Yellowfin Tuna – How, When and Where to catch Yellowfin on the Eastern Shore and Delmarva
These Tuna are a highly prized fish by both commercial and recreational fishermen alike. Yellowfin tuna are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, with peak populations typically occurring in the western Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North America. yellowfin tuna are known for their speed and strength, making them a challenge to catch. However, their delicious flesh makes them well worth the effort.
Yellowfin migrate northward along the Eastern Shore each spring and summer, with many fish ultimately ending up in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and other Mid-Atlantic states. These states are fortunate to be in close proximity to the yellowfin tuna’s migratory patterns, allowing fishermen to target them virtually year-round.
While yellowfin can be caught offshore year-round, early spring through fall, while mid-summer is usually the absolute best time to target them in Ocean City, Maryland. In Virginia, yellowfin tuna can typically be caught offshore from early summer through fall.
Whether you’re a commercial or recreational fisherman, if you’re lucky enough to be in the Mid-Atlantic region, you have ample opportunities to go.
Identify a Yellowfin Tuna
Know the difference between a Yellowfin Tuna and bluefin Tuna. A Yellowfin has a fusiform body, meaning it tapers towards each end; however they are noticeably more slender than their stocky counterparts (which includes big eyes or bluefin). They also have longer anal fins. They also have longer dorsal fins and spines which will turn bright-yellow with age in mature specimens. The yellow dorsal spikes are very easy to identify as seen in the images here and throughout this site.
When to catch Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna are one of the most popular fish to target in the Mid-Atlantic region. They are known for their impressive size and fight, and are prized by both recreational and commercial fishermen. Yellowfin are found in both coastal and offshore waters, and their migratory patterns make them accessible to fishermen from Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
The peak season for yellowfin tuna fishing is May-September, but they can be caught year-round if you look carefully. Yellowfin are an important part of the local ecosystem. They also provide a valuable source of food and income for many fishermen in the area. If you’re planning on going yellowfin tuna fishing in the Mid-Atlantic, make sure to check out our fishing locations for the best spots to find Yellowfin Tuna.
Locating Yellowfin Tuna, What to look for
While they can be found in many different parts of the world, they are most commonly associated with the waters off the coast of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. These states are home to some of the best yellowfin tuna fishing in the world.
One of the most important things to know when yellowfin tuna fishing is that they often school with porpoise. Porpoise use their sonar to find baitfish. They can locate these baitfish balls from miles away. Once they start moving and feeding, the tuna will follow them to the food source. This makes finding a school of porpoise one of the best ways to find Yellowfin.
Another good way to find them is to look for signs of feeding activity on the surface of the water. Yellowfin tuna often feed on baitfish near the surface,. If you see a school of fish boiling on the water, there’s a good chance that Tuna are nearby. Knowing where to look for them can make a big difference in your success as a fisherman.
Look for Schooling Porpoises, Whales, Slicks on the waters surface, birds and other obvious signs of bait schools or bait balls being hammered by several species of Tuna fish.
Whether you fish off Virginia Beach, Maryland and Delaware, check out our offshore fishing spots to choose your favorite fishing location. Fish on!
