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Caught Blackfin Tuna Offshore Fishing in Jensen Beach
Blackfin Tuna Fishing in Jensen Beach, FL
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The Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) belongs to the Scombridae family of mackerels and tunas. While they're the smallest member of the true tuna genus, they offer incredible sport and excellent table fare. - Typically measure 7-43 inches with weights from 2-20 pounds. - Prefer offshore habitats around reefs, wrecks and other structure. - Known for their strong runs and fighting ability despite modest size.
Fishing Charter by Captain Dennis Youngkin in August
Meet your Captain Dennis Youngkin
- Experience The Best Jensen Beach Fishing Charters!
Summary
Monday July brought another productive day of offshore fishing in Jensen Beach, FL. Captain Dennis Youngkin of Grocery Cart Fishing Charters guided Christina and crew to an impressive Blackfin Tuna triple-header during their 4-hour offshore charter. After departing from Sandsprit Park under partly cloudy skies, we found great offshore conditions and employed multiple fishing techniques including trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait presentation. The result was three quality Blackfin Tuna, with the largest measuring 28 inches. Jensen Beach's summer waters continue delivering consistent offshore action, making it prime time for anglers looking to target these hard-fighting pelagics. All fishing gear was provided for this private charter designed for anglers of all experience levels.
Fishing Charter with Dennis Youngkin – Rates & Booking
Captain Dennis Youngkin of Grocery Cart Fishing Charters on Monday July offers a Private 4 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip in Jensen Beach that's perfect for anglers targeting prized species like Blackfin Tuna. This trip accommodates up to 4 guests and includes all necessary fishing tackle, bait, and licenses. Departing from convenient Sandsprit Park, you'll experience productive offshore fishing grounds with expert guidance from a local captain who knows these waters intimately. Morning departures are recommended for optimal conditions, though afternoon trips are available based on tides and weather. Advance booking is encouraged, especially during peak summer months when Jensen Beach fishing charters fill quickly.
Highlights of Private 4 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip In Jensen Beach
This offshore adventure targets the pelagic species that make Jensen Beach fishing famous. You'll experience multiple fishing techniques including trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait presentation – all tailored to the day's conditions. The highlight of many trips is the opportunity to battle hard-fighting Blackfin Tuna, which provide both exciting action and excellent table fare.
The waters offshore from Jensen Beach offer consistent action throughout summer, with our recent trip producing multiple quality Blackfin Tuna in the 24-28 inch range. The private charter format ensures personalized attention regardless of your experience level, making this trip suitable for families, serious anglers, and everyone in between. All gear is provided, so you can focus entirely on the fishing experience.
Local Species Insights: Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna are prized catches in Jensen Beach's offshore waters, particularly during summer months when they're found in good numbers. These powerful fighters are the smallest members of the Thunnus genus but provide exceptional sport on appropriate tackle. They typically travel in schools, which explains our triple-header success on this trip.
When targeting Blackfin Tuna offshore from Jensen Beach, we focus on areas with temperature breaks, structure, or bait concentrations. These fish respond well to both trolled lures and live bait presentations, with small ballyhoo, pilchards, and squid being particularly effective offerings. Their fast runs and dogged fighting ability make them a favorite target for anglers seeking offshore excitement within the scope of a half-day trip.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your offshore fishing charter in Jensen Beach, dress in layers with sun protection and non-marking shoes. While we provide all fishing gear, licenses, and basic amenities, consider bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, camera, snacks, and any preferred beverages (no glass containers). Our vessel comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests with appropriate safety equipment for everyone. The 4-hour format provides ample fishing time while keeping the experience accessible for most schedules and comfort levels. Morning departures typically offer calmer conditions, though we'll advise on the best timing based on current patterns when you book.
Fishing in Jensen Beach, FL: Blackfin Tuna
The Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) belongs to the Scombridae family within the order Perciformes. These compact powerhouses are distinguished by their dark blue-black coloration on top, white undersides, and distinctive yellow-gold lateral band along their sides. In Jensen Beach waters this July, anglers have been connecting with quality specimens in the 24-28 inch range.
Blackfin Tuna Overview
As the smallest member of the Thunnus genus, Blackfin Tuna make up for their modest size with incredible pound-for-pound fighting ability. These streamlined predators are highly prized by offshore anglers for both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare. Their relatively small size (compared to their yellowfin and bluefin cousins) makes them accessible on lighter tackle, creating the perfect balance of challenge and accessibility.
Blackfin Tuna Habitat and Distribution
Blackfin Tuna are predominantly found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil, with their greatest concentrations in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and along Florida's coast. Near Jensen Beach, they typically inhabit offshore waters, preferring depths ranging from 30 to 500 feet. They associate with structures like reefs, wrecks, and dropoffs where baitfish concentrate, making these prime areas for targeting them.
Blackfin Tuna Size and Weight
These compact tuna typically range from 7 to 43 inches in length and can weigh between 2 and 20 pounds. While not the largest tuna species, their dense musculature and streamlined bodies make them formidable fighters regardless of size. The specimens we've been catching off Jensen Beach this season have been quality fish in the mid-20 inch range, providing both great action and plenty of delicious fillets.
Blackfin Tuna Diet and Behavior
Blackfin Tuna are voracious predators that feed primarily on small fishes like sardines, herring, pilchards, and squid. They hunt in schools, often feeding in frenzies when they locate concentrations of bait. Their feeding activity tends to be most pronounced during dawn and dusk, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right. They're known to follow temperature breaks and oceanic features that concentrate baitfish.
Blackfin Tuna Spawning Season
Blackfin Tuna in Florida waters typically spawn during summer months when water temperatures range between 78-86°F. During July in Jensen Beach, we often find them in pre- and post-spawn aggregations offshore. They're broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and milt into open water. Understanding their spawning behavior can help predict where larger concentrations might be found during different parts of summer.
Blackfin Tuna Fishing Techniques
For targeting Blackfin Tuna off Jensen Beach, three techniques consistently produce results. Trolling small ballyhoo or tuna feathers at 6-9 knots works well when covering ground. When fish are located, switching to live bait such as pilchards or threadfin herring fished on spinning tackle with 30-40lb fluorocarbon leaders can be deadly. In July, Jensen Beach anglers often find success around the 8A reef system and Push Button Hill where depths of 120-180 feet hold good concentrations of bait that attract feeding tuna.
Blackfin Tuna Is It Good to Eat?
Blackfin Tuna offers excellent table fare with firm, dark red flesh similar to other tuna species but with a slightly stronger flavor profile. The meat is high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein while remaining low in fat. It excels when prepared as sashimi or seared rare with simple seasonings to highlight its natural flavor. Some anglers prefer to bleed and ice their catch immediately to preserve the optimal eating quality. Unlike larger tuna species, blackfin typically don't present mercury concerns due to their smaller size and shorter lifespan.
Blackfin Tuna Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Blackfin Tuna?
A: Live pilchards, threadfin herring, and small blue runners are top live bait choices. For artificial lures, small cedar plugs, tuna feathers, and jet heads in blue/white or black/purple combinations work well when trolled at 7-9 knots.
Q: Where can I find Blackfin Tuna near Jensen Beach?
A: Blackfin Tuna around Jensen Beach are typically found in offshore waters from 3-15 miles out, especially near the 8A reef system, Push Button Hill, and other structure in 120-300 feet of water. They often congregate where there are temperature breaks or upwellings that concentrate baitfish.
Q: Is Blackfin Tuna good to eat?
A: Yes, Blackfin Tuna is excellent to eat with dark, firm flesh similar to other tuna species. It's versatile in preparation - outstanding as sashimi, seared rare, or lightly grilled. Its high oil content makes it flavorful while providing healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Blackfin Tuna?
A: In Jensen Beach, summer months (May through September) offer the best Blackfin Tuna fishing, with July and August typically being peak season. Early morning and late afternoon trips often produce the best action as these coincide with prime feeding periods.
Q: How do you prepare Blackfin Tuna after catching it?
A: For best quality, bleed the tuna immediately by cutting the gill arches or making a small incision behind the pectoral fins, then place on ice. When cleaning, remove the dark bloodline as it can impart a stronger flavor. The meat is best consumed fresh within 1-2 days or vacuum-sealed and frozen promptly.
Q: What tackle should I use for Blackfin Tuna?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional gear spooled with 20-30lb test line is ideal. Use 40-50lb fluorocarbon leaders and circle hooks sized 5/0 to 7/0 depending on bait size. When trolling, conventional reels with line counter capabilities help ensure proper spread placement.
