Blackfin Tuna Fishing Guide: Jigging, Trolling, and Live Bait Tactics

Blackfin Tuna Will Make You Forget About Trolling Ballyhoo

Last winter off Cape Hatteras, we boated 23 blackfin tuna in a single day using nothing but vertical jigs. Not one trolling rod touched the water. That is the kind of day blackfin fishing can deliver when you use the right techniques in the right spots, and it is why I think jigging for blackfins is one of the most underrated offshore fisheries on the East Coast.

The world record blackfin stands at 49 pounds 6 ounces, and North Carolina's state record is 40 pounds 11 ounces. These are not giants compared to yellowfin or bluefin, but they are scrappy, plentiful, and absolutely delicious. A 15 to 25 pound blackfin on spinning tackle will give you everything you want in an offshore fight.

Species Overview

The blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) is the smallest member of the tuna family commonly targeted by recreational anglers in the Atlantic. They range from Cape Cod to Brazil, but the best fishing concentrates from North Carolina south through the Florida Keys and into the Gulf of Mexico.

Blackfins are built like miniature torpedoes. They are fast, aggressive, and travel in large schools. Unlike yellowfin tuna, which can be finicky, blackfins are willing biters. They attack jigs, topwater plugs, trolled lures, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. They are also more willing to hit topwater lures than their yellowfin cousins, which makes for explosive surface action.

On the table, blackfin tuna are outstanding. The meat is lighter and milder than yellowfin, perfect for sashimi, searing, or grilling. A cooler full of blackfins is never a bad day. For a broader look at tuna species and tactics, check out our main tuna fishing guide.

Where to Find Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are a Gulf Stream fish. They gather over the Continental Shelf where warm Gulf Stream water pushes over offshore rocks, ledges, and structure. The key is finding the right combination of depth, temperature, and bottom structure.

Off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, blackfins stack up from November through April where the Gulf Stream comes closest to shore. The 100 fathom curve sits just 30 miles offshore here, putting world class tuna fishing within easy reach of small boats. I have had some of my best days jigging over humps and ledges in 90 to 200 feet of water off Hatteras.

Off South Carolina, blackfins school up in winter and spring over artificial reefs and natural bottom in 120 to 300 feet. Charleston and Georgetown are popular departure ports.

In South Florida and the Keys, blackfin fishing peaks from December through May. Fish run bigger here, with 20 pounders common in April and May. Target color changes, temperature breaks, rips, and wrecks between 90 and 300 feet. Kite fishing off Miami in 50 to 150 feet of water is particularly effective for bigger blackfins.

The common thread everywhere is water temperature. Blackfins prefer 72 to 82 degree water. Find the color change where blue Gulf Stream water meets green shelf water, and you have found the fish.

Techniques for Catching Blackfin Tuna

Vertical Jigging

This is the technique that changed blackfin fishing for me. Vertical jigging with foot long metal jigs is more productive than trolling ballyhoo in many situations. Guys who switch from trolling to jigging regularly boat 20 to 30 blackfins a day when the bite is on.

Drop a butterfly jig or speed jig to the bottom (or to the depth where your sonar marks fish) and work it back up with sharp, aggressive rips. Blackfins typically hold between the surface and about 80 to 100 feet, above where the amberjack hang out. Slow pitch jigs with a fluttering fall action also produce well over humps and deep wrecks.

Diamond jigs in 4 to 8 ounce sizes are another solid option, especially when fish are holding in the 60 to 120 foot range. The flash and vibration on the drop triggers reaction strikes from blackfins that might ignore a trolled bait passing overhead.

Trolling

Traditional trolling still catches plenty of blackfins. Small trolling lures and trolling skirts in the 6 to 9 inch range work well. Cedar plugs, feathers, and Rapala CD Mag 14 plugs are proven producers. Run them on a 30 pound fluorocarbon leader at 6 to 8 knots.

Sea witch lures paired with a ballyhoo or strip bait are a classic combination that still works. Troll a spread of 4 to 6 lines at varying distances behind the boat to cover different depths. Our trolling lures for beginners guide walks you through setting up a proper spread.

That said, I have found that jigging consistently outproduces trolling for blackfins on the days when we have tried both methods side by side. Trolling is great for covering water and locating fish, but once you find them, switch to vertical jigs for maximum action.

Live Bait and Power Drifting

Power drifting with live pinfish, pilchards, or fresh squid catches the biggest blackfins. Rig a live bait on a 4/0 to 6/0 circle hook with a 30 to 40 pound fluorocarbon leader and drift it back in the current at various depths.

Off Miami, kite fishing is extremely effective for blackfins. Suspend live baits at 50 to 150 feet deep using a kite and outrigger system. This keeps the bait near the surface where blackfins are actively feeding. It is a technique more anglers should try.

Chunking with cut bait works too. Toss a steady stream of cut sardines, herring, or squid pieces behind the boat to create a chum slick. Then fish J hooks or live bait hooks in the slick with a piece of cut bait or a live offering. This draws blackfins right to the boat.

Topwater Fishing

Here is something most anglers do not realize: blackfin tuna are more willing to attack topwater lures than yellowfin. When blackfins are busting bait on the surface, casting poppers and stick baits into the frenzy produces savage strikes. Use 40 to 65 pound braided line with a short fluorocarbon leader for this approach.

Topwater fishing for blackfins is best in calm conditions when you can see surface activity. Morning hours tend to produce the best topwater bites. It is the most exciting way to catch these fish and a technique that more offshore anglers should add to their arsenal.

Tackle Setup for Blackfin Tuna

For jigging and popping, a medium to medium heavy spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range paired with a 4000 to 6000 size spinning reel is ideal. Spool with 30 to 50 pound braided line and use a wind on leadering system for quick connections to your 30 to 40 pound fluorocarbon leader.

For trolling, standard offshore trolling rods with 20 to 30 pound class conventional reels work perfectly. You do not need the heavy gear required for yellowfin or bluefin. Match your monofilament leaders to 30 to 40 pound test for optimal results.

Good pliers and a dehooking tool are essential. Blackfins bleed easily, so handle them carefully if you plan to release any. If you are similar to most anglers and want to keep some for the table, bring a sharp knife and plenty of ice. Bleed them immediately for the best meat quality. For tips on targeting wahoo and mahi mahi on the same trips, check out those guides as well.

Best Seasons for Blackfin Tuna

Off North Carolina (Hatteras, Morehead City), peak blackfin season runs November through April. Winter is prime time when the Gulf Stream pushes warm water over the shelf edge. Some of the best jigging days happen in January and February.

Off South Carolina, expect good blackfin action from December through April. Winter and early spring see the densest schools over offshore structure.

In South Florida and the Keys, blackfin season runs from October through June, with the biggest fish (20 pounds and over) showing up in April and May. The Keys produce excellent jigging and trolling action throughout winter.

In the Gulf of Mexico, blackfins show up around oil platforms and natural structure from November through March. Louisiana and Alabama are the most productive Gulf ports.

The consistent factor is water temperature. Target the 72 to 82 degree range in the Gulf Stream or along temperature breaks for the best action. Use satellite sea surface temperature charts to plan your trips.

Pro Tips for Blackfin Tuna

• Ditch the ballyhoo. Vertical jigging outproduces trolling ballyhoo on most days. If you have not tried jigging for blackfins, you are missing out on catching 2 to 3 times more fish.
• Use 30 to 40 pound fluoro. Blackfins have good eyesight. Heavy fluorocarbon is invisible enough underwater while providing abrasion resistance around structure.
• Find the right depth. Blackfins typically hold between the surface and 80 to 100 feet. They sit above the amberjack zone but below where bonito cruise. Use your sonar to dial in the exact depth.
• Watch for color changes. The edge where blue Gulf Stream water meets greener shelf water concentrates baitfish and blackfins. This is your primary target zone.
• Try flutter style irons. Butterfly jigs with a fluttering fall action drive blackfins crazy. Let the jig flutter on the drop, then rip it up. Most strikes come on the fall.
• Bleed your fish immediately. Cut a gill and let the fish bleed out in a bucket before putting it on ice. This produces the cleanest, best tasting meat for sashimi or grilling.
• Fish the humps and ledges. Underwater structure that rises up from deeper water concentrates bait and creates current breaks where blackfins ambush their prey. Mark these spots on your GPS.
• Bring extra jigs. When the bite is hot and you are catching 20 to 30 fish a day, jigs take a beating. Carry at least a dozen in various weights and colors.

Know Before You Go: Regulations change frequently. Always check current size limits, bag limits, seasons, and gear restrictions with your state fisheries agency before heading out. For Atlantic species, visit ASMFC.org for interstate management updates.

Let Us Help You Gear Up for Blackfin Season

Blackfin tuna fishing is one of the most rewarding offshore pursuits on the East Coast. The action is fast, the techniques are fun, and the eating is excellent. Browse our full selection of offshore fishing lures including butterfly jigs, speed jigs, and trolling lures to get your blackfin arsenal dialed in. Contact The Tackle Room anytime for help choosing the right jigs and tackle for your next trip.

Questions about tackle? Call us at 888.453.3742 or email help@thetackleroom.com.