Blackfin Tuna
Thunnus atlanticus
FR Thon à nageoires noires · ES Atún aleta negra · PT Atum aleta-preta
Also known as: Atlantic Blackfin TunaDeep-bodied TunnyAlbacoraAtum-pretoAtún aleta negraThon à nageoires noiresAtum aleta-preta
PelagicBoat
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Low light; active around bait schools
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Mar–MayGood Feb–Nov
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Preferred seabed
RockMixed
Findr bio
Early morning offshore runs year-round. Small jigs or cedar plugs work great...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Current edgeOpen seaShallow waterWreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsArtificial baitsSpinners
Diet
Small fishSquidAmphipodsShrimpCrab
Effective techniques
TrollingDriftingJigging
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDusk
I'm the runt of the tuna family — and the only one that never leaves the western Atlantic.
Field notes
Where to find them
Nearshore-to-offshore edges, wrecks and rigs
Where they hang out
Surface to mid-water near structure
Prime time
Low light; active around bait schools
Tide game
Low to moderate; fish bait concentrations
What they're into
Small lures, live baits, chum; eats small baitfish
Temperature vibe
Warm-water species, prefers upper 20s°C
Fave weather
Calm to moderate seas best for chumming
Fun fact about me
Smallest of the true tunas but none the wiser for it — still fights like the big ones.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Bag/size limits common; check regional tuna rulesNOAA Fisheries (US)
Looking after them
Least Concern