Atlantic bluefin tuna Fishing

It passes offshore of the Algarve and along the Sesimbra canyon edge from June to October; it is not a shore fish and needs a properly equipped boat and experience. Follow bird activity, bait boiling on the surface and temperature breaks. Live mackerel and scad, large spoons and surface trolling lures are the standard. Portugal applies strict quota and tagging rules for bluefin, and in many cases only catch-and-release is allowed, so check the current DGRM/ICCAT rules before you go.

Thunnus thynnus

Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Photo: Unknown · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
JunJulAugSepOct
Nov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
June–October
Water temperature
17–26 °C
Spawning
May–July
Behaviour
Daytime active, open water

Techniques

  • Trolling
  • live bait
  • heavy spinning

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch atlantic bluefin tuna?
The productive window for atlantic bluefin tuna runs June–October. May–July is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does atlantic bluefin tuna feed in?
Atlantic bluefin tuna is most active between 17 and 26 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for atlantic bluefin tuna?
Common methods: Trolling, live bait, heavy spinning.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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