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Blackfin Tuna Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Blackfin Tuna Fishing Charters

Fishing in Miami

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

Offshore Big Game Trip

100% (15)
36 ft 1 - 6 People $$
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Fishing in South Padre Island

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

South Padre Island Deep Sea

92% (13)
35 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
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Fishing in Islamorada

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Offshore Thrills

100% (12)
40 ft 1 - 6 People $$
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Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Unforgettable Day Offshore

92% (12)
45 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Stock Island

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Stock Island

Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

100% (3)
63 ft 1 - 12 People $$$
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Fishing in Port Aransas

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Port Aransas

Into The Depths- Captain Daniel

100% (1)
36 ft 1 - 6 People $$$

Most Popular Types of Blackfin Tuna Trips

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Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Blackfin Tuna Fishing Charters

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Fishing Slam in Key West

Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 36-foot sportfisher, which is equipped with two 750 HP engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. The longer you go, the farther out you can travel, and the farther out you travel, the bigger the fish get! Don’t forget to bring a cooler to take home your day’s catch, food and drinks for the day (no glass), sunscreen, and a hat. Captain Mark will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses. Let go of your daily responsibilities and have some fun fishing with Captain Mark! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Slam

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Offshore Action in Key West

Climb aboard with Captain John and experience an action-packed day of fishing in Key West, Florida. If you have never been to Key West before, you’re missing out! And if you’re looking for a knowledgeable charter captain to take you out, Captain John is a great choice. As a 5th generation fisherman in Key West, Captain John knows exactly where the fish bite. Test your casting accuracy as you target Amberjack, Cobia, Goliath Grouper, African Pompano, Sailfish, Bull SharkYellowtail Snapper, Swordfish, Blackfin Tuna, and many more species. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain John’s 33-foot center console equipped with two 300 HP engines. She also has a GPS, fishfinder, flybridge, live bait well, outriggers, and tuna tubes. Captain John will provide Spearfishing Equipment and Snorkeling equipment free of charge if you’re interested. He welcomes 6 anglers on these 4, 6, and 8-hour adventures. Make sure you bring food and drinks for the day (preferably no glass) as well as a hat and sunscreen. Captain John will provide all licenses, rods, reels, lures, and tackle. He will also prepare live bait before the trip, although you can catch the bait during the trip if you’d like. For the 6-and 8-hour trips, a first mate will be on board to help you at all times. They will help you clean and fillet your fish at the end of the trip. Whatever your skill level, there is a fish out here with your name on it. Come and join Captain John for an exciting day of fishing! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Offshore Action

86% (7)
33 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Damn Good
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Fishing in Hollywood
Fishing in Hollywood
Fishing in Hollywood
trip description for World Famous Sportfishing - Large Group in Hollywood

Calling all thrill-seekers and fishing enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on an epic offshore fishing adventure out of Hollywood, Florida? Look no further than Captain David and his 48' Stapleton sportfisher! On this trip, you'll be reeling in some of America's most exciting and sought-after offshore species, including Sailfish, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Groupers, and Snappers. Captain David is an extremely experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll take you to all the best spots to make the catch of a lifetime. But it's not just about the fishing! On board his luxurious 48' Stapleton sportfisher, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the comfortable experience. With a spacious deck and all the latest fishing technology, you'll be equipped to catch even the most elusive fish. Captain David has kitted her out with a fighting chair, Tuna Tubes for your live bait, outriggers, live wells, and more-all to enhance your experience and give you the best shot at massive success! Captain David is passionate about fishing and loves nothing more than sharing his knowledge and expertise with his clients. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, he'll provide expert guidance and support to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience on the water. Gather your friends or family and book your offshore fishing trip with Captain David today! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Hollywood

World Famous Sportfishing - Large Group

100% (3)
48 ft 1 - 17 People $$$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Legendary Fishing in Key West in Key West

Head out for a fun-filled action-packed charter with Captain Chuck aboard his Ocean Yacht for an epic Key West fishing experience! For most trips, you will be trolling the nearshore and close offshore waters for Bonito, Mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and whatever else emerges from the beautiful waters off the southernmost point of the United States! The longer the trip, the more species you can expect to catch (and the bigger the fish!) Captain Chuck fishes aboard a well-maintained 55 foot Ocean Sport Fisher. She is fully equipped to fish, outfitted with a Furuno electronics package and all the tackle you will need for your Key West Fishing Adventure. With dual 725 horse power Detroit Diesel engines powering this vessel, you can get from the dock to prime fishing spots quick to allow you to begin fishing faster! You're welcome to be as involved as you'd like as well, for those who just want to cool off and watch the action from inside the air-conditioned cabin, we have a luxurious space for them to relax until the next big fish gets on the hook. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Legendary Fishing In Key West

100% (5)
55 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
trip description for Going Deep - 35' Sea Hunter in Galveston

Hop on board with Captain Michael on an action-packed adventure! You can expect to go 20-70 miles offshore with the possibility of catching Amberjack, Black Grouper, Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, Mahi Mahi / Dorado, Red Snapper (depending on the season), and Wahoo. Michael runs a top-tier 35' Sea Hunter center console, decked out with gear and amenities and sporting twin 300-HP Yamaha engines. She's a fast vessel and can get you dock to dock in a hurry! Captain Michael will provide all of the fishing bait and tackle. All you need to bring is a Texas saltwater fishing license for those over 16 years of age, sunscreen, as well as some food and drinks. Let your mind escape from daily responsibilities and just have fun fishing! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Galveston

Going Deep - 35' Sea Hunter

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs in Key West

Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 40-foot Luhrs sportfisher, which is equipped with two 750-HP Caterpillar engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. The longer you go, the farther out you can travel, and the farther out you travel, the bigger the fish get! Don’t forget to bring a cooler to take home your day’s catch, food and drinks for the day (no glass), sunscreen, and a hat. Captain Mark will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses. Let go of your daily responsibilities and have some fun fishing with Captain Mark! Read More

Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs

100% (4)
40 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
See All Blackfin Tuna Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a blackfin tuna fishing charter

What are the best blackfin tuna fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 335 blackfin tuna trips, and the most popular trips are Offshore Big Game Trip guided by Bryan, South Padre Island Deep Sea guided by Emilio, and Offshore Thrills guided by Paul.

Our guides are rated a 4.79 out of 5 based on 2565 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly blackfin tuna guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly blackfin tuna guides.

What types of blackfin tuna fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for blackfin tuna as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are trolling, bottom fishing, and heavy tackle fishing but live bait fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do blackfin tuna fishing charters cost?

for blackfin tuna prices can range anywhere from about $800 to $4,316, but the average price for a half day trip for blackfin tuna is $1,095. The average price for a full day trip for blackfin tuna is $2,533.

What month is best for blackfin tuna fishing?

The most popular season for blackfin tuna fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 69 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for blackfin tuna and what are the bag limits for blackfin tuna?

See here for more information on blackfin tuna fishing licenses, blackfin tuna bag limits, and fishing season regulations for blackfin tuna. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right blackfin tuna rules and regulations.

What is a Blackfin Tuna?

Blackfin tuna - the youngest brother of yellowfin and bluefin tuna - is the smallest member of the tuna family but this doesn’t mean you should count them out as a fun gamefish and a tasty meal. They can be found throughout the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico in deep water, often staying in schools closer to the surface.

They are similar in appearance to a mini bluefin, with oval shaped bodies, black backs, and silver sides and underbelly. They generally swim together, and when you’re on a group of blackfin you can get a number in the boat - they have a strong bite and run in packs. They prefer warmer waters (over 68 degrees) although they are known to swim north or south somewhat with the seasons.

How big do Blackfin Tuna get?

Blackfin tuna are a fast-growing, short-lived species. They reach sexual maturity at around 2 years and will spawn for another 2-3 years before dying.

They are the smallest tuna of their genus Thunnus, and will grow to a max size of about 40 inches and just over 40 pounds (compared this to a bluefin, which can grow to 1500 pounds). A good day is a haul of blackfin from 15 to 25 pounds. An average fish caught might be somewhere in the 7-10 pound range. 


What's the biggest Blackfin Tuna ever caught?

The all-tackle world record blackfin tuna is 45 pounds 8 ounces caught off the coast of Florida.

Where is the best place to catch Blackfin Tuna?


While most tuna species have a broad range, that of the blackfin tuna is a bit more limited. They only inhabit tropical and sometimes temperate waters in the western Atlantic Ocean, mostly remaining south of Virginia and north of Brazil, inhabiting everything in between including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Within this range, blackfin can be somewhat migratory depending on the water temperature and season, but htey always prefer deeper water with plenty of nutrients. They can often be found on offshore structure like oil rigs or current rips, or in areas where underwater structure like reefs or humps can push nutrients up to them. 


When should I catch Blackfin Tuna?

Blackfin are migratory depending on the season and try to stick with waters close to 70 degrees, so in the summer they can move to more temperate waters. The season is always open in the US with no bag limit or size limit, and anglers can catch blackfin year-round if they can find them.


### How do you catch Blackfin Tuna?

Tuna are generally low-light feeders who spend the majority of their time below the surface hunting squid (their large eyes help here). While blackfin are not terribly different, they can often spend more time near the surface than some other tunas. They are known to migrate vertically throughout the water column in order to feed, so a good angler will try a few different depths to get on them. Early morning and late afternoon are when they are most likely to be close to the surface, although the bigger blackfin will usually stay deeper.

The best way to catch smaller blackfin can be just trolling the surface, but if you want bigger fish you can chunk bait, and it can be good to try to bring the bigger fish up towards the surface with a free snack in the form of free swimming bait. Otherwise vertical jigging at different depths can be helpful until you can mark the fish and find them.

Blackfin are predators and will each fish, squid, shrimp, crabs, and all manner of amphipods and other smaller sea critters. This means they eat a wide variety of food, but because their eyesight is so good your presentation also needs to be, and it can be good to scale down your leader and hooks for blackfin. Great choices for bait are ballyhoo or mullet, but you can also use jigs and other lures.

Are Blackfin Tuna good to eat? What are the best Blackfin recipes?

Blackfin tuna are great to eat, second only to their larger tuna cousins the yellowfin and bluefin. Many anglers talk in relative terms and will catch a yellowfin and blackfin and discard the blackfin in favor of the yellowfin. While yellowfin is probably the better of the two, blackfin is certainly something to write home about in its own right. It is great to eat raw, seared, or baked. And an insiders secret: while not the sexiest, boiled fresh tuna will make the best tuna salad you will ever have - you’ll never go back to store-bought stuff.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Five of us did the 8 hour trolling and bottom fishing on the Special K. It was an amazing experience from start to finish and we caught a barrel of fish including vermilion snapper, triggerfish, grouper and an Atlantic bluefish. We caught and released several out of season fish as well. Captian Kyle and Mate Danny are super friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and made the trip an outstanding one. We were all first timers and they made us look and feel like seasoned pros.

    Michael E. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time, good fishing

    Noah M. with Nick S. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Enjoyed the trip! Booked last minute and Captain Henry was great! Fish we stubborn but he worked his magic and made the trip amazing!

    William S. with Henry R. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had the best time with Ron and the crew! Would highly recommend this experience to anyone!

    Josh G. with Ron C. of Pompano Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Mike and Marcus. They were very friendly and worked hard to make sure we had a great time! Highly recommend.

    Sarah S. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a terrific day with Pete!

    Kipp H. with Pete R. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Shout out to Cap'n Harry! Great fishing outing! He knows his stuff! The boat was great! We enjoyed fresh fish for the week! Looking forward to going out again next time!

    Cody P. with Harry R. of Kapaʻa, Hawaii

  • ★★★★★
    Great Captain, great First Mate, caught a sailfish, multiple mahi mahi, Bonita, kingfish, and a giant Jack Cravel. Couldn’t have been better

    Christopher M. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Frank maintained contact up to the day of the Charter. Arrived on time and well prepared. He was knowledgeable of the area and was a great experience. We caught tuna, wahoo, barracuda, red hind grouper, yellow jack, and trumpet fish. Definitely recommend Frank.

    Stephen S. with Frank A. of Rincon, Rincón

  • ★★★★★
    Russel was a great Captain and our whole family had a fantastic time.

    James R. with Russell F. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    What an amazing day of fishing and boating. Captain Pete and his mate Christy were great with my three boys. They really made the experience "The Best Day Ever!"

    Roy G. with Pete R. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Dave and Marcus weresome. We had a blast. Both of them were professional and fun to be with. Awesome time.

    William Y. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Phenomenal trip! Cap’t Christian was ever the professional. We went out with Cap’n Andrew and he was awesome. We were on fish all day and even better, he helped the young one fish all day. I highly recommend this outfit and will definitely book again. PS….the boat is awesome as all get out.

    Keith M. with Christian D. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Brad did a great job! Was funny and knowledgeable. Had a wonderful time

    Melissa M. with Brad A. of Pompano Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I can’t explain how amazing this trip was! Everyone was so sweet and helpful. We got some awesome fish. Our family is so grateful for the amazing experience.

    Alisa J. with Emilio S. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Mike and Cole were fantastic. We had four small kids with us, and they handled them perfectly. We caught lots of yellowtail snapper and a nurse shark! 10/10, would book again (and plan to).

    Daniel K. with Mike W. of Stock Island, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience with Captain Mike. Enjoyed our time on the water and caught an amazing meal of Yellowtail! Thank you Blind Squirrel and crew!

    Matthew P. with Mike W. of Stock Island, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Alex took us out for half a day, was really professional and great fun. He took time to make sure we knew what to do and we had a great time with him. I’d highly recommend Alex, you’ll have a great trip with him!!

    Neil W. with Alex J. of Key Biscayne, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding day on the water with several species caught. Hunter is TOP SHELF!!! It was the first blue water fishing trip for my wife and she can't wait to go again!!!

    Donald ". with Hunter L. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Everything was top notch, Great communication from start to finish. Capt and 1 Mate were both professional and knowledgeable and put me on fish. Only down side was when I lost a Sailfish 🙁 but landed this nice Barracuda off a Tripple set of Barracudas 🤷‍♂️😂

    John C. with Thomas D. of Key West, Florida

What's biting?

View Blackfin Tuna Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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