Best Place for Tuna Fishing

by Pablo Koch-Schick March 17, 2025

If you’ve got tuna fever and let’s be honest, who doesn’t? Then pack your rods and reels because some of the best tuna fishing spots might be right in your backyard! Whether you’re chasing giant bluefin in icy northern waters or sprinting after big yellowfin tuna in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, there’s no shortage of action for anglers willing to cast a line.

But what if we told you that you don’t need to travel to Prince Edward Island or the Canary Islands for your dream catch? That’s right - St. Petersburg, Florida, is a burgeoning fishery that’s earning a reputation as one of the top destinations for tuna fishing. With year-round fishing opportunities, productive waters, and easy access to the eastern Gulf of Mexico, it’s the perfect spot to test your skills and your strength against these ocean powerhouses.

So grab your gear, load up on live bait, and get ready to reel in everything from blackfin tuna to bigeye tuna. Whether you’re after a trophy-sized bluefin tuna or a hefty yellowfin, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from species to techniques, to make your next trip unforgettable.

What Are the Top Tuna Species You Can Catch?

Bluefin Tuna: The Heavyweight Champion

If you’re dreaming of battling a giant bluefin, you’re not alone. Known for their sheer size and power, bluefin tuna are the big cow tuna of the ocean, with some tipping the scales at over 1,000 pounds - that’s more than most fishing boats want to wrestle with!

What is the largest tuna ever caught?

These deep-water beasts are built for long-distance travel, migrating thousands of miles through the Atlantic Ocean and eastern Pacific. Popular bluefin tuna fishing spots include Nova Scotia, Cape Cod, and even the Mississippi River mouth. But don’t overlook Florida’s Gulf Stream, it’s a prime hunting ground for this huge tuna, especially in peak tuna season during summer and fall.

If you’re after a giant bluefin, make sure you’re armed with spinning reels, live bait, and enough stamina to outlast these ocean gladiators.

Yellowfin Tuna: Speed Meets Strength

For anglers who love a fast-paced fight, the yellowfin tuna is your fish. These sleek, torpedo-shaped predators are built for speed, hitting bursts of up to 50 mph. Combine that with their ability to grow to 400 pounds, and it’s no wonder they’re a favorite for sport fishing magazine covers.

The best yellowfin tuna fishing is in the Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico, and Southern California, where anglers chase these hefty yellowfin in the warm waters. They’re also common near oil rigs and deep-water drop-offs, making them ideal targets for trolling or chunking and chumming.

Pro tip: Bring your A-game and a strong drag system - big yellowfin tuna are notorious for peeling lines faster than you can say, “Fish on!”

Albacore Tuna: Small but Mighty

Don’t let their smaller size fool you, albacore tuna are just as thrilling to catch. Known for their mild flavor and firm texture, they’re popular among anglers who appreciate both the fight and the feast.

Found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, and as far as New Zealand’s Pacific Bluefin territories, albacore tuna can reach up to 100 pounds. While they might not have the brute strength of their larger cousins, they more than make up for it with their speed and agility.

Whether you’re fishing the mid-Atlantic, eastern coast, or even near Rodrigues Island, albacore tuna offer an unforgettable fishing experience - perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Read more about the different types of tuna that you can catch.

Where Are the Best Tuna Fishing Spots?

East Coast Tuna Fishing: Is Bigger Always Better?

If you’re hunting for giant bluefin or hefty yellowfin, the East Coast has you covered. From Cape Cod and the Outer Banks to the Gulf Stream, these waters are loaded with big tuna ready to test your gear and your patience.

Bluefin tuna fishing is legendary off Nova Scotia and the New England coast, especially during peak tuna season in the summer and fall.
Yellowfin tuna fishing is hot in the Florida Keys and along the Mississippi River mouth, where warm currents and deep-water drop-offs create perfect feeding zones.
Albacore tuna make regular appearances in the Mid-Atlantic, giving anglers plenty of action without the back-breaking fights.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out Cape Cod for its reputation as a big cow tuna hotspot. Just be ready for a battle if you hook one!

West Coast Tuna Fishing: Is the Pacific Worth the Trip?

For anglers looking to mix adventure with their fishing experience, the West Coast doesn’t disappoint. From Southern California to Oregon, these waters offer productive fishing spots teeming with yellowfin tuna and albacore tuna.

San Diego is famous for big yellowfin tuna, with the Zane Grey Bank area drawing anglers from around the world.
Albacore tuna thrive in the eastern Pacific, offering plenty of action for those looking for a lighter fight.
New Zealand’s Pacific Bluefin is also a must-visit if you’re after trophy-sized catches in the western New Zealand waters.

And if you’re after bragging rights, the Revillagigedos Archipelago is where you’ll find huge tuna that make even seasoned anglers break a sweat.

International Tuna Fishing: Is It Worth Leaving the States?

While the U.S. has plenty of top destinations, some anglers crave international waters for that once-in-a-lifetime fishing experience.

The Canary Islands and Ivory Coast are hotspots for bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean.
Reunion Island and Rodrigues Island near the Indian Ocean are famous for big cow tuna and year-round opportunities.
Prince Edward Island and the Canadian Maritimes are top picks for chasing giant bluefin during peak tuna season.

But let’s be honest, why go halfway around the world when St. Petersburg, Florida, offers year-round fishing opportunities and some of the most productive waters right here in the Gulf of Mexico?

What Are the Best Techniques for Catching Tuna?

Is Trolling the Most Popular Tuna Fishing Method?

Ask any seasoned angler, and they’ll tell you trolling is one of the best ways to catch yellowfin tuna and bluefin tuna. Why? Because it mimics a school of baitfish, triggering the predatory instincts of these ocean giants.

Use spinning reels and live bait like mackerel or squid to tempt bigeye tuna and blackfin tuna into striking.
Cover productive waters quickly, especially in the Gulf Stream and eastern coast, to increase your chances of landing a trophy fish.

Pro Tip: Keep multiple lines in the water at different depths to maximize your odds, sometimes bluefin tuna swim deeper while yellowfin stay closer to the surface.

Can Chunking and Chumming Attract Big Tuna?

Absolutely! If you want to target big yellowfin tuna or even giant bluefin, chunking and chumming can make all the difference.

Chunking involves cutting bait into large pieces and scattering them to draw tuna into a feeding frenzy.
Chumming uses finely ground fish parts to create an irresistible scent trail.
Both methods work especially well in deep-water areas near oil rigs, Cape Cod, and Mississippi River mouth offers where tuna tend to gather.

Hot Tip: Keep an eye on the birds, diving seabirds often signal schools of tuna below the surface.

Is Jigging and Popping the Most Fun Way to Catch Tuna?

If you’re up for a challenge, jigging and popping might be your style. These methods require skill, speed, and a little bit of luck, but the payoff is worth it.

Jigging mimics the motion of injured fish, luring yellowfin tuna and albacore tuna to strike.
Popping creates splashes on the surface, imitating distressed baitfish and attracting aggressive strikes from big tuna.
Both methods are popular in areas like San Diego, Southern California, and the Indian Ocean, where warm waters are teeming with life.

Pro Tip: Pack extra jigs and poppers, you’ll want backups if a huge tuna snaps your line mid-fight.

Ready to Catch Big Tuna? Book Your Charter with Reel Coquina Now!

Whether you’re chasing giant bluefin, hefty yellowfin, or mighty albacore, one thing’s for sure - tuna fishing is an experience like no other. From heart-pounding strikes to epic battles, every trip is a chance to land the catch of a lifetime.

And the best part? You don’t need to travel to Prince Edward Island, the Canary Islands, or the Indian Ocean for world-class tuna fishing spots. With year-round fishing opportunities and access to productive waters, St. Petersburg, Florida, is the perfect place to hook your next trophy.

At Reel Coquina Fishing, Captain Pablo Koch-Schick and his experienced crew know the waters, and the tuna, like the back of their hand. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, they’ll make your trip unforgettable. From expert tips to top-of-the-line gear, they’ve got everything you need to reel in big tuna and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Book your charter today and let’s get out there because the best tuna fishing isn’t just a dream. It’s right here in St. Petersburg.

Call Captain Pablo at 404-438-8732 or email pablokochschick@gmail.com to start your adventure!