Damn Good Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charters

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Top Cities for Yellowfin Tuna Fishing

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Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charters

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Eleele

4 Hour Hawaiian Sportfishing

100% (1) Guided by Rob
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $990
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Playa Flamingo

5/7 Hrs Offshore Or Inshore Fishing

NEW Managed by Amber Lynn
28 ft 1 - 12 People From $900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Honolulu

FULL-DAY SPORT FISHING ON OAHU

100% (2) Guided by Jeff
47 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Boat Cruise in Cancún

Early Offshore + Island Stop

NEW Managed by Pedro
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Destin

Overnighter Under The Stars

100% (13) Guided by Matthew
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $8,400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Kapaʻa

Eastside Sportfishing Half Day

100% (5) Guided by Harry
26 ft 1 - 3 People From $600
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Everything to Know About Booking a yellowfin tuna fishing charter

What are the best yellowfin tuna fishing charters?

The best yellowfin tuna fishing charters are:

What is a yellowfin tuna?

Yellowfin tuna (thunnus albacares) is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters, and is common throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It is a pelagic fish, and is among the larger of the many types of tuna. It is smaller than a bluefin and bigeye yet generally larger than a blackfin, skipjack, or albacore.

Yellowfin are distinguished from other tuna mainly by the crazy shape of their second dorsal and anal fins, which are bright yellow and extend out far from their bodies as long curved skinny fins. In mature fish these can extend quite a ways and reach back almost to the tail.

How big do yellowfin tuna get?

Yellowfin tuna will commonly reach maturity at around 2 years and 40 inches, and will weigh under 100 pounds. The fish live a relatively short lifespan of 5-10 years, but can reach upwards of 300 pounds in that span. They are certainly a much better prize than the blackfin they are often caught with.

Whats the biggest yellowfin tuna ever caught?

While yellowfin can purportedly get up to 94 inches and 440 pounds, the IGFA record currently stands at 388 pounds for a fish that was caught in 1977 off the Pacific coast of Mexico. There are a few challengers that have not been IGFA certified though, including a 405 pounder and a 425 pounder. Additionally, a massive 480 pounder was caught by spear in 2018 off the coast of the Dominican Republic. While this is not rod and reel fishing, it is certainly awesome to see such a beautiful fish and impressive to see the true potential of the size of a yellowfin.

Where is the best place to catch yellowfin tuna?

The biggest yellowfin tuna are known to be hanging around the Pacific side of Mexico, especially off the Baja Peninsula or Catalina Island. These are often targeted from San Diego in longer-range boats. Other common destinations include Puerto Vallarta, Hannibal Bank, Panama, Hawaii (where they are called Ahi), the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Venice, LA (known for having very little travel time between marina and tuna).

Yellowfin are epipelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean, but are close to the surface where plenty of sunlight feeds plenty of plankton and life. They are usually in the top 300 ft of water.

When should I catch yellowfin tuna?

Yellowfin tuna will come closer to the shore when the water temperature is higher, so the best fishing is usually in warmer months. Because you need to head far offshore to catch them, you will also be relying on a good weather window and calm seas.

The season for yellowfin tuna in the US is always open, with the Carolinas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi having a 27'' curved FL minimum (other states have no size regulations). The Carolinas and Mississippi have a 3 fish bag limit while California has a 20 finfish bag limit, with no more than 10 fish of a single species allowed (including yellowfin tuna). Other states have no yellowfin bag regulations.

How do you catch yellowfin tuna?

Yellowfin will be caught by either trolling baits and lures, sight casting, or jigging. You can chum them up to the surface (they usually aren't too far below). They are often schooled up, so when you're on them, stay put. They also tend to like some structure, and in the Gulf of Mexico tend to be found around offshore oil rigs.

Yellowfin have great eyesight so it is recommended to have fluorocarbon leaders to reduce visibility. In terms of lure, artificials are popular and you can use tuna feathers, rapala plugs, or metal jigs. If they're on the surface, you can use flies or poppers to good effect.

Once you get one on, it's a unique fight. Rather than wearing themselves out quickly, yellowfin (and all tuna) are notorious for their deep dive and circular motion - they'll swim downward in broad circles and pull on the line all the way up. They are a powerful fish and their size combined with their strategy for staying alive makes for a tough fight.

Are yellowfin tuna good to eat? What are the best yellowfin tuna recipes?

Yellowfin is a delicacy both raw or cooked. While not as popular as its relative the bluefin, yellowfin is fast becoming a sashimi treat. Eat the fish raw right after you catch, and cook into thick steaks after that.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    What can I say, that day the water was very ruff and we caught two Wahoo fish one 60 pounds and one 50. The crew was amazing from the food to helping us with moving about the boat too recovering the fish. Definitely my best fishing trip experience I have had. Will definitely go back and charter with Blue sky.

    Marc H. | October 19, 2025

    Trip: Cabo VIP Trip - 60’ Bertram 4-8hrs

  • ★★★★★
    Mike and Cooper were fantastic! We caught more fish than we ever have. Mike knows exactly where to go to catch big fish. They were very good with my family. I want to book again today!!! I won't call anyone else going forward.

    Patrick Q. | July 30, 2025

    Trip: Deep Sea Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    My teenage daughter and I had a great trip with Captain Phil today. We weren’t out there long before my daughter reeled in a snapper. In total we caught snapper, Bonito, and Blackfin Tuna. After docking Capt Phil filleted, bagged, and iced the tuna for us.

    Brian H. | July 15, 2025

    Trip: 28’ Contender Center Console

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mike was a super nice guide, patient and we didn’t come in until we caught our limit! 4 red snappers and a black tip shark! Great memories made! Thanks Mike!!

    Kandee W. | July 7, 2025

    Trip: Deep Sea Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Mike was an amazing guide. I will definitely keep using him.

    Dustin T. | June 29, 2025

    Trip: Deep Sea Offshore

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