Thunnus thynnus

How to identify a Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin Tuna are found in offshore bluewater; temperature breaks, weedlines, structure. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Offshore bluewater; temperature breaks, weedlines, structure

Where to catch Bluefin Tuna

• Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine
• Outer Banks (NC) — all species we list for this fishery
• Mediterranean — all species we list for this fishery

Bluefin Tuna by state

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

• Alabama — seasons, best months and licence info
• Florida — seasons, best months and licence info
• Louisiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Maine — seasons, best months and licence info
• Massachusetts — seasons, best months and licence info
• Mississippi — seasons, best months and licence info
• North Carolina — seasons, best months and licence info
• Texas — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Trolled lures · feathers · live bait · jigs · chunking for tuna

Detailed identification guides

• Yellowfin vs. Bluefin Tuna

Related species

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

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