Thunnus thynnus
The giant — the largest, most powerful tuna on earth, from 60 lb 'schoolies' to 1,000 lb+ 'giants' that tow boats off New England and North Carolina. The most heavily regulated fish an American angler can target.
This is big-game fishing. Chunk or jig on the bait schools, or troll heavy spreads. Every part of it — permits, tackle, gaffs, and boat — has to be scaled up. Hook a giant and you're in for a multi-hour fight.
Guide data is editorial and general — conditions, regulations, and fish behavior vary by water. Photo: Wikipedia — Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Use these field marks and context clues to separate atlantic bluefin tuna from similar fish before logging or keeping one.
Match a rig to Atlantic Bluefin Tuna with the Setup Builder, or browse all setups.
A dedicated big-game boat fishery from anchor, drift, or troll.
Cool-to-temperate Atlantic waters, from nearshore shoals and rips to offshore canyons wherever bait stacks up.
Yellowfin have long yellow sickle finlets and long dorsal/anal lobes; bluefin have short pectoral fins, a stockier body, and dusky-yellow finlets edged in black.
Bigeye have a huge eye and rounder body; bluefin's very short pectoral fin (not reaching past the second dorsal) is the giveaway.
Size limits, bag limits, seasons, and gear rules change every year and differ by state (and often by individual water). Always verify with the official source before keeping fish.
