Blackfin are compact, dark-backed tuna with a bronze band along the side when fresh, and their finlets are dusky with little or none of the yellow you see on a yellowfin. They live in warm water from the US east coast down to Brazil, feeding on small fish, squid and shrimp, often under working birds. For their size they fight the way all tuna do, deep and in circles. The loins are dark red and make excellent sashimi, or a quick sear on a hot grill.
Sport Fishing South Florida is the boat for them: tuna are one of its named targets, and the Gulf Stream comes so close to the coast here that the fishing starts not long after you leave the inlet. Three of the crew's methods suit blackfin. Kite fishing holds live goggle eyes, pilchards or threadfin herring flapping on the surface, where tuna burst up through them. Vertical jigging is the hard work option, and the crew says some of their biggest tuna of the year come off the jig. Trolling ballyhoo and strip baits covers more water. Trips are private for up to 6, leave at 7:00 and run from 3 to 8 hours. Tell the captain tuna is the target and ask which method has been working that week.
Questions and answers
Short answers to what people ask before they book. Anything else, ask the captain in chat.
What is the best way to catch blackfin tuna off Palm Beach County?
Sport Fishing South Florida leans on kite fishing with live baits and on vertical jigging, with trolling to cover water. The crew says some of their biggest tuna of the year come off the jig, which suits anglers who are happy to work hard for a fish.
How long a trip should I book for blackfin tuna?
Sport Fishing South Florida runs private trips of 3 to 8 hours from 7:00 for up to 6. The Gulf Stream is close to shore here, so even a short trip reaches tuna water, but a longer day leaves time to switch between the kite, the jig and trolling if one method goes quiet.