Damn Good Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charters

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Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charters

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Venice

10 Hour Trip

NEW Managed by Chad
39 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Punta Mita

Luxury Punta Mita Fishing Yacht

100% (12) Managed by Steve
40 ft 1 - 8 People From $2,850
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Orange Beach

Epic Yellowfin Tuna April & May

100% (31) Guided by Tommy
41 ft 1 - 6 People From $7,000
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people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Montauk

Offshore

NEW Guided by Tony
30 ft 1 - 8 People From $2,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Puerto Vallarta

Deep Sea Fishing PV 10-12 Hrs

100% (12) Managed by Steve
31 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,500
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 Destin

Trolling/Reef - Morning/Afternoon

100% (13) Guided by Jeff
32 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,899
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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

  • ★★★★★
    Best way to spend my 40th birthday! We had a blast on the "Toda a Nada". The name says it all, "All or Nothing". Our Captain, Bruce was awesome and really put in the work to make sure we came home with fish in hand. When asked, "about what time does the charter end" his response was, "when we have fish in the boat". That's my kind of Captain! We did just that, pulled in 4 beautiful, hard-fighting, yellowtail. A total of 75 pounds. There was a processor there dock-side who took it straight from the boat to their shop. The next day our fish was cleaned and ready for pick-up. Great experience all around! Highly recommend!

    Mary E. | April 2, 2026

    Trip: 3/4 Day 8 Hr Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Very good trip! Caught a barracuda. Carlos was very nice and helpful.

    Noah B. | March 7, 2026

    Trip: Tulum Trophy Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    Melvin and his crew were great! My husband broke his leg the day before our charter and they helped him have a safe experience. I caught a sailfish, which was super awesome!

    Bradley P. | February 20, 2026

    Trip: Quepos Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time catching fish with the captain and mate. . This crew is experienced and will definitely put you on to some fish. Highly recommend giving them the opportunity for your fishing trip. We will definitely be using them in the future.

    Martin S. | January 9, 2026

    Trip: FL Keys Reefs And Wrecks Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time hats off to the crew Jason & Dillion. We caught the fish.

    Dewayne C. | August 6, 2025

    Trip: Harbor Hookup: Destin Fishing Fun

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