Blackfin Tuna Fishing in Miami
Thunnus atlanticus
The blackfin is the smallest true tuna in the Atlantic, and the one Miami anglers run into most. Pound for pound it fights like its much bigger cousins, diving straight down and circling under the boat. It is also one of the best fish you can bring home for dinner.
Quick facts
Most of the year the schools are smaller "footballs". The spring run brings fish of 20 lb and up.
Mostly in spring, on live bait along the reef edge.
Around 20 inches long
Fork length, for the very largest fish
Robert Kowalski, off Miami, June 1, 2024
Sam J. Burnett, Key West, May 4, 1996
Where to catch them off Miami
The reef edge and drop-off
Most blackfin off Miami are caught in roughly 80 to 300 feet of water. That's the steep edge just outside the reef, usually a few miles from Key Biscayne. Around 150 feet is a classic starting depth.
Clean blue Gulf Stream water
Water quality matters more than depth. When the Gulf Stream's west edge pushes in close with a north-setting current, tuna can show up surprisingly shallow.
Humps, wrecks and birds
Smaller schools hold over deeper structure where currents push bait up toward the surface. Diving birds and fish breaking the surface farther offshore are the giveaway.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
The spring run, roughly April through June, is when the big fish move along Miami's reef edge. May and June are usually the best months. Smaller blackfin are around much of the year, so a full-day trip outside peak season can still put tuna in the box. Late summer is usually the slowest stretch.
Key events
Spring blackfin and mahi run
Warming water and spring migration bring bigger blackfin to the reef edge and mahi to the weedlines; live pilchards draw them up.
Blackfin can show from March; mahi can run into August.
AffectsBlackfin TunaMahi Mahi
Best time and conditions
Low light
Tuna see very well and feed best near the surface early in the morning, late in the afternoon and on cloudy days. At midday they often go deeper.
Current and water
A north-flowing current, a bit of wind and a clean color change along the edge are what local captains look for.
Techniques and baits
Kite and live-chum fishing
The spring classic. We drip live pilchards behind the boat to bring the school up, then fish live baits from kites and flat lines. Goggle-eyes work for the bigger fish.
Trolling
Small feathers, little skirted lures and strip baits set well back from the boat find schools away from the reef.
Vertical jigging
When the fish hold deep in the middle of the day, slim metal jigs worked up from the bottom get bites.
Light tackle
Blackfin are line-shy, so lighter fluorocarbon leaders and small circle hooks get more bites, and the fight is a lot more fun.
Top baits and lures
- Live pilchards (scaled sardines)
- Goggle-eyes
- Threadfin herring
- Small feathers and skirted trolling lures
- Strip baits
- Metal jigs
Florida regulations
The limits apply in Florida state waters and the federal waters off Florida. Rules change, so always check FWC before you keep fish. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Billfish, tuna and swordfish rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Excellent. The meat is deep red and firm. Freshly caught, it's great as sashimi or poke, seared rare, or grilled. Bleed the fish and get it on ice right away for the best flavor and color. Your captain takes care of that on board, and fish cleaning is included on the full-day trip.
Which charter is best?
Full Day Fishing
- $1,200 per trip
- 8 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Cobia, Tripletail, Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Shark and Barracuda
Blackfin Tuna FAQ
When is the best time to catch blackfin tuna in Miami?
Spring is the main event. From about April through June, larger blackfin push along the reef edge, and May and June are usually the best months. Smaller fish are caught much of the rest of the year, with late summer the slowest.
How far offshore are blackfin tuna off Miami?
Not far. Most are caught along the drop-off in roughly 80 to 300 feet of water, usually a few miles from Key Biscayne. You don't need a long run to the open ocean.
How many blackfin tuna can I keep in Florida?
Two per person or ten per boat per day, whichever is greater, with no minimum size. Check the FWC link on this page for the current rules before your trip.
Which Salty Fresh trip targets blackfin tuna?
The Full Day Fishing trip. Eight hours offshore on the Shearwater gives time to chum, kite fish and troll for tuna along with sailfish, mahi, kingfish and wahoo.
Are blackfin tuna good to eat?
Yes, they're among the best-eating fish off Miami. Well-handled blackfin makes great sashimi, poke and seared tuna steaks.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.