Family fishing on Destin’s Finest Kind Carter Boat (image source: Sam Carlson)
Did you know there are many exciting things to do in Destin Florida with family? Whether you’ve vacationed here before or are new to the Emerald Coast, you might not be aware of the many unforgettable activities this family friendly area has to offer.
From deep sea fishing and kayaking through natural springs to ziplining and playing laser tag, your family can fill each day of your Destin vacation with fun activities your kids won’t stop talking about for a long time to come.
Make some memories with this list of adventurous things to do in Destin Florida with family:
1. Harborwalk Zipline – Your family can feel like you’re flying over Destin’s Harborwalk while taking in views of the water and the action of the shops and activities below. Stick to just the zipline or choose a package with other activities, like the rock climb or free fall.
2. Coldwater Excursions – Looking to bring your family away from the crowds? Try taking canoes, kayaks or paddle boards through the area’s cold springs. You’ll be surrounded by wilderness as you glide through the calm water.
3. Big Kahuna’s – If you’ll be around during open season from April through September and are looking for things to do in Destin Florida with kids, head to this water park. Your family can shoot down slides, through pipelines and on racers. Plus, you can swim and relax in the rivers and pools. The adjacent adventure park has mini golf and offers thrills on the skycoaster that takes you soaring through the air on a bungee. Three people can ride together!
4. Escapology – Book a private escape room adventure just for your family! You get to choose the theme, and once you’re put in the designated room, you’ll need to work together as a group to find your way out using clues and hidden objects before the time runs out.
5. Thrill’s Laser Tag and Arcade – You’ll get a high-level laser tag experience for your family inside the Temple of Doom, which creates an immersive setting for competing. During your visit, don’t miss the fun games at the on-site arcade or the ice cream parlor.
6. Xtreme H20 – Choose from exciting water-based activities, whether you’d prefer to rent jet skis, parasail over the water or take a pontoon boat. Go off on your own Destin adventure as a family or let a professional lead the way through a tour. There are even dolphin tours where you can spot real dolphins up close! Set off from whichever of the four locations is most convenient.
7. Urban Air – Looking for more adventurous things to do in Destin Florida? At this indoor adventure park, your kids can shoot down slides, ride bumper cars and go-karts, climb, do a version of skydiving, jump on trampolines, compete on a warrior course and so much more.
8. Fat Daddy’s Arcade – Have a fun indoor day at the arcade, where you can play classic games, try your hand at basketball hoops, see if you can get a prize through an e-claw game or try interactive games. There are too many games to name, so you’ll have to visit to see which ones you want to play!
9. The Track – If you want to up the ante with Destin family activities, head to The Track, which lets you ride on the go-karts, try blaster boats and do thrill rides. This location also has a Fat Daddy’s Arcade, so you get the best of both worlds.
10. Mobile Sports – Try a banana boat experience, which can take your entire family of six to 12 on a unique boat that looks like two bananas put together. The trip is an hour and a half, which includes 20 to 30 minutes on the banana boat while it’s pulled along by a boat, and you have the choice to take commemorative photos as keepsakes.
11. Emerald Coast Science Center – Explore science in a fun way through interactive experiences like robotic units, a marine exhibit with a boat to climb on, a dino dig pit to learn about paleontology, a space exhibit and much more. There are also animal exhibits with a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles.
12. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park – Kids and adults of all ages can have fun visiting the dolphin oasis and the rehabilitating manatees at this marine park. This one spot has so many things to do in Destin Florida with family, including having dolphin encounters, holding baby gators, snorkeling with stingrays and getting up close to sea lions, penguins and more.
13. Rainforest Black Light Golf & Arcade – If regular mini golf isn’t exciting enough for your family, try this unique twist on the experience. You’ll play 18 holes in a rainforest-themed atmosphere lit up by black lights. There’s also an arcade on site for some extra fun. This is a great activity for a rainy day, to take a break from the sun or simply as another item on your list of fun things to do in Destin!
14. Gator Beach – For a memorable outing in Destin, your family shouldn’t miss a visit to Gator Beach. This spot gives you the real Florida experience of getting up close to real alligators. You can hold the babies and even get a chance to safely feed gators. Watch shows and listen to on-site experts teaching about the gator residents. For something exclusive, try the VIP gator experience or the discovery tour.
15. Buccaneer Pirate Cruise – Your family will have a great time on this unique Destin cruise. Choose from a daytime or sunset cruise that each lasts for a couple of hours. While you’re aboard, you and your kids can pretend you’re living a swashbuckling life as you take part in pirate-themed treasure hunts, singing, sword fighting and more.
16. Timberview Helicopters – Taking a helicopter ride is one of the thrilling things to do in Destin Florida with family that your kids won’t stop talking about. A family of four can fit inside the chopper for the ride, and you can pick from different tours of the area.
17. Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone – Spend a day at this nearby amusement park, where your family can try a tree top rope course, ride the grand prix race tracks, play on bumper boats and do the ptero jump bungee trampoline that lets you safely jump and flip, among other activities.
18. Finest Kind – In an area that’s known for its fishing, you won’t want to miss an outing on the Finest Kind. Choose from different amounts of time to be out on the water, and an experienced captain will take your whole family on this deep sea charter fishing boat that’s dedicated to family fun. Everything you need for fishing, from bait and tackle to licensing, is included.
In addition to enjoying the beach and restaurants our friendly beach town has to offer, think about trying ziplining, a helicopter ride, an adventure park and some of the other exciting activities on our list. We can’t wait for you to experience for yourself the many things to do in Destin Florida with family!
Don’t miss out on your deep sea fishing trip while you’re in Destin! To bring your family with a captain who knows where the fish are, book your Finest Kind Charter boat trip today.
The mighty Amberjack is one of the most formidable foes in the Gulf. These elusive beasts are caught regularly in the Destin, FL area but Amberjack charter excursions book up quickly. From avid deep sea fishermen to first-timers, everyone wants a piece of the Amberjack!
Destin is the Place to Nab Amberjack
Dreaming of a trip down to the Gulf Coast to try your luck catching a few fish? If you plan your trip for Spring you’ll have the best chance of landing a huge sport fist, and maybe even the elusive Amberjack. Planning ahead is crucial this time of year as sport fishers know which captains can find the Amberjack most easily and book their charters well in advance. Booking your boat well in advance will ensure you’ve got an experienced, skilled captain and crew on hand to help you track down one of the most exciting fish in the Gulf.
Plenty of folks drive to Destin from Atlanta or Birmingham to take advantage of the emerald-green waters and powdery sand. There’s a lot of great shopping here, tons of excellent seafood, and plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, too. One of the best kept secrets about Destin, though, is that it’s a world-class deep sea fishing destination.
Charter boat excursions are great for all kinds of groups:
Families including small children love the thrill of the catch
Fishing tours are popular among Bachelor parties and guys’ trips
Avid fishermen flock to Destin to reel in record-breaking Cobia and Amberjack
What Makes Amberjack So Popular with Anglers?
Size wise, adult Greater Amberjacks can weigh up to 200 pounds and grow to six feet long. But most Amberjacks average between 20 and 40 pounds. Also, if you’re looking for a fight, Amberjack will not disappoint. Their average catch size, along with the fact that many anglers think of them as one of the hardest-fighting species in the Gulf of Mexico, make Amberjack a formidable opponent.
Amberjacks taste good, as well. They have a rich, buttery flavor described by some as a mix between Tuna and Mahi-Mahi. Plus, they cook nicely, either baked, broiled, pan-fried, grilled, or smoked. So, it’s not hard to see what makes Amberjack so popular among Gulf Anglers. And, just in case you’re wondering, Amberjack gets its name from the amber stripe that runs from its nose to its tail.
Fishing for Amberjack vs Other Fish
Known for some of the world’s best fishing, Florida’s Emerald Coast is teeming with too many species of fish to list. But some of the most common catches you might hook on a typical day include Red Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and several types of sharks. Red Snapper is the most popular target for area fishermen. They’re smaller on average than Amberjack and more plentiful. Grouper can be challenging and great fun to catch. Cobia congregate closer to shore than Amberjack.
Destin is “The World’s Luckiest Little Fishing Village”
Record-sized catches off its coast in many different species earned Destin, FL the title of “The World’s Luckiest Little Fishing Village.” Notable records include the largest Gag Grouper ever caught at 80 pounds, six ounces, Florida’s biggest Red Snapper at 46 pounds, 8 ounces, and the world’s largest Warsaw Grouper, a whopping 436 pounds, 12 ounces. Destin also has one of the world’s largest concentrations of expert boat captains and well-maintained fleets. For catching Amberjack, or any of Florida’s many types of fish, few destinations rival Destin. And, while the largest Amberjack – 142 pounds – ever caught in Florida was reeled in off Islamorada, Amberjacks are pretty much everywhere in the Gulf Coast area.
Along with being one of the world’s top saltwater fishing locations, Destin also doubles as a popular family vacation spot. The area has a mix of small, medium, and large amusement parks that cater to families with children of all ages. Destin’s HarborWalk Village features shopping, nightlife, live entertainment, weekly fireworks, seasonal festivals, and enough restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. You can also catch a dolphin cruise there as well as rent all types of watercraft including jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. And, for those who just have to squeeze in a day of shopping, Destin Commons has over 60 outlet stores representing many of the top brands.
How to Catch an Amberjack
The Amberjack, in particular, is a fish that is challenging to find and catch. Certain charter boats have good “luck” season after season, helping charter guests reel in huge Amberjacks time and again. Turns out, it’s not luck after all. The right captain and charter boat crew can mean all the difference in fining a trophy Amberjack and coming home empty handed which is why it’s important to choose your charter boat carefully. There are plenty of “bargain” fishing tours in Destin…don’t be fooled!
Amberjack fishing techniques include bottom fishing (anchored or drifting), jigging with a baited or metal jig along the bottom or near oil rigs, trolling near oil rigs, chumming, and plunking. In case you’re wondering, the plunking method requires a heavy rig that keeps your bait in one place on the bottom as opposed to drifting, which bounces the bait along the bottom as the boat moves.
If you’re serious about fishing for Amberjack, consider taking a charter boat out of Destin Harbor. Area captains know the ins and outs of fishing for Amberjack as well as most species of fish found in the Gulf of Mexico. Many captains and deckhands grew up on the water and are third or fourth-generation charter operators.
If you’re looking for a fight to the end, you’re in the right place. Amberjack never gives up on the way up. They fight hard from start to finish. If you’re looking for the thrill of reeling in an Amberjack – or any of the 50 or so types of fish found in the Gulf of Mexico – then Destin, Florida is the place to be. Destin is home to North America’s largest commercial fishing fleet.
Taking a successful Amberjack trip can leave you with memories that will carry you for years to come. Since the fish swim so deeply you’ll typically want to book a half- or whole-day charter to ensure you get out in the open ocean where these beasts like to roam.
Worst case scenario? You spend a beautiful day on the open ocean with the wind in your hair and your friends and family by your side.
Best case scenario? You come home with a prize-winning story about the Amberjack of a lifetime.
Want to know how to catch a tuna in the Gulf of Mexico? The answer is to troll with live bait or a large chunk of cut bait. There are a handful of tuna species in the Gulf and many of the other big-game fish will rise to a nice chunk of cut bait or a larger live bait offering.
Spotting The Tuna Species
Once you hit the gulf you want to look for deep water. Water temperature also plays a big role in where tuna are located as the temperature of the water will impact where the bait fish are feeding.
Yellowfin Tuna – 240 pounds is the Florida Record [1]
Best Bait – Live bait works best, but you can do well with a whole fish carcass too. Menhaden is a top option as are mullet, and threadfin herring. While bait is important, it must be paired with the correct trolling speed. You want your bait to sit just under the water’s surface. If it is too deep the tuna may bypass it. If it is bouncing on the top of the water the tuna will likely ignore it. Trolling speeds of 4–7 knots are ideal.
Best Destinations – Louisiana to Florida offer some of the best tuna fishing in the Gulf. The deep water off of Destin, Florida is a big game fish haven.
What To Look For – Warm top water around 72° F range. Tuna feed in the top water column over deep water. Look for the correct water temperature to 300 feet deep. Visually, look for birds feeding on the surface, which indicates a surface school of baitfish. You can also look for rippled water – the tuna swim and disrupt the water’s surface as they chase baitfish. If you are in the thick of a hunt, you might even see small baitfish jumping out of the water.
Little Tunny – The False Albacore – Record 35.3 pounds
Best Bait – many options work well. Live bait and cut bait are two of the best, but you can also use flies, jigs, and lures – feather lures work well.
Best Destinations – Coastal waters to deep waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico all the way up the Atlantic seaboard. In short, they are everywhere and as a schooling fish, you will need to see the signs of their presence to nail them.
What To Look For – Flocks of birds feeding -diving, calling, crying, and more diving – structures from wrecks to reefs, water temperature from 60-80° F. If you find baitfish, you will likely find little tunny.
Bluefin – Record 826.5 Pounds – Destin, Florida
Best Bait – Live or cut bait is your best option. Bluefin prefer herring, squid, and skipjack. Bigger baitfish will work and help you to attract larger tuna.
Best Destinations – Destin, Florida is one of the best due to the way the coastal waters and continental shelf slope quickly into deep water. In the sloping water is where you will find bluefin.
What To Look For – The margin where coastal waters become deep waters. That zone is a hunting ground for bluefin which are chasing baitfish, skipjacks, herring, etc.
Skipjack – Record 33 pounds 8 ounces
Best Bait – Herring is an excellent bait for skipjack – live or as cut bait. They also respond to jigs and lures, such as swimbaits and plugs.
Best Destinations – Skipjack tuna are all over the place. If you are looking for younger fish for bait, stay inshore near structures. If you are looking for the bigger adults, they are often mixed with yellowfin tuna on the hunt.
What To Look For – Baitfish balls are an excellent indicator of skipjack. These are schooling predatory tuna, and they will seek big masses of baitfish. Look for diving birds feeding on baitfish and fish near structures such as wrecks, and reefs where baitfish may seek shelter from predation.
How To Catch Tuna
Aprilis the best spring month to fish tuna off of Florida. The next opportunity is November and December which is when the fall/winter runs peak. Tuna are present year-round, but peak season and their migratory nature mean that the best time to catch tuna is when their season peaks.
The best way to catch Tuna is by trolling with live bait or whole dead bait. Sometimes jigs and spoons or lures will work, but mostly that is species-specific. The smaller tuna can be taken with many different bait types – flies, jigs, lures, live bait, etc. If you are targeting trophy tuna, then live or whole dead bait is ideal.
Tuna Fishing Techniques
Trolling
Trolling is the act of towing your bait and hook behind the boat generally at slow speeds. There is an art to trolling, and you can learn how it works on most charter boats. The speed by which you troll will vary depending on the type of bait you use. The bait should be just under the water’s surface and not bouncing on the top of the water. The size of your bait will act differently at different trolling speeds. You can adjust the speed to keep the bait where it belongs.
Chumming
Chumming is the act of adding fish, fish juice, fish oil, or live fish to the water in hopes of attracting big game fish to your boat. You can chum for tuna and the method works well for the smaller species since they swim in schools. The big species of tuna may congregate around chum or baitfish schools and follow them. Bluefin tuna also swim in schools, and they consume a lot of fish It would take a lot of chum to keep a school of bluefin tuna near your boat. These fish are constantly moving and chasing baitfish such as herring.
Fly Fishing
Because the smaller species of tuna feed near the surface and in schools, you can fly fish for them. Pink streamers and fish mimics are two types of flies that may attract Little Tunny and Skipjack Tuna.
Tuna Fishing Tips
Bait Options
Most species of tuna will prefer live bait, and you want to size the bait to the species. For example, bluefin tuna need a larger hunk of bait than skipjack tuna. You can also use cut bait and you want to make sure that is an oily fish that will leave a trail. Some tuna will take jigs and lures. All will take live bait. If you are not catching tuna you should consider switching to another type of bait – live, dead, or artificial.
Trolling Speeds
Presenting bait to tuna is an equal part of bait selection and boat speed. Trolling for tuna is one of the most effective ways to catch them. To do that effectively, you need to keep the bait swimming just under the water’s surface. If you troll too quickly the bait will bounce along the top of the water and tuna will have a difficult time taking it. If the speed is too slow the live bait will swim all over the place and make it difficult for the tuna to take it. If you use dead, whole fish for bait, the swim nature of the fish in the wake, will be gentle and easy for the tuna to take it. Under 7 knots is generally a good place to start.
The Right Gear
Rods – The fishing rod needs to be stout. Many anglers prefer rods in the 5′ 6″ to 6-foot length. You want the rod to be able to clear the boat but also provide enough leverage to tire out the fish.
Reels – A 4,000 series reel is a good middle ground. If your options include a pound number aim for a 130-pound reel. Charter boats will have all the gear dialed in and ready to go.
Line – Some anglers prefer braided line, but mono has been the standard for big fish for a while.
Lures – Fishing for tuna is a big industry, and you will find lures specific to tuna. Most are mimics of live bait, such as flying fish lures, squid lures, herring lures, etc. When choosing a lure keep it simple and try to match the food sources that tuna naturally consume. These are big, predatory fish that have honed the art of eating into a very streamlined set of instincts. Mimic what tuna eat naturally.
Clothing – Dress to be comfortable – warm, dry, cool – the weather will be variable, wet, windy, salty, and hot all at the same time. The three most important pieces of clothing for tuna fishing are:
Fishing regulations change from one day to the next. Be sure to stay up to date on current regulations by visiting the Fish and Game Authority site for the state in which you fish. In addition, you will need to not only pay attention to state regulations but also to federal regulations too.
Currently – 2023
Skipjack and Albacore have no size restriction.
Yellowfin must be 27″ or longer from the nose to the tail fork with three yellowfin being the bag limit per trip.
Bluefin – Federal regulations are currently not permitting the targeting of bluefin tuna in the Gulf since it is an area where they spawn. This rule may be subject to change based on current conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Does a Tuna Fish Get? – Bluefin is the largest of the tuna species and a giant fish can be 13 feet long and weigh 2,000 pounds.
Where Can You Catch Tuna? – Tuna fish are available in all tropical and subtropical waters. The Gulf of Mexico is a natural area for tuna and one of the world’s top destinations includes the Gulf waters off of Florida.
What Do Tuna Fish Eat? – Tuna feed on baitfish, shrimp, squid, and some crustaceans. The biggest part of their diet is small fish, such as herring, menhaden, Cigar minnows, etc.
Fishing line can last for several years to a single season or less. How long the fishing line lasts depends on the type of fishing line you use. Braided line lasts the longest – up to several years. Monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing lines last the shortest amount of time and many need replacing after a single season or even sooner. How you store and care for your fishing gear, also makes a big difference in the durability of fishing line.
Fishing Line Basics
Fishing is one of the most important parts of fishing gear. There are three main types of fishing line which include:
Monofilament line – mono fishing line is a single nylon fiber produced by extruding liquid nylon into a solid and strong fiber or line. It is produced similarly as is metal wires.
Fluorocarbon fishing line – is made of fluoride resin which is extruded into a single fiber and line.
Braided fishing line – A braid of fibers such as nylon or Dacron – tiny filaments of nylon or Dacron is braided together to make a finished fishing line.
“Which type of line is the best fishing line,” is a common question and the answer can start a heated debate. For big trophy fishing, such as marlin or sailfish fishing, monofilament is often used. Over the last decade, braided line has become the go-to fishing line for many anglers, simply because it lasts the longest and is highly advertised. Fluorocarbon is also a go-to type of line because it offers the highest invisibility in the water. Mono has been around forever, and it is often the cheapest choice, but it is hard to beat mono even though it has drawbacks. In fact, all three types of fishing lines have drawbacks, and many are chosen by top anglers based on the type of fishing those anglers are pursuing.
To make it more confusing, anglers can combine fishing line types, such as using a braided line with a mono or fluorocarbon leader.
Saltwater vs Freshwater Line
Many anglers believe that saltwater and freshwater fishing lines are the same. In fact, they are made of the same materials, but the saltwater fishing line is often thinner in diameter than freshwater fishing line. Is there such as thing as freshwater and saltwater fishing lines? No, not really. The difference is that anglers can choose the diameter of the lines based on the type of fishing they do.
Saltwater is denser than freshwater and that means that heavier objects have an easier time floating. That’s important if you are fishing topwater in a saltwater setting. A thinner diameter fishing line will float more easily in a saltwater setting than in freshwater.
Braided line has become very popular for both freshwater and saltwater fishing because it offers the same pound-test rating in a thinner diameter line.
The thinner diameter of the saltwater fishing line also means that it has less drag when it is windy, and it is often windy when you fish the briny deep. We mentioned the three types of fishing and still recommend mono as your first choice. Not only is mono less expensive than either fluorocarbon or braided line, but it is also remarkably durable in saltwater.
Mono line offers thinner diameters and strength. It also has remarkable knot strength and is mostly invisible in water. It is not as invisible as the fluorocarbon line, but it is more durable. It is not as strong as a braided line when compared to the same diameter, but it is remarkably strong when matched in a pound test to the fish you target.
Types of Saltwater Fishing Lines
Monofilament – Fairly rugged. Mono fishing line is the go-to standard. It is affordable, holds up well, and works well for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Fluorocarbon – Stronger than mono but also more brittle. Fluorocarbon fishing line is prized because it is almost invisible in water. That means it works well on fish that are visual hunters and that might be put off if they see the line. One problem with the fluorocarbon fishing line is that it can nick and then becomes weak in that spot.
Braided – is the gold standard of fishing lines because it is stronger than either mono or fluorocarbon fishing lines and in a thinner diameter per pound test. For example, a 20-pound-test fishing line in braid will be much thinner than either mono or fluorocarbon fishing line. One of the drawbacks of a braided line is that it is highly visible in the water and that means you have to pair it with a mono fishing line leader or one made from fluorocarbon line.
How Long Does It Take to Wear Out
Both mono fishing line and fluorocarbon fishing line should be replaced at least annually. When you replace the fishing line on your rods depends on how you care for the line. If you leave the reel with line spooled on them in the sun they deteriorate quickly. If you do not clean the line, and it has sand or dirt on it, it will degrade.
Some anglers change mono and fluorocarbon lines seasonally. It is always advisable to change the line on your reels before a special trip. The line is literally the difference between the one that got away and the trophy you take home.
The braided line is becoming very popular because it lasts for years without the need to replace it. So long as the braid is in good repair, it will retain its strength and durability. You replace braided line when it begins to fray or has visible damage. That process can take a year to three years to occur.
What are the top-trusted makers/brands of saltwater fishing lines?
There are many brands of fishing line and some of the best include Suffix, Trilene, and Seaguar. The prices range between brands, but the quality is consistent.
Does it Really Matter?
The quality and condition of your fishing line matter a lot. Not only will poor quality and fishing line in poor repair cost you, but it can also ruin your fishing adventure. At the least, you will lose lures, hooks, bait, and leader material. At the worst, you will hook a trophy fish and battle it only to be left with a floppy end of line thanks to a line breakage. It is bad enough when you have a “One That Got Away” scenario, but it is made worse when the reason the fish got away is that you did not care enough to maintain or replace the fishing line on your reel. Okay, now you know. 🙂
In terms of the biggest tuna ever caught, you are looking at a monster that weighed 1496 pounds. The beast was a bluefin tuna and was nabbed off the coast of Nova Scotia. How big do tuna get? Well, they grow huge, but the maximum size will depend on the species of tuna and the Gulf of Mexico is a haven for tuna of all sizes. [1]
A Nice Tuna Catch
Tuna Species of the Gulf of Mexico
Tuna fish size ranges from the smaller Tunny and Skipjack to the massive bluefin and yellowfin.
Yellowfin – Fish with Baitfish, Squid, or Crustaceans
Yellowfin are found the world over, they are one of the most targeted tuna with around 12 million pounds caught by rod and reel around the world. [2] Yellowfin can grow to six feet in length and over 400 pounds.
Bluefin – The Biggest of the Tuna Species
If you are looking for a monster game fish, the bluefin tuna is likely a good target. They can grow to 13 feet in length and weigh upwards of 2000 pounds. That’s a ton of fish that is as long as two NBA basketball players. The record for a pole-caught blue tuna is 1495 pounds.
Blackfin – A Smaller, but Fun Tuna
Blackfin tuna reach a size of 39 inches and a weight of 46 pounds. Most anglers would rather target yellowfin or the elusive bluefin tuna, but the blackfin tuna is a strong fighter and very good to eat.
Little Tunny – A smaller variety with Trophies in the 30-37 pound range
Little tunny is a schooling tuna that feed on baitfish and crustaceans. You find them in open waters and along the coastal waters. Fishing little tunny is a big sport because while they are smaller tuna, they are strong, and they fight hard. You can also use little tunny as live or cut bait for bigger tuna and shark fishing. [3]
Skipjack – A Trophy is 25-33 Pounds
Skipjack is similar to little tunny in that they stay small and are schooling fish. You can target them with herring or baitfish, and you will find them in coastal and deep waters off of Florida and around the Gulf. These are not the biggest tuna, but they put up an amazing fight. Even at 20 pounds, they will bend the rod and fight.
Albacore – Thunnus alalunga – A True Tuna
A big albacore is going to be around 39 inches though as a species they can reach lengths upward of 51 inches. Unlike many tuna, you find albacore in schools without other species of tuna. By nature, these are highly migratory fish, and finding them may mean focusing on baitfish. April and May and Late fall are the best times to target albacore. [4]
Bigeye – A bigger version of Yellowfin
A trophy bigeye tuna will approach 5 feet in length. According to Sport Fishing Magazine, the record for bigeye tuna is 392 pounds six ounces. Bigeye are often found near the surface where they feed on baitfish, but they can also be deep at over 800 feet. [5]
Some of The Top Tuna Species Caught in the Gulf of Mexico
The holy grail of tuna fishing is the bluefin tuna. They are elusive fish that seem to be on everyone’s bucket list of big fish. In truth, the blackfin is likely to be a bigger fish. Yellowfin are another top tuna species for anglers who want to battle big fish.
In comparison, the world record for yellowfin is 388 pounds 12 ounces but in Florida, the record is 240 pounds. [6] According to American Oceans, the biggest bluefin tuna is 1496 pounds. [7] That is a massive difference in size which is why almost everyone wants to battle a bluefin. Our list of top tuna includes:
Bluefin
Blackfin
Yellowfin
Bigeye
What’s the biggest tuna ever caught?
The biggest tuna ever caught was the 1496-pound bluefin. In the Gulf of Mexico, the biggest tuna ever caught is thought to be the bluefin tuna caught by Ron Roland off the coast of Louisiana. It topped the scales at 1152 pounds. Both of these catches tell us why bluefin tuna is on everyone’s fishing bucket list. [8]
Conclusion
If you are wondering how to catch a tuna, the options are fairly simple – deep sea fishing while trolling with live or cut bait. One of the problems with fishing tuna in the Gulf is that the geologic structure of the Gulf is diverse. You need a captain that understands the topography of the deep water and the location of deep structures.
Tuna – all species – are highly migratory. So, fishing them requires that you know where they are right now as their location is not static. Many species of tuna range from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and elsewhere in the tropical waters of the globe. Even smaller species of tuna or small fish will put you on par with some of the best game fish on the globe.
Silver salmon, for example, is one of the most sought-after fighting fish around, and they weigh around 20 pounds. They do not compare in fight and strength to a small tuna. That is why tuna fishing is so popular. Not only do they fight hard, but they also taste good too.
While tuna is available all year long, April and May are great months to target tuna off the coast of Florida. November and December can also be peak months for tuna fishing in the Gulf while the summer months are busy for tuna anglers. What do you do between April and November? You fish for tuna or other big fish. A charter boat is probably going to be one of the best options you have to fish tuna during their peak season and also during the off-season.
How to Catch an Amberjack
