"Catch the Excitement"

JIM'S SPORT FISHING
Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mx.
 

YELLOWFIN TUNA
Scombridae, MACKEREL and TUNAS
Thunnus albacares

Description:  The body of the yellowfin tuna tapers at both ends (cigar-shaped), and the head is conical. The color is dark brownish blue to dark yellow on the back becoming gray or whitish below. Identifying tunas can be difficult, especially when yellowfin and bigeye tuna are involved. In most cases, the length of the pectoral fins can distinguish each species. The yellowfin has pectoral fins which do not extend past the anal fin; while in bigeye, the pectoral fins extend well past the anal fin. Tuna which cannot be distinguished by external characteristics can be positively identified by liver characteristics. The surface of a yellowfin's liver is smooth while the liver of the bigeye is striated, containing many with small blood vessels along the trailing edge.

Tempurature Range:  18 - 30 Celsius (64 - 86 Fahrenheit).

Range:  Widely distributed in the Pacific Ocean. In the eastern Pacific, yellowfin tuna occur from Chile to Point Buchon, California. They occasionally enter California waters when ocean temperatures are warm. They usually are not taken in waters less than 70° F with best catches occurring in waters above 74° F.

Typical Location:   Open ocean along current lines and temperature changes.

Fishing Methods:  Trolling lures, konaheads and plastic squid. Trolling natural or strip baits often in combination with plastic squid. Trolling in front of dolphin schools. Drifting or at anchor with live bait and chum.

World Record:  388 lbs. 12 oz, Mexico

For more information on each particular species of fish, please click onto the name of the fish you would like to see more information.

Black Marlin:   Avg. Weight - 125 lbs to 300 lbs avg
                            Fishing Methods - Trolling Mullet and or    Mackerel often in combination with plastic squid, trolling live skipjack, bonito, trolling lures, konaheads and plastic squid.

Blue Marlin:  Avg. Weight - 125 lbs to 300 lbs avg
                          Fishing Methods - Trolling Mullet and or    Mackerel often in combination with plastic squid, trolling live skipjack, bonito, trolling lures, konaheads and plastic squid.

Striped Marlin:  Avg. Weight - 125 lbs to 250 lbs avg
                             Fishing Methods - Trolling Mullet and or    Mackerel often in combination with plastic squid, trolling live skipjack, bonito, trolling lures, konaheads and plastic squid.

Swordfish:     Avg. Weight - 200 lbs to 500 lbs avg.

Sailfish:           Avg. Weight - 60 lbs to 80 lbs avg
                          Fishing Methods - Trolling strip bait, often in combination with plastic squid. Trolling surface lures. Trolling or drifting live bait mullet or mackerel. Deep trolling baits or lures.

Dorado / Mahi Mahi:  Avg. Weight - 10 lbs to 30 lbs avg.
                                       Fishing Methods - Trolling dead Mullet, Mackerel or Squid. Trolling strip baits, often in combination with plastic squid. Trolling smaller lures, konaheads, minnows and poppers. Drifting with small live bait, often with chum.

Yellowfin Tuna:  Avg. Weight - 20 lbs to 40 lbs avg.
                               Fishing Methods - Trolling lures, konaheads and plastic squid. Trolling natural or strip baits often in combination with plastic squid. Trolling in front of dolphin schools. Drifting or at anchor with live bait and chum..

Wahoo:           Avg. Weight - 30 lbs to 60 lbs avg.
                          Fishing Methods - Trolling lures, minnows or feather lures close to reefs. Trolling strip bait, often in combination with plastic squid. Drifting live bait mullet, yellowtail scad or mackerel.

Skipjack:         Avg. Weight - 5 lbs to 10 lbs avg.
                          Fishing Methods - Most skipjack are taken incidentally to other fishing activities, especially albacore or tuna fishing. They bite a feather eagerly and will readily come to the boat when live anchovies are used as chum. Most anglers do not actively seek skipjack because of their small size and the undesirability of the meat when fresh. However, skipjack is good if processed and most is consumed after it is canned. Most fish taken off California weigh 2 to 12 pounds, with the vast majority in the 4 to 6 pound range.

Bonito:            Avg. Weight -  Up to 25 lbs.
                          Fishing Methods - Once a school is aroused they will take almost any bait or lure that is tossed their way. Most Pacific Bonito are taken by a combination of trolling and live bait fishing. The schools are located by trolling feathers and squid pieces are used to bait the fish once located.

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