Saltwater Species Guide

Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus

The Atlantic's largest tuna and a tightly regulated offshore target in New England.

Also Known As:Giant bluefinTuna

Western Atlantic bluefin tuna identification illustration — NOAA Fisheries / Jack Hornady · U.S. government educational illustration · Image Source

Species Quick Facts

Common Angling Water

55–68°F

Approximate productive range, not a biological limit.

Typical Catch

Recreational encounters range from small school fish to giants

Maximum Reported Size

Up to about 13 feet and 2,000 pounds

Best Baits & Lures

Best Baits

Herring
Mackerel
Menhaden
Squid

Best Lures

Spreader bars
Trolling skirts
Poppers
Jigs

Habitat

Offshore banks, shelf edges, temperature breaks, and bait-rich coastal water.

How To Catch Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Find productive water and bait before setting a spread or jigging. Federal permits, reporting, retention category, and size rules can change in-season—verify them immediately before a trip.

Technique Is Not A Regulation

Confirm the open season, area, harvest status, size and possession limits, required gear, permits, reporting rules, and emergency closures for the exact jurisdiction and trip date. Some listed baits or methods may be restricted locally.

TideAhead Destinations

Harbor Guides For Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Boston Harbor & Massachusetts Bay

A historic harbor opens onto Massachusetts Bay, migratory bass water, offshore banks, and a giant-tuna fishery.

Open Harbor Guide ME

Portland & Casco Bay

Rocky islands and cold Gulf of Maine water support striped bass, groundfish, and offshore pelagics.

Open Harbor Guide ME

Bar Harbor & Frenchman Bay

Cold Gulf of Maine water around islands, ledges, channels, and offshore grounds.

Open Harbor Guide

Species Sources

TideAhead summarizes stable identification, biology, habitat, and angling concepts. Use the primary sources below for deeper species context and live management information.

NOAA Fisheries species profile