Blackfin Tuna Gulf of America’s Speed Demon
The Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) is the ultimate payoff on an extended Tampa Offshore Fishing expedition. While they may not reach the thousand-pound sizes of their larger cousins, the Blackfin is a compact powerhouse, celebrated for its relentless, stubborn fight and its exceptional, sushi-grade meat. When targeted, they offer fast and furious action over deep structure in the Gulf of America.
This comprehensive guide from FishnFL details the specialized tactics Captain Jason Dozier uses to locate and land these high-value pelagics, often on the same extended trips targeting Gag Grouper and Red Snapper.
The Blackfin Tuna Profile: Stubborn Strength
The Blackfin is the smallest of the tuna species but possesses the characteristic torpedo shape and incredible endurance of its family. They are dark black on the dorsal side with small black finlets, giving them their name.
Fight Style: Unlike the surface chaos of a Kingfish strike, the Blackfin Tuna fight is marked by powerful, deep circles and an unrelenting refusal to quit. They fight down and away from the boat, testing an angler’s stamina and the reel’s drag capacity for prolonged periods.
Habitat: Wrecks, Rigs, and the Blue Water
Blackfin Tuna are generally found over significant structure in the deep, blue waters outside the continental shelf, typically in depths exceeding 100 feet.
- Deep Structure: They consistently congregate around deep-water oil rigs, natural gas platforms, and large sunken wrecks far off the coast of Tampa Bay. These structures attract baitfish and provide an ecosystem magnet in the vast Gulf of America.
- The Lump/Shelf Edge: During the cooler months (especially winter/early spring), they are often found near known offshore anomalies like the Midnight Lump or along the steep edge of the continental shelf.
- Surface Activity: While they feed deep, they will often rise to the surface to attack schools of flying fish or baitfish, offering brief, explosive topwater action.
Tactical Mastery: Chumming, Jigging, and Trolling
Catching Blackfin requires a mixed bag of techniques, often utilizing both horizontal (trolling) and vertical (jigging) presentations.
1. Chumming and Live Baiting (The Fire Drill)
This is the most exciting and productive method when fish are located:
- Chumming: Deploying a consistent slick of finely ground chum (often frozen blocks of ground baitfish) is the key to drawing Blackfin up the water column, often pulling them away from the structure and toward the boat.
- Live Bait: Small live baits—Spanish Sardines, Threadfin Herring, or Cigar Minnows—are free-lined into the chum slick with minimal weight and light fluorocarbon leaders (30-50 lb test).
- The Technique: When the chum works, the school surfaces, and the action becomes a “fire drill” of multiple hookups, testing the quickness of the crew and anglers.
2. Vertical Jigging and Trolling
- Vertical Jigging: When Blackfin are holding tight to a deep structure, heavy metal jigs dropped and quickly retrieved vertically can be extremely effective, mimicking an injured baitfish. This provides an intense physical workout.
- Trolling: Trolling artificial lures, plugs, or rigged natural baits (like ballyhoo) is used primarily to locate the schools during the run to and from the deep-water structures.
3. Essential Gear: Fast Drag and Braid
- Reels: High-speed spinning reels ( to series) or conventional reels with powerful, smooth drag systems are essential. Blackfin make blistering initial runs.
- Line: 50 lb to 65 lb braided mainline is preferred for its low stretch, providing excellent sensitivity and max capacity.
- Leaders: 50 lb to 80 lb fluorocarbon leader is required, as they are often leader-shy and have excellent eyesight.
