Species
Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters
Bluefin tuna are the largest tuna, targeted off the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic under federal permits and size rules. 58 captains and guides in 19 towns list bluefin tuna. Here is where, and the months it is in season where we have a published calendar.
Key facts
About the bluefin tuna
A large, torpedo-shaped tuna, nearly round in cross-section, with a dark blue-black back, white belly, and rows of colorless lines and spots on the lower sides. It has short pectoral fins and a reddish-brown second dorsal fin; yellowfin has much longer second dorsal and anal fins, and blackfin has long pectorals.
- Scientific name
- Thunnus thynnus
- Also called
- Atlantic bluefin tuna, giant bluefin, northern bluefin tuna, Pacific bluefin tuna (separate species, Thunnus orientalis), maguro
- Family
- Tuna and mackerel family (Scombridae)
- Typical catch
- Recreational fish range from 'school' bluefin (27 to under 47 inches curved fork length) up to 'giants' 73 inches and longer. FishBase gives a common length of about 79 inches (fork length). Pacific bluefin adults average about 5 feet and 130 pounds.
- How big they get
- The largest tuna, reaching 'up to 13 feet and 2,000 pounds'. FishBase lists a maximum of about 15 feet and a published weight of about 1,500 pounds. Pacific bluefin reach about 9.8 feet and 990 pounds.
- Where they live
- Atlantic bluefin: western Atlantic from Newfoundland to the Gulf of America. Pacific bluefin: most US catch comes within about 100 nautical miles of California, offshore of Southern California and northern Baja, historically north to Monterey Bay.
- Habitat
- Open ocean. Lives near the surface in temperate waters but often dives to 1,600 to 3,300 feet. Highly migratory, crossing oceans.
- Diet
- Top predator. Juveniles eat fish, squid and crustaceans; adults feed mainly on baitfish such as herring, bluefish and mackerel.
- Lifespan
- Atlantic bluefin live 20 years or more; FishBase gives a maximum reported age of 32 years. Pacific bluefin live up to 26 years.
- On the table
- Distinctive flavor and high fat content, especially prized for sushi and sashimi. The darkest and fattiest tuna flesh, firm like a beef steak; deep red raw and off-white cooked. NOAA notes cooking is generally not advised because it brings out a strong fish taste and odor.
Where
Where to catch bluefin tuna with a charter
| Town | Captains listing it | Main months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | 11 | — | Report |
| Cape Cod, MA | 8 | Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | Report |
| Hatteras, NC | 6 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec | Report |
| Gloucester, MA | 5 | — | Report |
| Portsmouth, NH | 4 | — | Report |
| Dana Point, CA | 4 | — | Report |
| San Francisco, CA | 4 | — | Report |
| Niantic, CT | 3 | — | Report |
| Cape May, NJ | 2 | — | Report |
| Monterey, CA | 2 | — | Report |
| Miami, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Nags Head, NC | 1 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | Report |
| Ocean City, MD | 1 | Jun | Report |
| Montauk, NY | 1 | — | Report |
| Point Judith, RI | 1 | — | Report |
| Portland, ME | 1 | Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | Report |
| Bodega Bay, CA | 1 | — | Report |
| Astoria, OR | 1 | — | Report |
| Carolina Beach, NC | 1 | — | Report |
Counts are captains who list bluefin tuna, as of October 2026. Months come from the state wildlife agency or local captains’ published calendars where we have one; seasons and limits change, so check current rules.
Before you go
What to know about bluefin tuna fishing
Things to know
- Atlantic bluefin is federally managed by NOAA Fisheries (HMS) under international ICCAT quotas. An HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permit is required, including in Florida state waters.
- Retention limits depend on size class and can change during the season, and the fishery closes when the quota is met. Recreationally caught bluefin cannot be sold.
- Every bluefin kept, and every dead discard, must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
- Bluefin may not be targeted in the Gulf of America, their main spawning area (mid-April to June). They do not spawn until about age 8.
- Pacific bluefin is a separate species managed under Pacific rules. It was declared overfished in 2013 and determined rebuilt in 2024.
How charters catch them
- Rod and reel (the main recreational gear)
- Handline and harpoon (Atlantic handgear fisheries)
- Live sardine or anchovy bait off Southern California
- Casting and trolling jigs (Pacific)
- Circle hooks, dehooking tools and heavier tackle to shorten fights and help released fish survive
Related fish
Fish caught on the same kind of trip
Questions
Bluefin Tuna questions
Are Atlantic and Pacific bluefin the same fish?
No. Atlantic bluefin is Thunnus thynnus and Pacific bluefin is Thunnus orientalis. They are managed separately.
Do I need a permit to fish for Atlantic bluefin?
Yes. The boat needs an HMS Angling permit (private) or HMS Charter/Headboat permit (for-hire), and kept fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
How should I release a bluefin?
NOAA says to keep it in the water, even for a picture, and to use circle hooks, dehooking tools and heavier tackle to shorten the fight.
Facts on this page come from official fisheries and wildlife sources, checked October 2026:
Size and bag limits and seasons change and differ by state. Check the state agency before you keep a fish.
From the blog: Bluefin Tuna Charters: Where and When
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