Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Sportscation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Fall in Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Beach Safety
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    11 Things to Do with Teens
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Sportscation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Fall in Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Beach Safety
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    11 Things to Do with Teens
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    Meeting in Gulf Shores
    Five Tips to Becoming a Confident Speaker
    beach bag, gulf shores
    How to Pack for a Meeting at the Beach
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions for Your Next Workcation
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    Meetings and conventions on Alabama's beaches
    5 Unique Meeting Spaces at the Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    Non-Traditional Meeting Spaces on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    Meeting at The Lodge
    Which Social Media Networks Help Meeting Planners the Most
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    Gulf State Park Orange Beach
    3 Meeting Tips To Make Your Next Gulf Coast Meeting a Success
    Hashtag Events Happening in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
    5 Ways Social Media Can Help Meeting Planners Communicate & Educate Attendees
    Meeting Ballroom on Alabama's Beaches
    How to Increase Attendance at Your Next Conference
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    Woman relaxing on the beach in Alabama
    Tips for Maintaining a Work-Life Balance as a Meeting Professional
    AmyPeralta
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Sales Manager Amy Peralta
    MaryStatkewicz
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Meetings Sales Manager Mary Statkewicz
    All Contact Us
  • Stories
    All Stories
Sports
    • All Events
    • Book Lodging
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • Orange Beach High School
    Family Lodging Gulf Shores
    Budget-Friendly Planning Tips for Sports Parents
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    4 Spots to Fuel Up for the Game
    Teens playing on Alabama's beaches
    What to Pack for Your Sportcation?
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    Grab n go Gulf Shores AL
    On the Go Dining
    Orange Beach, Lunching For Less - Teaser
    Budget-Friendly Meals for the Whole Team in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Crab claws at Pink Pony in Gulf Shores, AL
    Places to Grab the Best Crab Claws on Alabama's Beaches
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    7 Quirky, Must-Visit Places in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    The Factory Trampoline Park
    5 Action-Packed Activities Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    What to Do When Your Tournament is Rained Out
    All Attractions
  • Business Sponsors
    All Business Sponsors
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    Baseball player
    Get to Know the Beach's Best Sports Facilities
    Man running a race
    Event Planner Resources for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    NCAA Softball Gulf Shores
    Start Planning Your Sportscation to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    All Bring Your Event
  • Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Blog
    All Blog
Deep-sea Fishing Orange Beach

Tuna Time

In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Jim Cox
July 28, 2022

Most of the tuna fishing in our area takes place at the rigs starting seventy-five miles to the southwest. Due to the long runs to get there, this is usually done by big boats and charter boats that specialize in catching tunas. If you can catch the right weather window, the rigs are reachable in smaller center console boats, but everything must line up just perfectly to make that trip.

Zeke's Marina

In recent years, reports of tuna showing up close to Orange Beach have been few and far between. “Years ago, we would consistently see big schools of Yellowfin and Blackfin tuna in open water at places like the elbow and dumping grounds,” said long time offshore fisherman and former television host Mike Ward. “I’m not sure why, but we haven’t been seeing them like we used to.”

I wish I knew why they haven’t been around like they used to be, but more importantly I’d like to figure out why they are here now! Recently, I got a report of schools of tuna around the elbow, which is about 40 miles from Perdido Pass. The chance to catch tunas in our small center console boat had me sleepless the night before my trip.

Tuna intimidator

Once I found a small patch of decent water east of the elbow, the tuna were there as promised. Fishing for tuna in open water is much different than fishing for them around rigs. Tuna can make for a maddening day when you see them jumping all around the boat and can’t buy a bite. Next time you see me, ask me how I know!

Tuna can also be very leader shy so as I rigged up for this trip I downsized my leaders to 200 and 130-pound test fluorocarbon. I was ready to go lower if needed, but it wasn’t necessary. Fortunately, they were ready to eat early, late and often. My two lady anglers were busy fighting fish from around 9:30 am until we pulled lines in at 7:00 pm.

Zeke's Marina

I like to pull my baits way behind the boat when I see tunas busting; they seem to always like a little more distance between the boat and baits than other big game fish. I was pulling Ianders and ballyhoo and was able to to put a nice box of Blackfin and small Yellowfin in the boat. I also had a few billfish knock downs and lost two wahoos as they chewed through my light leaders.

Why they are here right now is the big question. The water to the east has been less than ideal all summer for trolling, but that small patch of pretty water was holding the fish.

Icon of a hotel
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay
Places to Stay Search Lodging Options
icon of a guide
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide Order a Free Vacation Guide
Email icon
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter Subscribe to Our Enewsletter

Share This

You May Also Like

See All Blog Posts
Boating in Perdido Pass Orange Beach

Stay Smart Off-Shore with Boating Safety

Southern Charm Fishing Charter Orange Beach

Book a Charter to Catch Amberjack, Snapper, & Triggerfish

Fishing Charter Orange Beach

Discover Endless Fishing Opportunities on Alabama’s Beaches

Little Lagoon Pass Park

Try Little Lagoon for a Day of Fun Fishing

Billfish Classic 2023

Record-Setting Marlin Caught During OB Billfish Classic

Gulf State Park Pier

Everything You Need to Know About the Gulf State Park Pier

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Logo
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Vacation Guide
  • Chat With Us