About the Bluefin Tuna of the Florida Keys Bluefin tuna are one of the most common species of fish found in Key West, as this species is prevalent in the western portion of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most unique aspects of the Bluefin Tuna is that it can grow in size from 10 pounds to well over 900.
What kind of tuna are in the Keys?
Tuna fishing charters reel in the challenging blackfin tuna. Pound for pound, the blackfin tuna could be called the middle weight champion of Florida Keys fishing. These open ocean predators are strong, fast and capable of long, drag-melting runs.
Are there bluefin tuna in Florida?
Bluefin tuna cover thousands of miles on their annual migration, and it has been discovered that remote parts of the Gulf are used as their breeding grounds. Many of these bluefin tuna leave the Gulf after they spawn heading around the Florida peninsula.
Is there tuna in the Keys?
The Florida Keys have a strong population of blackfin tuna just about all year, but in the summer months you’re going to find them with regularity in one of three locations: The Islamorada Hump, The Marathon Humps also known as the 409s, and the West Hump.
Can you catch bluefin tuna in Key West?
In the Key West region, bluefin can be found in deep waters from April to June. Key West fishing can charter your expedition, providing you with the proper boat, bait and the equipment needed to catch them.
Is bluefin or blackfin tuna better?
Bluefin have the highest fat content and are prized for sashimi. Bigeye is slightly less fatty than Bluefin and is also good for eating raw or lightly seared. Blackfin tuna is the least fatty of them all and is ideal for tuna salad or grilling.
Can you catch yellowfin tuna in the Florida Keys?
In Florida Keys waters, Yellowfin are usually an accidental catch when targeting Blackfin Tuna or Mahi-mahi, and they often break off the light tackle used for these smaller species. Yellowfin are also encountered in the Keys when fishing deep for Swordfish or Wahoo.
Can you catch tuna off the coast of Florida?
The state of Florida is perfect for your needs if you’re a tuna fishing enthusiast. The tuna found here are famous for their delicious taste as well as their fighting abilities. There are a number of tuna varieties that grow near the coasts of Florida, including bluefin, skipjack, blackfin, and yellowfin.
How much does a pound of bluefin tuna cost?
However, no matter where you choose to source your Bluefin tuna, it should never be cheap. For example, local Bluefin tuna wholesale price per pound might cost between $20 and $40 while you can be paying a minimum of $200 a pound for Bluefin tuna from Japan. In peak season, Oma tuna can cost close to $400 a pound.
Where is the best tuna fishing in Florida?
Best Tuna Fishing Locations in Florida
- Florida Keys. The Florida Keys, off the coast of South Florida, are considered the fishing capital of the state, bringing many tourists and anglers year-round.
- Stuart.
- West Palm Beach.
- Destin.
- Cocoa Beach.
- Miami.
What is better yellowfin or blackfin tuna?
Blackfin from the Atlantic are as good as yellowfin. Different parts of a bluefin have totally different flavors (belly vs. back). For that matter winter yellowfin off North Carolina taste much better than the larger summer fish (but I wouldnt turn down either one.)
How much does blackfin tuna sell for?
$13/LBS | Blackfin Tuna sold as fillet only.
How much does blackfin tuna cost?
for blackfin tuna prices can range anywhere from $280 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day for blackfin tuna is $1,054. The average price for a full day for blackfin tuna is $2,538.
What kind of tuna is in Key West?
In the Florida Keys, we can often catch Blackfin Tuna in the 20-30lb range when the conditions are right, and our live wells are full of live bait. Our Captains know the larger Blackfin Tuna usually stay deeper in the water column while the smaller ones are closer to the surface.
Where can I catch tuna in Key West?
The Humps – The Key to Catching Tuna In Key West
There are three of these geological features that are particularly successful for hunting tuna – the Islamorada Hump, the West Hump and the Marathon Hump. West Hump and Marathon Hump tend to produce the biggest blackfins. Trolling or live baiting can both be effective.
What is the most expensive tuna?
The most expensive tuna is Bluefin tuna.
What is this? Bluefin tuna caught from the seas around Japan are auctioned directly off the docks to the local markets and high-end sushi restaurants. In 2013, one of these fish, weighing 489 pounds, was sold to a local buyer for $1.8 million.
Which is best tasting tuna?
I Tried 20 Cans of Tuna — These Are the 4 I’ll Buy Again
- How I Tested the Canned Tuna.
- Best Olive Oil-Packed White Tuna: Ortiz Bonito Del Norte.
- Best Olive Oil-Packed Light Tuna: Tonnino Yellowfin Solid Pack Light Tuna in Oil.
- Best Water-Packed White Tuna: American Tuna Pole-Caught Wild Albacore with Salt.
What’s the best tuna to eat?
Which Type of Tuna Species is the Best to Eat? The three Bluefin tuna species are highly regarded as the best tuna type. The main reason is the unique balance between the protein and fat elements. The Bluefin tunas have a higher fat content, and their flesh is meatier than other species.
Which tastes better bluefin or yellowfin tuna?
In comparison to Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna meat is leaner, with a lighter taste. While it may lack the coveted fat content of Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin meat is still of great quality. Yellowfin meat is great for sashimi and steaks.
How do you catch tuna in the Keys?
Pulling a skirted lure, a feather or a swimming plug well behind the boat typically catches tuna 5 to 10 pounds, although larger fish sometimes bite. Live baits such as pilchards usually catch the bigger tuna, which can range from 15 to 30 or more pounds. There are three primary humps in the Keys.
Is blackfin tuna high in mercury?
Approximately 19% of all blackfin tuna contained total mercury levels greater than or equal to the DOH’s 1.5 ppm no-consumption level.