Species guide

How to catch Atlantic bluefin tuna

Thunnus thynnus

Stylized 2D illustration of Atlantic bluefin tuna
brackishsaltwatergame fishScombridae

Atlantic bluefin tuna are powerful, fast-swimming predators known for their impressive size and speed. They undertake long migrations between cooler feeding areas and warm spawning grounds. This species is a prized game fish prized by anglers and commercial fisheries alike.

Where they live

Found in brackish and saltwater environments across the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. They inhabit depths from the surface down to about 985 meters and migrate extensively between feeding and spawning locations.

Typical size

Up to about 458 cm

What they eat

  • small schooling fish such as anchovies and sand lance
  • various squid species
  • red crabs

Best baits

  • live or cut small fish
  • squid

Best lures

  • large trolling lures
  • heavy-duty jigs

How to fish for them

  • trolling
  • live bait fishing
  • chunk fishing

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How to catch Atlantic bluefin tuna | Bobbr