Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Thunnus albacares
Life History
Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: They are metallic dark blue on the back and upper sides, changing from yellow to silver on the belly. The dorsal and anal fins, and finlets are bright yellow. Tuna species are difficult to distinguish. Bigeye, Blackfin, Albacore and Yellowfin are similar in shape and are often caught together. One characteristic that distinguishes the Yellowfin from other species are it’s elongated and lunate anal and dorsal fins on large fish but young fish lack this trademark and so are hard to distinguish.
Size: 50-100 pounds are common
Age at Maturity: 2-3 years
Range: New England to South Florida and Bermuda
Habitat: Open sea, especially near reef or cliff drop-offs.
Angling Information
Bait and Tackle: Heavy outfits with 50-80 pound test will work best but they can also be caught on lighter gear. Trolling works well as does chumming and using lures or small baitfish.
Fishing Method: Drifting, trolling, still fishing
Food Value: One of the best
State Regulation
Daily Limit: Federal Regulations Apply
