.

3. Sardines

Sardines are a popular bait choice for targeting yellowfin tuna, prized for their natural oils and strong scent that can attract these pelagic predators from a distance. Anglers typically catch sardines using baitfish nets, sabiki rigs, or small hooks with bits of bait.

Once caught, anglers rig the sardines on circle hooks or wire rigs to withstand the powerful strikes of yellowfin tuna. Live sardines are often preferred to enhance the bait’s natural swimming action and appeal to hungry tuna, but fresh or frozen sardine chunks can also be effective.

Anglers may deploy their sardine baits at varying depths, ranging from the surface to deeper waters where tuna schools may be found. Successful fishing techniques often involve trolling at different speeds or drifting with live or rigged sardine baits to cover a wider area and increase the chances of hooking into a yellowfin tuna.

Valuable information and regulations regarding bait selection and fishing methods for yellowfin tuna can be found on the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, providing anglers with essential guidance for targeting these prized game fish.

4. Pogies

Pogies, also known as menhaden, serve as excellent bait for targeting yellowfin tuna due to their high oil content and strong scent, which can attract these pelagic predators from afar. Anglers often catch pogies using cast nets or purse seines near bait schools or along the coastlines where they aggregate in large numbers.

Once caught, pogies are typically rigged onto circle hooks or wire rigs to withstand the powerful strikes of yellowfin tuna. Live pogies are highly effective as bait, providing natural swimming action and enticing predatory instincts in tuna, but fresh or frozen pogies can also be used successfully.

Anglers may deploy their pogie baits at various depths, from surface waters to deeper regions where tuna schools are known to frequent. Successful fishing techniques often involve trolling at different speeds or drifting with live or rigged pogie baits to cover more ground and increase the likelihood of hooking into a yellowfin tuna.

Valuable information and regulations regarding bait selection and fishing methods for yellowfin tuna can be found on the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, providing anglers with essential guidance for targeting these prized game fish.

5. Small crabs

Small crabs can be effective bait for yellowfin tuna, especially when targeting larger specimens. These crustaceans appeal to yellowfin tuna due to their natural appearance and high protein content. Anglers can catch small crabs using various methods such as crab traps, handlines, or cast nets near rocky areas, jetties, or marshy shores where crabs are abundant.

Once collected, anglers can rig the crabs onto hooks using wire or monofilament leader material. Live crabs are preferred as they exhibit natural movements in the water, which can entice yellowfin tuna to strike. Alternatively, fresh or frozen crabs can also be used, although they may require additional scent enhancement to attract fish.

Anglers often deploy small crab baits near structures or underwater features where yellowfin tuna are known to congregate, such as reefs, seamounts, or offshore banks. By presenting crab baits at varying depths and employing techniques like drift fishing or slow trolling, anglers increase their chances of enticing yellowfin tuna to strike.

For regulations and guidelines on using small crabs as bait for yellowfin tuna, anglers can refer to the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, ensuring sustainable fishing practices and compliance with local regulations.

6. Anchovies

Anchovies are a popular bait choice for targeting yellowfin tuna, known for their oily flesh and strong scent that attracts predatory fish. These small baitfish can be caught using a variety of methods, including cast nets, sabiki rigs, or live bait traps.

Anglers often target anchovy schools near coastal areas, baitfish aggregations, or offshore structure where yellowfin tuna are known to frequent. Once caught, anglers rig anchovies onto hooks using wire or monofilament leader material, ensuring a natural presentation in the water. Live anchovies are preferred for their lively swimming action, which can entice yellowfin tuna to strike.

Alternatively, fresh or frozen anchovies can also be effective, especially when combined with scent enhancers to attract fish over longer distances. Anglers typically deploy anchovy baits at varying depths using techniques such as drift fishing, slow trolling, or live baiting near underwater features like reefs, seamounts, or current lines.

For regulations and guidelines on using anchovies as bait for yellowfin tuna, anglers can consult the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, ensuring responsible fishing practices and compliance with local regulations.

Best Lures For Yellowfin Tuna

1. Diving plugs

Diving plugs are effective lures for targeting yellowfin tuna, offering a versatile option for anglers looking to cover a range of depths and water conditions. These lures typically feature a diving lip or bill that causes them to dive below the surface when retrieved, mimicking the movement of injured baitfish. Anglers can vary the depth at which the lure dives by adjusting retrieval speed or using different models designed to dive to specific depths.

When targeting yellowfin tuna, it’s essential to select diving plugs that closely resemble the baitfish species present in the area, such as mackerel, sardines, or anchovies, to increase their effectiveness. Anglers can also enhance the allure of diving plugs by adding scent attractants or reflective tape to increase visibility and entice strikes.

When deploying diving plugs for yellowfin tuna, anglers typically troll them behind boats at varying speeds, covering a wide area to locate actively feeding fish. Additionally, casting and retrieving diving plugs around offshore structures, such as reefs, ledges, or underwater seamounts, can also yield success.

For regulations and guidelines on using diving plugs as lures for yellowfin tuna, anglers can consult the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, to ensure responsible fishing practices and compliance with local regulations.

2. Cedar plugs

Cedar plugs are a popular and effective lure choice for targeting yellowfin tuna. These lures are typically cylindrical in shape, made from cedar wood, and feature a single or multiple hooks at the rear. They are designed to mimic the appearance and swimming action of small baitfish, such as mackerel or sardines, which are natural prey for yellowfin tuna.

Cedar plugs are versatile and can be trolled at varying speeds and depths behind a boat, making them suitable for both offshore and nearshore fishing environments. Anglers often deploy cedar plugs in trolling spreads, either as standalone lures or in combination with other trolling baits, to increase the chances of attracting yellowfin tuna.

The natural wood construction of cedar plugs provides a realistic appearance and action in the water, making them enticing to predatory fish. Additionally, cedar plugs can be rigged with skirts or feathers to add extra visual appeal and increase their attractiveness to yellowfin tuna.

When using cedar plugs to target yellowfin tuna, anglers should experiment with different trolling speeds and depths until they find the most productive combination. For regulations and guidelines on using cedar plugs as lures for yellowfin tuna, anglers can consult the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, to ensure responsible fishing practices and compliance with local regulations.

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Tackle

You can target yellowfin tuna in different sizes; therefore the tackle you use depends on the size of the fish you are targeting. Light tackle can be used for yellowfin tuna in the 10-15 lb range. On the other hand, large yellowfin tuna will require heavy tackle as they are strong, have stamina, and are great fighters. You will also need about 100 lb of braided line.

Circle hooks are a good choice when fishing for yellowfin tuna as it makes it easy to set in. Additionally, yellowfin tuna has good eyesight and fluorocarbon leaders will work well to prevent the fish from seeing your line. If they spot anything funny, yellowfin tuna will avoid your bait.

How To Catch Yellowfin Tuna In The Florida Keys

Fishing yellowfin tuna in the Florida Keys can be challenging, exciting, and rewarding. There are many fishing methods that anglers use to catch yellowfin tuna such as trolling and chumming.

1. Trolling

When fishing for yellowfin tuna in the Florida Keys, trolling with lures like squid-imitation lures will work well.

2. Chumming

Chumming works well also when fishing for yellowfin when fishing in the Florida Keys. Cut baits work well when you are chumming for yellowfin tuna.

How To Catch Yellowfin Tuna In New Jersey

Fishing for yellowfin tuna in New Jersey is exciting and productive. There are many fishing methods that can be used to catch yellowfin tuna like trolling, chunking, and vertical jigging.

1. Trolling

When fishing for yellowfin tuna in New Jersey, like the canyons off the coast, trolling is one of the methods. When trolling, as the boat moves slowly, the bait is moving at the back of the
boat.

When there is a bite, you take control and reel in the fish. Fluorocarbon leaders are the best to use when trolling as yellowfin tuna have good eyesight. Spoons, plugs, jigs, feathers, flies, and poppers can be used when trolling for yellowfin tunas.

2. Chunking

Chunking is another fishing method used when fishing for yellowfin tunas. You drop chunks of bait into the water to attract the fish. Chunking at night is even more productive in New Jersey.

3. Vertical Jigging

Vertical jigging can also be used to catch yellowfin tuna. When the yellowfin tuna is deep in the water column, you can drop jigs into the water column and slowly pull it up to attract yellowfin tuna to bite.

How To Catch Yellowfin Tuna In The Gulf of Mexico

1. Trolling

Trolling can be used when fishing for yellowfin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. You can use baits such as poggies, threadfins, pilchards, cigar minnows, ballyhoos, and blue runners.

2. Chunking

Chunking can also be used when fishing for yellowfin tuna. When chunking, you drop chunks of bait into the water to attract yellowfin tuna closer to you. You can also use poggies, pilchards, blue runners, cigar minnows, and other baits in the Gulf of Mexico.

3. Live Baiting

Live baiting is one of the easiest and most popular fishing methods used when fishing for yellowfin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. Pilchards, squid, menhaden, herring, and blue runners are some of the baits that can be used.

Bluefin Tuna vs Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Tips

1. Yellowfin tuna can be found all year round.

2. When you are fishing for yellowfin tuna, if birds are circling in the sky above the waters, that is a good sign that yellowfin tuna may be available.

3. Yellowfin tuna migrate throughout the entire year as they are hunted by many predators.

4. Yellowfin tuna can adjust to both warm and cold water.

5. Yellowfin tuna will put up a serious fight when hooked.

6. Yellowfin tuna is a schooling fish.

7. Yellowfin tuna swim at a very fast pace. Therefore, you should try to get in front of a moving school and drop your lures to get a bite.

8. Trolling, chumming, chunking, vertical jigging, and live baiting are some of the best fishing methods used to catch yellowfin tuna.

The Bottom Line

Yellowfin tuna are great gamefish. They are fast, powerful, fight hard, and have a lot of stamina. This makes it very challenging when fishing for yellowfin tuna. They are available all year round and can be found in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.

In this article, we discussed how to catch yellowfin tuna, shared information about the fishing methods, baits, and lures, as well as fishing tackle to successfully catch yellowfin tuna. You can also read how to catch blackfin tuna, how to catch bigeye tuna, how to catch Albacore tuna, and how to catch bonito.