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.
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.
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.
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.