Bigeye tuna, prized for their rich flavor and tender meat, present an exciting challenge for anglers. These impressive fish inhabit deep offshore waters, often diving to depths of 1,500 feet or more. Successful bigeye tuna fishing requires specialized techniques like trolling with lures or bait, deep dropping, and chunking.

Catching bigeye tuna demands patience and skill. Anglers typically target them in waters beyond the 100-fathom line, where these powerful swimmers roam in search of prey. The best times to fish for bigeye tuna are during low-light periods, particularly at dusk and just before dawn.

Once caught, bigeye tuna offer exceptional culinary possibilities. Their high fat content makes them ideal for grilling, searing, or enjoying as sashimi. Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, bigeye tuna provide a nutritious and delicious dining experience for those fortunate enough to land one of these oceanic treasures.

Bigeye Tuna Identification

Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) have distinctive physical features and inhabit specific ocean regions. Proper identification relies on recognizing key anatomical traits and understanding their distribution patterns.

Physical Characteristics

Bigeye tuna are large, robust fish with a streamlined body shape. They typically reach lengths of up to 5.5 feet and can weigh over 400 pounds. Their most notable feature is their large eyes, which are nearly twice the size of other tuna species’ eyes.

The pectoral fins of bigeye tuna are long, extending beyond the second dorsal fin. Their dorsal and anal fins are shorter compared to those of yellowfin tuna. Bigeye tuna have a dark blue-black coloration on their backs, transitioning to silvery white on their sides and bellies.

One distinctive internal characteristic is their striated liver, which differs from the smooth liver of yellowfin tuna.

Habitat and Distribution

Bigeye tuna are found in warm waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They prefer temperatures between 13°C and 29°C. These fish are highly migratory, moving between surface waters and depths of up to 1,500 feet.

They inhabit both coastal areas and open ocean environments. Bigeye tuna are often found near underwater structures like seamounts and continental slopes. Their distribution is influenced by water temperature, prey availability, and seasonal patterns.

Juveniles tend to school with other tuna species in surface waters, while adults are typically solitary or form small groups in deeper waters.

Fishing Techniques

Successful bigeye tuna fishing requires specialized techniques tailored to their habits and habitat. These methods focus on targeting deep waters and low light conditions to match the tuna’s sensitive eyes and preferences.

Trolling Methods

Trolling is a primary technique for catching bigeye tuna. Anglers drag lures or baited hooks behind a moving boat, mimicking prey fish. This method works best at dawn or dusk when bigeye are most active.

Slow-trolling with live bait can be highly effective. Use skipjack or small yellowfin tuna as bait, rigged on circle hooks. Troll at speeds between 2 and 6 knots, adjusting based on fish behavior.

Deep trolling targets bigeye in their preferred depth range. Use downriggers or diving planers to get lures down to 100-300 feet. Vary trolling depths until you find the productive zone.

Bait and Lure Selection

Choosing the right bait or lure is crucial for bigeye tuna success. Live bait options include:

• Skipjack tuna
• Mackerel
• Squid
• Flying fish

For artificial lures, consider:

• Large skirted trolling lures (10-14 inches)
• Diving plugs
• Soft plastic squid imitations

Colors that often produce results include:

• Blue/white
• Green/yellow
• Purple/black

Match lure size to local baitfish. In low light, glow-in-the-dark lures can be effective.

Deep Sea Jigging

Jigging targets bigeye tuna in deep water structures. Use heavy-duty spinning or conventional tackle with 80-130 lb braided line. Jigs weighing 7-14 ounces work well.

Drop jigs to the desired depth, typically 300-600 feet. Use a fast, erratic retrieve to mimic fleeing baitfish. Alternate between quick jerks and pauses.

Knife jigs and butterfly jigs are popular choices. Glow-in-the-dark models can attract bigeye in dim conditions. Vertical jigging near underwater seamounts or drop-offs can be particularly productive.

Fly Fishing for Tuna

Fly fishing for bigeye tuna presents a challenging but rewarding experience. Use 14-16 weight rods with large arbor reels holding at least 600 yards of backing.

Sinking lines are essential to reach deep-swimming bigeye. Consider:

• Full sinking lines (Type III to Type VI)
• Shooting heads with fast-sinking tips

Effective fly patterns include:

• Large Deceiver-style flies (6-10 inches)
• Squid imitations
• Poppers for surface action

Cast beyond feeding fish and retrieve with long, fast strips. Be prepared for powerful runs and extended battles when hooking into a bigeye tuna on fly gear.

Tackling and Gear

Selecting the appropriate tackle and gear is crucial for successfully catching bigeye tuna. The right equipment enhances your chances of landing these powerful fish while minimizing damage to the marine ecosystem.

Choosing the Right Tackle

Bigeye tuna fishing requires heavy-duty tackle designed to handle large, strong fish. Opt for 50-80 pound class rods paired with matching reels. Lever drag reels are preferred for their smooth operation and ability to adjust drag quickly.

Look for rods with a fast action and strong backbone to handle the powerful runs of bigeye tuna. Graphite or composite materials offer strength without excessive weight.

Consider using spreader bars to attract bigeye tuna. These multi-lure rigs create an enticing baitfish school appearance.

Rod and Reel Configurations

Match your rod and reel to the fishing technique you’ll employ. For trolling, use shorter rods (5.5-6.5 feet) with plenty of backbone. Pair these with two-speed reels capable of holding 600-800 yards of line.

For stand-up fishing, longer rods (6-7 feet) provide better leverage. Choose reels with high line capacity and smooth drags.

Some anglers prefer using the braid bigeye rocket setup. This involves a braided mainline connected to a monofilament leader via a wind-on swivel.

Line and Leader Essentials

Mainline choices include monofilament and braided lines. Monofilament offers stretch and abrasion resistance, while braid provides sensitivity and thin diameter.

For monofilament, use 80-130 pound test. If opting for braid, 65-100 pound test is suitable.

Leaders are crucial. Use 200-400 pound test fluorocarbon leaders to withstand the bigeye’s sharp teeth and powerful runs. Leader length typically ranges from 15-25 feet.

Ensure all connections are secure. Use crimps or knots appropriate for the line type and strength to prevent costly breakoffs.

Bait and Attractants

Selecting the right bait and attractants is crucial for successful bigeye tuna fishing. Anglers have a variety of options to entice these prized fish, ranging from natural baits to artificial lures.

Natural Bait Options

Live bait proves highly effective for bigeye tuna. Squid is a top choice, mimicking their natural prey. Mackerel and sardines also work well, offering a tempting meal. Cut bait can be equally successful, with chunks of fresh fish attracting bigeye tuna.

Rigged mullet presents another popular option. This versatile bait can be trolled or used for chunking. Ballyhoo, particularly horse ballyhoo, is favored by many anglers. Its sleek profile and natural scent make it irresistible to bigeye tuna.

Artificial Lures

Artificial lures offer convenience and durability for bigeye tuna fishing. The green machine lure is a staple, its vibrant color and action drawing strikes. Ilander lures, often paired with ballyhoo, create an enticing combination.

Shell squids, which imitate real squid, can be highly effective. These lures come in various colors and sizes to match local forage. Trolling with artificial lures allows covering more water and targeting bigeye tuna at different depths.

Anglers often use a mix of natural baits and artificial lures to increase their chances of success. Experimenting with different options helps determine what works best in specific conditions.

Fishing Spots and Conditions

Bigeye tuna inhabit specific areas and thrive under certain conditions. Understanding their preferences and behaviors is crucial for successful fishing expeditions.

Seasonal Migrations and Habits

Bigeye tuna undertake extensive seasonal migrations. They move between tropical and temperate waters throughout the year. In spring and summer, they often venture into cooler regions. During fall and winter, they return to warmer areas.

These fish prefer oceanic waters and are frequently found near mid-Atlantic canyons. They congregate around temperature breaks, where warm and cool currents meet. This creates ideal feeding grounds.

Bigeye tuna exhibit distinct daily patterns. They descend to deeper, cooler waters during the day. At night, they rise to shallower depths to feed.

Preferred Environments

Bigeye tuna favor specific oceanic features. They are often found near:

• Seamounts
• Underwater ridges
• Steep drop-offs along continental shelves
• Reefs and shoals

These structures create upwellings that concentrate nutrients and attract prey. Bigeye tuna are drawn to these productive areas.

In the open ocean, they associate with floating objects or debris. This behavior is known as “FAD fishing” (Fish Aggregating Devices).

Weather and Temperature Influences

Water temperature significantly affects bigeye tuna distribution. They prefer warm waters between 13°C to 29°C (55°F to 84°F). Optimal fishing occurs in the 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F) range.

Wind patterns and currents impact fishing success. Light to moderate winds create favorable surface conditions. Strong winds can make deep trolling challenging.

Cloud cover influences catch rates. Overcast days often yield better results. Bigeye tuna have large, light-sensitive eyes. They tend to feed more actively in dim conditions.

Lunar phases also play a role. New moon periods are considered prime fishing times. The darkness allows bigeye tuna to hunt more freely near the surface.

Catch and Release Practices

Catch and release is an important practice for bigeye tuna conservation and sustainable fishing. When releasing a bigeye tuna, time is critical. Minimize the fish’s time out of water to increase its survival chances.

Use circle hooks to reduce deep hooking and facilitate easier removal. Dehooking devices help quickly free the fish. If the hook is deeply embedded, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.

Handle the tuna with wet hands or gloves to protect its slime coat. Support its body horizontally and avoid touching the gills. Large bigeye tuna may need resuscitation before release.

Revive exhausted fish by moving them forward in the water to push oxygenated water over their gills. This can be done by slowly towing the boat or holding the fish alongside in the water.

When the tuna regains strength and shows signs of swimming on its own, release it head-first into the water. Proper catch and release techniques help maintain healthy bigeye tuna populations for future generations of anglers.

Preparing and Cooking Bigeye Tuna

Proper preparation and cooking techniques are essential for maximizing the flavor and texture of bigeye tuna. From cleaning to serving, each step plays a crucial role in creating a delicious meal.

Cleaning and Filleting

Cleaning bigeye tuna begins immediately after catching. The fish should be gutted and iced promptly to maintain freshness. To fillet, place the tuna on a clean cutting board and use a sharp knife to make a cut behind the gills and pectoral fin.

Continue the cut along the backbone to the tail. Repeat on the other side to remove the fillet. Trim away any dark meat or bloodlines, as these can impart a strong flavor.

For sashimi-grade cuts, use a long, sharp knife to slice against the grain in one smooth motion. This technique helps preserve the tuna’s delicate texture.

Cooking Methods

Bigeye tuna’s versatility allows for various cooking methods. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor and appealing char marks. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for a rare to medium-rare finish.

Searing is popular for its quick cooking time and ability to lock in flavor. Heat a pan until very hot, add oil, and sear the tuna for 1-2 minutes per side.

For a unique approach, try poaching tuna in olive oil or court bouillon. This method results in a tender, moist texture.

Raw preparations like sashimi or poke showcase the tuna’s natural flavor and buttery texture.

Tuna Steak Recipes

• Sesame-crusted tuna steak:

  1. Coat tuna in sesame seeds
  2. Sear in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes per side
  3. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi

• Grilled tuna with mango salsa:

  1. Season tuna with salt, pepper, and lime juice
  2. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side
  3. Top with fresh mango salsa

• Tuna niçoise salad:

  1. Sear tuna and slice thinly
  2. Arrange on a bed of mixed greens with boiled eggs, olives, and green beans
  3. Drizzle with vinaigrette

These recipes highlight the tuna’s flavor while complementing it with fresh, vibrant ingredients.