Sint Maarten · Sint Maarten Coast
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN SIMPSON BAY
Simpson Bay 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 Simpson Bay
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 — Simpson Bay
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Simpson Bay, SX.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Simpson Bay
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 Simpson Bay
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
West Bank Drop-Off
The shelf edge west of Simpson Bay drops into deep Caribbean water where blue marlin, sailfish, and wahoo patrol the depth transition. The drop-off is the closest offshore fishing ground to Simpson Bay's marinas, making it a productive destination for half-day bluewater charters.
Anguilla Channel
The deep channel between Sint Maarten and Anguilla funnels Caribbean currents through a narrow passage, concentrating wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi along current edges. The channel produces best when wind and current create defined rips and color changes.
Saba Bank Northwest
The northwestern edge of Saba Bank is accessible from Simpson Bay and offers deep-drop fishing for queen snapper and silk snapper along the bank's vertical walls, with wahoo and tuna trolling along the bank edges. The remote location means less pressure and larger fish.
Offshore FADs
Fish Aggregating Devices deployed in deep water west and south of Sint Maarten attract mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna to floating structure in the open Caribbean. The FADs are reliable producers for Simpson Bay charter boats during the spring and summer pelagic season.
Other Species in Simpson Bay
More fish you can target while visiting Simpson Bay.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Simpson Bay — FAQ
The peak months for Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Simpson Bay are January, February, March, April, May, June. During these months, Yellowfin Tuna are most active and abundant in the Simpson Bay area.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Simpson Bay 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 Simpson Bay, your captain provides all required Sint Maarten fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna regulations in Sint Maarten 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 Simpson Bay, you may also catch Caribbean Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Blue Marlin, Amberjack. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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