Fishing for bluefin tuna takes patience, strenght, and endurance, but when you hook one of these magnificent fish, you will be in for the thrill of a lifetime.
If you are fishing for bluefin during the summer months, you will want to fish close to the surface because these fish like the warm surface of coastal waters. They are considered warm-blooded fish. Fishing for bluefin in the winter, however, is a different story. They go deep and stay deep, and you will have a harder time finding them at this time.
When you begin your search for bluefin, you need to pay attention to nature. If you notice flocks of birds skimming the surface of the ocean, check it out. There are probably schools of bait fish out there, and there may also be bluefin tuna. This isn't always the case, though, and you may run up on a school of bluefin when there aren't any birds in sight. Whales and sharks are also indicators that bluefin may be in the area.
You can fish as far away as Australia for bluefin, or you can visit exotic Oahu. If you want to stick closer to the mainland of the United States, however, you simply need to fish along the east coast. Coastal New England is a favorite spot for bluefin anglers. Places such as Gloucester, Chatham, and Stellwagen Bank are all well-known for yielding bluefin through the summer months into September.
There is increasing controversy surrounding the bluefin tuna, however. These fish were once almost relegated to the endangered list, and they are strictly regulated by the National Marine Fisheries Service. You must have a permit that specifically allows you to fish for bluefin, and you are not allowed to sell the fish that you keep unless you have a commercial fishing license. There are specific limits on catches, so be sure and inform yourself of any and all regulations.
Some fishermen like to troll for bluefin, while others like to chunk. Baits include bluefish, herring, squid, skipjacks, bonito, and mackerel. Unless you have your own boat and are an experienced bluefin angler, you will want to charter one of the many outfits available. These boats are usually equipped with a fighting chair. They have a bucket and harness, and the rods are placed in rod holders, which are mounted to the boat. Make no mistake-if you are an inexperienced fisherman, bluefin fishing can be dangerous. It is a good idea to go out with an experienced captain and crew.
Catching a bluefin can be an enjoyable and exhilarating experience. Just catching sight of these magnificent creatures will make your fishing excursion worthwhile.
