Hawaii · Kauai
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN POIPU
Poipu is an outstanding destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in February, March, April. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Poipu
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 — Poipu
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Poipu, HI.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Poipu
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 Poipu
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
South Shore Deep
The deep water south of Kauai's South Shore holds blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and ono in the open Pacific. Charter boats from Port Allen access the south shore's productive offshore waters for big-game fishing with relatively short runs to deep water.
Mana Crack (South Access)
Mana Crack is accessible from Poipu via Port Allen, and the deep underwater fissure on Kauai's west side concentrates blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and ono along the dramatic depth change. The crack is Kauai's most productive offshore fishing destination.
Niihau Channel
The channel between Kauai's south shore and Niihau holds blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and giant trevally in deep, current-rich offshore waters. The channel's productivity is driven by nutrient upwelling along the underwater ridge between the islands.
South Shore Seamounts
The underwater seamounts south of Kauai concentrate yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and blue marlin over deep volcanic structure rising from the ocean floor. These remote offshore features provide trophy-class pelagic fishing for boats making the longer run from Port Allen.
Other Species in Poipu
More fish you can target while visiting Poipu.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Poipu — FAQ
The peak months for Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Poipu are May, June, July, August. During these months, Yellowfin Tuna are most active and abundant in the Poipu area.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Poipu 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 Poipu, your captain provides all required Hawaii fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna regulations in Hawaii 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 Poipu, you may also catch Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Striped Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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