In the Mid Atlantic region, catching yellowfin tuna can vary considerably
during the fishing season. At times the action can be red hot out of one port and non-existent just 100
miles away.
In North Carolina, recreational anglers usually catch yellowfin tuna all winter. Fishing
occurs along the edge of the Gulf Stream. Winter tuna fishing in North Carolina
is dominated by large, seaworthy charter boats. Captains fish ballyhoo/seawitch
rigs, and to a lesser extent, artificial lures. A variety of planer rigs are
also used and can be extremely effective for catching tuna. During good years,
fishing can be spectacular, with boats catching their limits of small to medium
yellowfin tuna.
Off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, Yellowfin fishing can start as early as late
May although early June is typical. The arrival of fish is dependent on water
temperature. During the early season, yellowfin tuna are most likely to show up
first along the edge of Norfolk, Washington or Poor Man's canyons. Anglers may
find success with a variety of daisy chains, artificial squid, spreader bars,
small bullet shaped lures or rigged baits such as ballyhoo. Early season success
often occurs from 7am until about 10 am, requiring boats to leave port well
before sunrise.
By mid summer, fish often take up residence off the Mid Atlantic coast from
Virginia to New Jersey. During a typical season, most yellowfin tuna are caught
in depths of 30 -50 fathoms. Occasionally the best fishing occurs inshore or
offshore of their typical summer grounds.
Popular lures for catching yellowfin tuna vary considerably from port to
port. In most areas, green machines, small bullet-shaped lures, tuna spreader bars, artificial squid
daisy chains, ballyhoo/sea witch combinations are among the most effective lures.
Most boats troll for tuna at 5.5 - 7 knots, depending on sea conditions and
other factors.
One very important note on yellowfin fishing is the use of a long center line
rig. Most anglers prefer to run a large boone bird with several vinyl squid
trailing, followed by a green machine, back as far as possible on the center
line. This can be 300 or more feet back depending on the boat, reel, weather,
traffic, and the wishes of the crew. This rig can be absolutely deadly and at times
it catches more yellowfin tuna than all other rigs combined.
By July, yellowfin can be chunked as well as trolled and may be anywhere from
inside the 20 fathom line out to 1000 fathoms. Often they will appear in 30
fathoms in mid summer. Finding pods of bait is usually the key to success in
catching yellowfin.
Finding mid season yellowfin working on bait can be very rewarding as the
fish will sometimes setup a summer pattern and be consistant for several weeks.
As the season progresses, the fish may also respond to repeated chunking and
become regular feeders at a site such as the 30 fathom line or the lumpy bottom.
Other years, the fish constantly appear and vanish without any regularity. This
can wear on the nerves of the captain and crew.
Offshore fishing enthusiasts often find the challenge of trolling for yellowfin, the thrill of the early morning
blitz, and the unique fight of these fish to be very rewarding in spite of the
times that they go home frustrated and empty handed.
Fishing for Bluefin Tuna
Trolling for Tuna
Daisy chains, spreader bars and other rigs for tuna fishing
Offshore fishing using spreader bars
Ballyhoo rigs
Cleaning Tuna
Seafood Recipes
Fishing Techniques
GPS Coordinates
