Bluefin Tuna ~ the Greatest of Big Game Fish

The Bluefin tuna is the largest member of the mackerel family. It is also one of the largest bony fishes in the sea. Can attain weight over 1500 lbs, but it’s very rare. Due to overfishing this particular species is in danger of extinction. It’s classified under the endangered species.

A highly migratory species, the Bluefin is distributed worldwide. Traveling in large schools, this magnificent fish is highly hunted by both sport anglers and commercial fishermen. A single large or giant fish of this particular species can fetch over U.S.$100,000 at the market of Tokyo, Japan. Its dark reddish flesh is a delicacy of the Japanese, mainly eaten in the form of sushi and sashimi.

Characteristics

Like all other tuna species the body of a bluefin is streamlined and muscular with a pointed head. Its pectoral fins are much shorter than most other tuna. The color is dark blue on the back, paling to silvery white on the sides and belly.

Distribution

Bluefin tuna can be found in the subtropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans as well as the Mediterranean and Black Seas. They’re able to maintain their body temperatures some degrees warmer above the surrounding water, which makes them able to adapt to cold or temperate waters.

Lifespan and Record

Bluefin can grow to more than 14 ft. and able to live to more than 30 years. The all-tackle world record is a 1,496 lbs. giant from Nova Scotia, caught in 1979 by Ken Fraser.

Diet

A predatory species, they prey on shoaling fishes such as sardines, mackerel, herring, mullet as well as squid and crustaceans.

Anglers considered them as the greatest as well as the toughest of big-game fish. And together with the high prices the Japanese are willing to pay for them; heavy tackle as heavy as 130 lbs. is used to catch them. Commercial fishermen use purse seine nets and longlines to bring them aboard.

Fighting Behavior

Their fighting abilities are simply awesome. No billfish can compare to their stamina, power and speed. They are extremely fast swimmers, capable of swimming at high speed over great distances. And they’re able to hit top speed over 50 mph when hooked. When a giant Bluefin take your line, it will shoot-off at great speed with no sign of stopping. All you can do is wait and be patient.

Fishing Methods

Bluefin can be caught in various depths. Popular fishing methods include trolling or drifting with live or dead-baits. Mackerel, herring, mullet or squid are some of the baits used by anglers. And trolling with artificial lures such as plugs, feathers and daisy chains can be also very effective when they are around.

Hooking and landing a monster Bluefin tuna is the dream of most if not all saltwater anglers. It’s the ultimate thrill in the sport of fishing. But not many will have that opportunity with the species overfished and is in danger of extinction.

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