Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

About this species

The colossal apex of the tuna family, a warm-blooded ocean crosser reaching over 450 kg and legendary in both sport and cuisine. It ranges the entire Atlantic, following bait on vast migrations. Trolling, live-baiting and stand-up chunking on the heaviest gear are needed to land one.

Season

Depth

0 – 1000 m

Habitat Spots

Fishing Methods

Bait & Rig

Chunked or live herring and mackerel on heavy stand-up gear, trolled skirted lures, or kite-fished live baits offshore.

Edibility & Taste

The world's most prized tuna with deeply red, fatty toro-grade belly flesh; commands extraordinary prices in Japanese sashimi markets.

Similar Species

Distinguished from Pacific bluefin by larger adult size and shorter pectoral fin; from yellowfin tuna by uniformly dark finlets and lack of elongated second dorsal and anal fins.

Record Weight

679 kg