Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin 
Tuna
- Peak Season: February-May
- Best Charter:Full Day Offshore
- Best Technique: Sight Fishing
- Best Bait: Swimming Mackerel, Skipping Bonito
- Table Fare: Excellent if in Season
Bluefin Tuna Fishing Miami
With improved conservation efforts, we have been seeing a steady increase in the number of bluefin migrating along our coast each spring. They seem to first make their way South during March and April along the edge toward the Gulf. Many boats have spotted fish while kite fishing along the edge and many have even hooked these beasts as they head south to the Gulf of Mexico. The only problem with fishing for giant bluefin in Miami is that most boats are fishing light tackle year round. Nobody anticipates the couple of bites per year from a 500-1,000 pound behemoth. The results of a bluefin bite is usually getting spooled on the typical 20 pound test tackle. During 2017 we had a few encounters with bluefin on light tackle. Frustrated, we decided to up our game and have either an 80 wide or 130 pound combo on board and ready to go at all times.
Sight Fishing for Bluefin off Miami
During May of 2017, we finally saw a bluefin cruising down the edge. We had the kites up and had just caught a few sailfish. The second we saw the bluefin we ripped in everything and started to hastily troll in front of the fish. I had my mate pitch a skipping bonito on the 130 and the fight was on. After a 3 hour fight we had the estimated 750lb tuna boat side. This was the first bluefin tuna to be caught and released off Miami by sight fishing (this is how it used to be done off Bimini) and was later featured in the August issue of Marlin Magazine. We definitely had some luck on our side but it helped to be prepared for the encounter. We have pitched at quite a few packs of bluefin since and haven't had the same luck but we will keep trying.
Bluefin Tuna Caught While Daytime Swordfishing
Bluefin are being caught more and more frequently by boats fishing for swordfish, especially during late May and June off of South Florida as they migrate back north from the Gulf. These fish have become a real possibility while deep dropping in 1500-1800 feet of water and this tackle is actually decently suited for getting a big bluefin to the boat. I wouldn't suggest targeting them specifically but 2026 actually saw a really solid run of bluefin caught during June. It is an encouraging sign for the species.
Miami Bluefin Tuna Charters
Because bluefin are seldom seen off Miami, booking charters to target them specifically would be unproductive during most of the year. For sight fishing, conditions really need to line up for bluefin to cruise down our coast. They like a strong East or Northeast wind and prefer gulf stream water close to the reef. These days usually have the roughest seas. Regardless, we always have a rod ready and a bait rigged so we can capitalize on any encounters. With a little luck on our side we can hopefully release another one in the future.
