Thunnus atlanticus

How to identify a Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin Tuna are found in open ocean, offshore banks, current edges, seamounts, and deep pelagic water. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Open ocean, offshore banks, current edges, seamounts, and deep pelagic water

Where to catch Blackfin Tuna

• Northeast US offshore (MA/NJ) — all species we list for this fishery
• Gulf of Mexico — all species we list for this fishery
• California offshore — all species we list for this fishery
• Atlantic Europe (FR/ES/PT) — all species we list for this fishery

Blackfin Tuna by state

State season calendars that list Blackfin Tuna — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Alabama — seasons, best months and licence info
• California — seasons, best months and licence info
• Florida — seasons, best months and licence info
• Louisiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Massachusetts — seasons, best months and licence info
• Mississippi — seasons, best months and licence info
• New Jersey — seasons, best months and licence info
• Texas — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Species-dependent · trolled lures · live or dead baitfish · squid · jigs · poppers · or flies

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Blackfin Tuna:

• Albacore Tuna — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Bigeye Tuna — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Bluefin Tuna — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Longtail Tuna — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Skipjack Tuna — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Southern Bluefin Tuna — identification & profile (Saltwater)