Antigua & Barbuda · Antigua Coast
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN ENGLISH HARBOUR
English Harbour is an outstanding destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with peak season in January, February, March and good catches in July, August, September. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in English Harbour
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — English Harbour
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in English Harbour, AG.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in English Harbour
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in English Harbour
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Southeast Shelf Edge
The shelf edge southeast of English Harbour drops into deep Atlantic water where blue marlin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna concentrate along the depth break. English Harbour provides the closest access to Antigua's productive southeast offshore fishing grounds.
Antigua Bank South
The southern edge of the Antigua Bank drops into deep Caribbean water, creating a productive trolling lane for blue marlin, sailfish, and wahoo. Current rips along the bank edge mark the most productive zones for offshore trolling.
Guadeloupe Passage
The deep passage between Antigua and Guadeloupe channels Caribbean currents through a concentrated area where wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi patrol current edges and temperature breaks. The passage is a major offshore destination for English Harbour-based charters.
Atlantic Offshore FADs
Fish Aggregating Devices deployed east of Antigua in deep Atlantic water attract mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna year-round. The FADs provide reliable offshore action accessible from English Harbour with a moderate run to deep water.
Other Species in English Harbour
More fish you can target while visiting English Harbour.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in English Harbour — FAQ
The peak months for Yellowfin Tuna fishing in English Harbour are January, February, March, April, May, June. During these months, Yellowfin Tuna are most active and abundant in the English Harbour area.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in English Harbour are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in English Harbour, your captain provides all required Antigua & Barbuda fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna regulations in Antigua & Barbuda include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Yellowfin Tuna in English Harbour, you may also catch Bonefish, Mahi Mahi, Caribbean Red Snapper, Blue Marlin, Amberjack. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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