Dogtooth tuna Fishing

A large scombrid tied to the steep walls of the Red Sea, found on the 1000 m plus axis of the Gulf of Aqaba off Sharm and along the outer reef edge at Marsa Alam. Rip a 200-300 g fast jig upward from 40-90 m; the take usually comes in the first three metres. Keep the drag close to lock, because a fish that reaches the bottom cuts the braid on the wall. Late summer and autumn are the best period. Ask your skipper what his permit covers before targeting it.

Gymnosarda unicolor

Dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor)
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–November
Water temperature
24–31 °C
Spawning
May–August
Behaviour
Daytime active, open water

Techniques

  • Heavy jigging
  • popping
  • live bait

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch dogtooth tuna?
The productive window for dogtooth tuna runs April–November. May–August is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does dogtooth tuna feed in?
Dogtooth tuna is most active between 24 and 31 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for dogtooth tuna?
Common methods: Heavy jigging, popping, live bait.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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