Deep Sea Fishing

Pacific Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus orientalis

Avg. Weight

80.0 lbs

World Record

907.0 lbs

Found In

6 Destinations

About Pacific Bluefin Tuna

Pacific Bluefin Tuna are apex ocean predators and the most valuable fish in the sea — individual specimens have sold for millions of dollars at Japanese fish markets. In recent years, these magnificent fish have surged in Southern California waters, with fish regularly exceeding 200 pounds caught within 50 miles of San Diego. Bluefin have a football-shaped body with a dark blue-black back, silver-gray sides, and short pectoral fins (distinguishing them from albacore). They are incredibly powerful swimmers capable of speeds exceeding 40 mph and can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to dive to extreme depths.

Identification & Appearance

Massive, football-shaped body with dark blue-black back, silver-gray sides, and white belly. Short pectoral fins that do not extend past the start of the second dorsal (unlike albacore). Yellow finlets bordered with black behind dorsal and anal fins. Small, conical teeth. Powerful crescent-shaped tail. The body is incredibly muscular — these fish are built like torpedoes.

Male vs. Female

Males and females are identical in appearance. Bluefin can live 25+ years and travel entire ocean basins. Pacific bluefin spawn near Japan and migrate across the Pacific to feed off California and Mexico before returning.

Size, Weight & Records

Southern California catches range from 30-300+ lbs. "School" bluefin run 20-80 lbs. "Cows" exceed 100 lbs. Trophy Pacific bluefin top 200 lbs. The all-tackle world record is 907 lbs (Atlantic bluefin, Nova Scotia, 1979). Pacific bluefin have been recorded over 600 lbs in Japan. The SoCal fishery routinely produces 100-300 lb fish.

Seasonal Availability

Peak Season Good Fair Off Season

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Popular Bait & Fishing Methods

Best Techniques

Chunk fishing (drifting with cut sardine, anchovy, or squid chunks) on fluorocarbon leaders is the primary technique when fish are found on sonar. Kite fishing with live mackerel or sardines is deadly for surface-feeding fish. Trolling cedar plugs and spreader bars to locate schools, then stopping to fish with bait. Popping — casting large stickbaits and poppers to surfacing fish — produces heart-stopping topwater strikes on trophy fish. Night fishing with sardines around light sticks can produce monster bluefin.

Recommended Tackle

Heavy stand-up: 5'6"-6'6" 60-130 lb class rod, large lever-drag reel (Shimano Tiagra 50, Penn International), 80-130 lb line for fish over 100 lbs. Medium: 30-50 lb class gear for "school" bluefin under 80 lbs. Fluorocarbon leader (60-130 lb) is essential — bluefin are line-shy. Fights can last hours on big fish.

Regulations & Bag Limits

Pacific bluefin tuna are heavily regulated by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). California implements strict seasonal bag limits that change annually — typically 1-2 fish per day per angler. Minimum size limits apply. The fishery can be closed mid-season if quotas are met. Check current CDFW and IATTC regulations before targeting bluefin.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.