Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin tuna are the tuna anglers most often encounter off Key West, and pound for pound they may be the hardest-pulling fish on the reef edge. They run in schools, push bait to the surface, and give away their position with birds and showering pilchards, so the fishing is visual and fast — you see the school, the captain sets up on it, and the bite happens right behind the boat. Most fish run 10 to 30 pounds, which is the perfect size for light tackle and for the table. Blackfin are frequently caught on the same offshore trips that target mahi and sailfish, so a single day can produce several species.
Book a Blackfin Tuna CharterAverage Size
10-30 lbs
Peak Season
January - November
Food Quality
Excellent
Record Size
49 lbs
Best Season for Blackfin Tuna in Key West
Blackfin tuna are around Key West all year, with the most consistent action from late winter through spring and again in the fall, when bait is thick along the reef edge and the humps. Early morning and late afternoon are the strongest bites, and low light often turns schools that would not touch a bait at midday. Trips typically work the deeper reef edge and offshore structure where current concentrates bait, chunking or jigging when fish are holding deep and casting to them when they show on top.
Table Fare
Blackfin tuna has rich, dark red meat that is excellent raw as sashimi or poke, seared rare, or grilled. The flavor is milder than bluefin but unmistakably tuna. Blackfin are one of the best fish to take home from an offshore day, and your catch is cleaned and bagged for you at the dock.
Fishing Techniques
- Chunking on the reef edge and humps
- Live baiting surface schools
- Trolling small feathers and cedar plugs
- Vertical and butterfly jigging
Fun Facts
- •Blackfin tuna can reach speeds of 40 mph
- •They must swim constantly to breathe
- •A blackfin's body temperature can be warmer than the surrounding water
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Catch Blackfin Tuna?
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