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The Blackfin Tuna is an offshore pelagic species belonging to the Scombridae family and Perciformes order. These powerful fish typically range from 7 to 43 inches in length and weigh between 2 and 20 pounds, making them the smallest of the Thunnus genus. - They're known for their incredible fighting strength despite their relatively small size. - Blackfin Tuna are prized for both sport fishing and their excellent table quality.
Sunday July brought perfect conditions for our offshore fishing charter in Jensen Beach, FL. We departed early from Sandsprit Park with Captain Dennis Youngkin of Grocery Cart Fishing Charters, ready for a day targeting pelagic and reef species. Our 6-hour private charter combined trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques, resulting in some quality catches including a noteworthy 32-inch Greater Amberjack and several Blackfin Tuna. The partly cloudy skies provided ideal fishing weather as we worked different offshore spots. Jensen Beach's waters deliver consistent action year-round, making this Ultimate Offshore Pelagic & Reef Fishing Experience a top choice for anglers looking for diverse fishing opportunities off Florida's Treasure Coast.
Captain Dennis Youngkin of Grocery Cart Fishing Charters on Sunday July offers the Private 6 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip In Jensen Beach. This charter accommodates up to 4 guests and includes all the necessary fishing gear and expert guidance. We depart from Sandsprit Park, targeting both pelagic species and reef fish depending on conditions and your preferences. Whether you're an experienced angler or bringing the family for a fun day on the water, we'll customize the trip to your skill level. To check current rates and availability, click the button below.
Our offshore fishing trip combines multiple fishing techniques to maximize your chances of success. We'll mix trolling, jigging, and live bait fishing throughout the day to target different species in varying depths. The highlight for many anglers is the opportunity to battle powerful Blackfin Tuna and impressive Amberjack, which provide thrilling fights and excellent table fare.
The waters off Jensen Beach are part of Florida's renowned Treasure Coast, where the Gulf Stream current brings nutrient-rich water close to shore, attracting a variety of gamefish throughout the year. Our local knowledge ensures we put you on the best fishing spots, whether we're working over reefs, wrecks, or open water depending on seasonal patterns and current conditions.
Blackfin Tuna are one of the prized catches in Jensen Beach's offshore waters. These powerful pelagics are typically found in depths of 120-350 feet, often hanging around underwater structures, temperature breaks, and bait schools. We target them using deep jigging techniques, live bait presentations, or trolling with small artificial lures.
Summer months provide some of the best Blackfin Tuna action in our area, as water temperatures stabilize and bait becomes more abundant. These fish are known for their explosive strikes and impressive fighting ability relative to their size. When we hook into a school, the action can be fast and furious, providing non-stop excitement for anglers of all skill levels.
For your offshore trip, we recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. Our vessel is fully equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, and safety equipment. A Florida fishing license isn't required as it's covered under our charter license.
We typically start early morning, around 7 AM, though we can adjust based on your schedule and fishing conditions. The 6-hour trip provides ample time to reach productive offshore grounds and put plenty of fish in the boat. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture your catch, and we're happy to clean your fish afterward if you'd like to take some home for dinner.
The Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) belongs to the Scombridae family and Perciformes order. It's the smallest member of the Thunnus genus, recognizable by its oval-shaped body with bluish-black coloration, faded yellow near the finlets, and a distinctive white belly. In Jensen Beach waters this July, these fast-swimming predators provide exciting action for offshore anglers.
Blackfin Tuna are highly sought-after gamefish known for their incredible strength-to-weight ratio and delicious flesh. They're primarily found in tropical and subtropical western Atlantic waters, making them a prized catch for offshore anglers targeting pelagic species.
These fish inhabit offshore waters, typically found around underwater structures, dropoffs, and areas where currents create temperature breaks. Around Jensen Beach, they're commonly located 10-30 miles offshore where the Gulf Stream influence creates ideal feeding conditions. They prefer clean, blue water with temperatures between 68-85°F.
Blackfin Tuna typically range from 7 to 43 inches in length and weigh between 2 and 20 pounds. Most catches in the Jensen Beach area average 5-15 pounds, though larger specimens are occasionally encountered, especially when fishing deeper water structures.
These aggressive predators feed primarily on small baitfish like flying fish, ballyhoo, squid, and small crustaceans. They hunt in schools, often working together to corral bait near the surface. Blackfins are most active during dawn and dusk but can feed throughout the day when bait is present.
Blackfin Tuna spawn in offshore waters during summer months when water temperatures reach their peak. In Florida waters, peak spawning typically occurs from May through July, with females releasing millions of eggs that are fertilized externally. During spawning periods, they may form larger aggregations in specific areas.
Several techniques prove effective for targeting Blackfin Tuna. Vertical jigging with speed jigs weighing 4-7 ounces works well when fish are holding deeper. Live bait fishing with pilchards, threadfin herring, or goggle-eyes suspended at various depths is highly productive. Trolling small feathers, cedar plugs, or skirted ballyhoo at 6-9 knots also produces results. In July, anglers around Jensen Beach often find them congregating around underwater structures in 120-300 feet of water, especially during early morning hours.
Blackfin Tuna is excellent table fare with firm, dark red flesh that's rich in flavor and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The meat is best when properly handled—immediately bled, gutted, and kept on ice. It can be prepared in various ways including grilled, seared, or served as sashimi. Unlike larger tuna species, Blackfin typically has lower mercury levels, making it a healthier choice for regular consumption.
Q: What is the best bait for Blackfin Tuna?
A: Live baits like pilchards, threadfin herring, and goggle-eyes are top producers for Blackfin Tuna. For artificial lures, small feathers, epoxy jigs in blue/white or pink/white colors, and metal speed jigs work exceptionally well.
Q: Where can I find Blackfin Tuna near Jensen Beach?
A: Blackfin Tuna around Jensen Beach are typically found 10-30 miles offshore around underwater structures, reefs, and wrecks. They also concentrate along current edges, temperature breaks, and areas where bait schools are present.
Q: Is Blackfin Tuna good to eat?
A: Yes, Blackfin Tuna is excellent eating with rich, dark meat similar to yellowfin but often with a slightly stronger flavor. It's versatile in preparation and particularly delicious when served rare to medium-rare.
Q: When is the best time to catch Blackfin Tuna?
A: In the Jensen Beach area, summer months (May through September) typically offer the best Blackfin Tuna fishing. Early morning and evening hours generally provide peak action, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right.
Q: How do you identify a Blackfin Tuna?
A: Blackfin Tuna have an oval-shaped body with dark blue-black coloration on top, silvery sides with a yellowish lateral band, and a white belly. Their second dorsal and anal fins often have a yellowish tint, and their finlets are dark with some yellow highlights.
Q: What is the difference between Blackfin and Skipjack Tuna?
A: Blackfin Tuna have uniform coloration without the distinctive stripes found on Skipjack. Blackfin also have longer pectoral fins, a more torpedo-shaped body, and generally grow larger than Skipjack. The meat of Blackfin is typically darker and more flavorful.