Tuna Fishing Florida

Beginner's Guide to Epic Tuna Catches

Tuna fishing in Florida is a fairly strong venture year-round. Florida’s rich warm waters attract an abundance of tuna, providing lots of great opportunities for prized catches even for the beginning angler. And you don’t need a boat to catch tuna in Florida. Read on!

Florida’s reputation as an angler’s paradise extends to the realm of big-game fishing, and battling a tuna is an experience that will stay with you forever.

But before you head out in search of these magnificent fish, here’s a helpful guide for beginners to get you started on your Florida tuna fishing adventure.

Tuna Fishing Regulations

Blackfin tuna is the easier of the Florida tuna species to catch, for multiple reasons. First, they are a little smaller and easier to catch, physically.

Also, they tend to travel closer to shore than other species, so it’s possible to catch a blackfin tuna off a deep fishing pier or from a boat without going way offshore.

You WILL need a Florida fishing license (or be fishing from a Florida fishing pier that covers it for you), but no special permits are needed for blackfin tuna catches.

Getting your Florida fishing license is super easy. We’ll cover it below.

Bluefin and yellowfin tuna are bigger, faster and stronger. Also, they are considered “migratory” which is a special class of fish, and DO require special reporting and permits.

For this reason, it’s you’re just starting and don’t want to spend a great deal of money, target blackfin tuna.

And if you want to go for the bigger, more challenging experience fishing for yellowfin or bluefin… consider joining a tuna charter boat for the day.

These charters have expert captains who know where to find the fish, and how to catch them, delivering an unforgettable experience and probably some great stories to tell!

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Tuna Fishing Season

April to early May is considered by most experienced fishermen to be the best time for tuna fishing in Florida.

However, no two fishermen agree on anything! They all have their own experiences and results. BUT here’s the general best seasons and prime locations for the three tuna species typically caught of Florida’s coastlines:

Blackfin Tuna Fishing Season

Season: Best chance to catch from March to June, but possible year-round
Prime Locations: Coastline and offshore, all coasts of Florida

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Season

Season: Best chance to catch from April to August
Prime Locations: Florida Keys, Destin, Treasure Coast

Bluefin Tuna Fishing Season

Season: Best chance to catch in spring from February to May
Prime Locations: Gulf Stream deeper waters off Florida’s coasts

A GREAT serious-fishing website for the Jupiter/Treasure Coast area is Juno Bait.com where they highlight what fish are currently being caught off the Juno pier, inshore, offshore and it’s full of great tips.

Florida Tuna Species & Helpful Tips to Catch Them!

From the majestic Bluefin to the abundant blackfin, to the lightning-fast Yellowfin, each species boasts its own unique characteristics and preferred habitats.

Familiarizing yourself with their differences will enhance your fishing experience and maximize your chances for a great catch.

Blackfin Tuna Fishing in Florida

Blackfin tuna is considered the easiest species to catch. Keep an eye out for schools of Blackfin tuna near reefs, wrecks, and offshore structures.

It’s also possible to catch blackfin tuna off some of Florida’s longer fishing piers like Navarre Fishing Pier. See our blog on Fishing Piers in Florida here for more information.

Tips:

Tends to be easier to catch in early mornings and early evenings
Known to be easier to catch than other tuna species
Slightly smaller species than yellowfin and bluefin
Can be caught year-round depending on location
Possible to catch from shore via deep fishing pier (ex: Navarre Fishing Pier) and inshore waters

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing

Yellowfin tuna is considered one of the most challenging fish to catch, and a favorite among the best anglers. They are lightning-fast and the larger ones are heavy, strong and can take hours to reel in.

Treasure Coast and the Florida Keys are considered prime yellowfin tuna fishing spots, also the panhandle/Destin area.

Tips:

Known to be very challenging to catch and a favorite for anglers
Often considered easier to catch at night while they are actively feeding
Best results fishing in deep waters and humps via trolling

Bluefin Tuna Fishing

The Jewel of Florida’s Waters Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer power and beauty of the Bluefin tuna. Renowned for their hefty size and spirited fights, these majestic creatures roam the deep blue Gulf Stream waters off Florida’s coast.

Tips:

Known to be very challenging to catch and a favorite for anglers
Often considered easier to catch at night while they are actively feeding
Best results fishing in deep waters and humps via trolling

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Top Tuna Fishing Destinations in Florida

Whether you prefer casting from shore, a fishing pier, or want to jump on a professional tuna charter boat… Florida offers a ton of options:

Destin: The “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” Nestled along Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast (panhandle), Destin earns its reputation as a mecca for tuna enthusiasts.
From bustling piers to world-class charter fleets, this charming seaside town offers endless opportunities to reel in the catch of a lifetime.

Cast your line from the iconic Destin Harbor Boardwalk or join a guided excursion to explore the Gulf’s bountiful waters.
Key West: Considered the crown jewel of the Florida Keys, fishing off the waters of Key West doesn’t get much better.
With its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, Key West beckons anglers from far and wide in pursuit of trophy tuna.
Notorious fishing “humps” (kinda like underwater hills or small mountains surrounded by deep waters) in the Florida keys are often hot spots where charters will take you.
There’s no shortage of op-rated charter boats to jump in, or try your luck from the renowned Gulfstream shores—either way, you’re in for a reel experience.
Miami: Take advantage of the city’s convenient access to prime Atlantic fishing grounds and embark on a tuna-fueled escapade.

Whether you prefer casting from shore at iconic spots like Haulover Park Pier or cruising offshore in search of big game on a pro charter boat, the possibilities are endless.

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The Sunshine State offers a variety of spots perfect for tuna fishing, depending on the species and your desired fishing style:

Atlantic Coast: From Jacksonville down to Miami, the east coast is renowned for its yellowfin and blackfin tuna populations. Look for charters departing from Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Miami for offshore adventures.
Gulf Coast: The west coast offers opportunities for blackfin tuna, particularly around the Florida Keys and Tampa Bay.
The Florida Keys: This island chain is a hotspot for all types of tuna fishing, with easy access to deep waters teeming with these acrobatic fish.

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Here are some other more specific areas known for successful tuna fishing in Florida:

The Islamorada Humps: An underwater mountain range off the coast of the Florida Keys, attracting a variety of pelagic fish including tuna.
The Marathon Humps: Another underwater feature near the Keys, particularly productive for blackfin tuna.
The Atlantic Shelf: Offshore waters along the entire east coast of Florida hold populations of yellowfin and blackfin tuna.
The Florida Straits: The channel between Florida and Cuba is a migratory path for various tuna species.

With the right preparation and a touch of luck, you could be hauling in the catch of a lifetime on your Florida tuna fishing adventure.

3 Best Ways to Catch Some Tuna!

There are several ways to target tuna in Florida, each with its own advantages:

Fishing Piers: While not the most productive method, piers extending out into deeper water can occasionally offer opportunities for blackfin tuna, particularly during migrations.

The advantage of piers is that you don’t need a boat and most don’t require a fishing license (check local regulations). However, be aware that targeting tuna requires heavier tackle above and beyond catching easier fish like snapper and mackerel.

Some Florida fishing piers have a rental center, make sure to ask questions and rent the right size rod and use the right bait (they’ll help you!).
Boat Charters: This is by far the most successful way to catch tuna in Florida, especially for yellowfin and bluefin tuna which reside further offshore.

Experienced charter captains know the migration patterns and underwater structures that attract tuna. They provide all the necessary equipment and expertise, maximizing your chances of landing a trophy catch.

Keep in mind that you’ll need a fishing license and charter costs can vary depending on the duration of the trip and the targeted species.
Beach Fishing: While less common, beach fishing can be productive for blackfin tuna during their migrations. Look for beaches with deeper water close to shore, particularly near inlets or areas with strong currents.

This method requires heavy tackle for casting and reeling in tuna, and be aware that fighting a large fish from the beach can be challenging.

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Tuna Fishing Tips and

Before setting sail, ensure you’re equipped with the right tools and knowledge to maximize your chances of success. From selecting the perfect fishing rod to mastering essential techniques, here are some tips to help you reel in that elusive tuna trophy:

Choose the Right Gear: Invest in a sturdy fishing rod and reel combo designed for battling tuna’s strength and agility. Opt for high-quality braided line and fluorocarbon leader to withstand the toughest fights.

For deep sea Yellowfin and Bluefin fishing, most common ways to catch are trolling early morning, early evening or at night over humps in deep waters.
Master Your Technique: Practice casting and jigging techniques to entice tuna bites and optimize your chances of hooking a good sized fish. Talk to the guys at the bait shop, ask for tips.

They get inside scoops on where their customers are having the best luck, and what bait and tackle they’ve been using.

Charter captains are also a wealth of experience and information so ask them for all the help they’re able to provide!
Stay Informed: Keep tabs on local fishing reports, weather forecasts, and seasonal trends to stay one step ahead of the game.

While fishing seasons are generally the same year to year, there are differences in water temperature and migrations of these fish.
Take advantage of technology: Tools like fish finders and GPS navigation is a no-brainer when trying to pinpoint productive fishing spots and maximize your time on the water. Charters use these tools to maximize their customer’s experiences.
Respect the Environment: Practice responsible angling practices and adhere to all fishing regulations to ensure the sustainability of Florida’s precious marine resources.
Release undersized or non-targeted species with care and minimize your impact on fragile ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
Remember to get the appropriate fishing licenses and know the laws! Check the official FWC website here.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re chasing monster Bluefins offshore or casting for Blackfins from shore, Florida’s beautiful warm waters offer endless possibilities for anglers of all experience levels.