Alabama Beaches offers various offshore fishing opportunities, from snapper to blue marlin, but there's nothing quite like angling for tuna. Tuna fishing season for multiple species offers action at different times of the year and is one of the most popular targets to be found year-round off our coastline.
Where Can You Catch Tuna Fish?
The northern Gulf of Mexico is home to several species of tuna, from the smaller skipjack and blackfin to the mighty bluefin, but the main target is the yellowfin tuna. Yellowfin tuna are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas. They prefer water temps between 72-82 degrees but can tolerate ranges from as low as 62 to as high as 90. The smaller and more abundant blackfin has a similar preference in temperature ranges.
The heavy-bodied bigeye tuna is another prized species in our area. While they are often found in the same areas as the yellowfin and blackfin, they prefer somewhat cooler temperatures. They are usually in deeper waters, hanging below the cooler thermoclines.
Best Time of Year to Catch Tuna in the Gulf
The bluefin tuna is a seasonal visitor to our area and can thrive in a wide range of temperatures, although larger adults prefer the colder waters of the North Atlantic. Bluefin arrive in our waters in the spring as part of their annual spawning migration. Due to this, recreational anglers cannot intentionally pursue bluefin in the Northern Gulf, although a small quota for incidental catches is in place. These fish are true giants, with many surpassing 500 pounds in weight. The current Alabama state record for the species stands at 829 pounds six ounces. The world record for bluefin tuna weighed a staggering 1,496 pounds and was caught in Nova Scotia in 1979.
Best Baits for Tuna Fishing
Successfully catching tuna in the Gulf of Mexico often involves a variety of techniques and baits, each suited to different situations and tuna species. The right bait can make all the difference. While there are several effective techniques, versatility is key. The "golden bait" can vary depending on the specific fishery, seasonality, and the tuna's current prey preference. Understanding and preparing for these methods will significantly increase your chances of a successful tuna fishing trip. Once located, many techniques find success, and it pays to be ready for various methods.
Live Baiting
Live baiting is probably the most effective way to score big tuna. Live baits can be caught with a cast net nearshore or on sabiki rigs offshore. Many species of baitfish work with blue runners (hardtails), cigar minnows, threadfin herring, and mullet, which are top baits.
Chunking
Chunking is another extremely productive technique for tuna around structures and in open water. Tuna will typically hold upcurrent of the structure you're fishing around, and it's best to start your chunk line well upcurrent of where you are marking fish.
Trolling
Trolling small ballyhoo, both "naked" and behind tiny skirts and dusters, is a great way to find tuna on the move or when the apparent signs aren't present.
Topwater Poppers
Keep a few heavy spinning setups ready with topwater poppers. These are great for when tuna come to the surface and start feeding on bait. This style of tuna fishing isn't for the faint of heart. A big tuna inhaling a topwater of casting gear is something no angler will ever forget.
Tuna Fishing Charters on Alabama Beaches
Numerous local tuna fishing charters specialize in tuna trips lasting from single-day to multi-day excursions for the traveling angler looking to get in on the tuna action. Call local marinas or ask the staff in regional tackle shops for recommendations.
Targeting tuna is the pinnacle of big game fishing. The preparation, long rides, and hard work are always worth the experience.
