Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna
(Thunnus albacares)

Current I.G.F.A. all time record: 176kg on 37kg tackle

Description: Fusiform body, more slender than that of bluefin or bigeye. Small eyes and head, longer 2nd dorsal and anal fins than any other tuna (which get longer with age). Liver without striations on ventral surface. Swimbladder present. 26-35 gill rakers on first gill arch. Pectoral fins usually reach beyond the origin of the 2nd dorsal fin but not beyond the end of its base. Dark blue back with yellow lateral band on the upper sides. Lower sides and belly silvery-gray, often with chains of white vertical lines and spots. 2nd dorsal and anal fins yellow. Finlets yellow with a narrow black margin.

Other Common Names:

Size: Commonly 16 to 67 inches, can grow to 75 inches and 388+ pounds.

Range: A warm-water species, yellowfin tuna is the most tropical species of tuna. Abundant in tropical waters throughout Atlantic. Young are known to form large schools near surface. Adults inhabit fairly deep water but also live near the surface. Often mixed with other species, especially skipjack and bigeye.

Natural History: Yellowfin are sexually mature when they reach a length of approximately 40 inches, and spawning occurs throughout the year in the core areas of distribution (between 15' N and 15' S Latitude), including the Gulf of Mexico with peaks occurring in summer months.

Fighting Characteristics: Very tough fighting fish with a fast recovery rate (faster than the anglers!). Mixes deep dives with long fast runs that test angler and tackle.

Courtesy of Billfish Tackle Supply