Bluefin fishing is the pinnacle of Southern California sportfishing (and arguably the world) for its pure brute strength and incredibly tasty table fare. Favoring water temps around 60-72 degrees, this broader spectrum of temperature flexibility allows this fish to bite nearly year round. However, the general season usually starts in March and goes through October.

BLUEFIN TUNA IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

Bluefin tuna can be visually identified by several key characteristics:

1. Size: Bluefin tuna can grow to be very large, with some individuals reaching up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) in length and weighing over 2,000 pounds (900 kg).

2. Shape: Bluefin tuna have a distinct, elongated body shape with a pointed head and a forked tail.

3. Color: Bluefin tuna are dark blue on top and silver on the bottom, with a distinct yellow or white belly.

4. Fin Shape: The dorsal fin is relatively short and tall, and the pectoral fins are long and pointed.

5. Spot pattern: Bluefin tuna have a series of dark spots on their upper sides, which are believed to be used for camouflage. These spots are unique to each individual fish, like a fingerprint.

6. Tail shape: The caudal fin of Bluefin tuna is relatively straight and it's a good identification feature

Rest assured, we take Blue Fin Sport Fishing very seriously! All of the gear provided on a bluefin trip is our best, heaviest, and newest tackle. We run 50 wides for when the big blues are out! If you do hook one of these monsters, be prepared for a long and hard fight. Our captain will maneuver the boat to put you in the best position to land the fish, all the while our deckhands will be standing by with multiple gafs. As soon as you see the fish under the water, yell "COLOR" and one of our deckhands will quickly come over and land your fish.

TEN BLUEFIN TUNA FACTOIDS

1. Bluefin tuna are a popular target species for sportfishers in San Diego, known for their size and strength.

2. Bluefin tuna migrate through the San Diego waters during the summer and fall months, with peak fishing season typically occurring in September and October.

3. Bluefin tuna can be caught using a variety of fishing methods, including trolling with lures or live bait, as well as casting with jigs or poppers.

4. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) recognizes the all-tackle world record for bluefin tuna caught in San Diego as 1,496 pounds, caught by angler David T. Hudson in 1985.

5. San Diego's bluefin tuna fishery is closely monitored by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) to ensure sustainable fishing practices and healthy population levels.

6. There are different regulations for bluefin tuna in San Diego waters, and anglers should be aware of the size, bag limits, and season closures that apply to the area where they are fishing.

7. Bluefin tuna are considered a prized catch and can fetch a high price at market, making them a popular target for commercial fishermen as well.

8. The Pacific bluefin tuna population has been overfished, and conservation measures have been implemented by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council to ensure their population can recover.

9. Bluefin tuna are a migratory species that can travel thousands of miles across the ocean, so their population and distribution can vary year to year.

10. Bluefin tuna are apex predators, and they feed on a variety of smaller fish, crustaceans, and squid, making them an important part of the ocean ecosystem.