The most colorful of the tuna family if your going to have a tuna mount then this is it. Getting it's name for it brightly colored elongated second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back almost to the tail on older species with their yellowish color. They are a marvel to behold in their natural environments and look just as good hanging on the walls. Just as in the case of other game fish species there is no reason not to release unless you wish to keep one for the grill. With modern mounting practices an angler should get pictures and measurements and have a fiberglass replica made and release this species to fight another day. Yellowfin habits and habitat is like it's other tuna cousin. Found far offshore swimming in fast moving schools they have been known to come closer to shore than other species of the tuna family. Best bets for hook ups is by trolling or drifting using chum to bring closer to the boat. Best baits include artificial as well as naturals, best times is during the warmer months of the year. Their diet consist of flying fish, small school fish, squid and small crustaceans. Commercially the most valuable of the tuna family, they are a hard determine fighter and prized for the meat. But unless you are really in need of some tuna steaks give this spectacular specimen of the deep blue a reprieve from the grill. After all they have enough trouble avoiding those damn commercial fishermen.
State Records: 210 pounds Gulf of Mexico
May 7, 1989
Alex Koumonduros, Houston
World Record: 388 pounds, 12 ounces Mexico
April 1, 1977
Curt Wiesenhutter