Our editors at Finn’s Fishing Tips independently research, test, and recommend the best products to help you make purchase decisions. You can learn more about our review process here. We sometimes get a commission through purchases made via our links.
The Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) can be located in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They can also be found from Brazil to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The Blackfin Tuna is the smallest species of Tuna in the genus Thunnus. They generally achieve a maximum weight of around 46 lb (21 Kg) and a length of 39 in (100 cm). So what are the best lures for Blackfin Tuna?
You have come to the right place! In this article, we’ll go over our top 8 best lures for Blackfin Tuna. Let’s dive in.
Top 8 Best Lures for Blackfin Tuna
1. Kunsilane Trolling Skirt Lures
The Kunsilane Trolling Skirt Lure is ideal for targeting gamefish like Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin, and Mahi Mahi. This set features 5 x 8-inch Saltwater Fishing Lures rigged for big game fishing. These lures feature beautiful 3D eyes with quality shiny skirts and a head made from Resin.
They are rigged with premium 8/0 stainless steel hooks, Coastlock Swivel, and 180 lb monofilament leader. They are offered in five vibrant colors for any fishing condition.
2. MOOCY Jagged Jet Head 6-inch Big Game Offshore Lures
The MOOCY Jagged Jet Head 6-inch Big Game Offshore Pusher is ideal for all types of big game fish, including Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Yellowtail, Dogtooth Tuna, and Sailfish. Anglers can use this lure for trolling or casting and comes rigged with a quality 7/0 Carbon Steel Hook, Heavy-duty Swivel, and a 1.5mm diameter, 200 lb monofilament leader.
It features a verisimilar body with 3D realistic holographic eyes. It offers a realistic swimming action that is proven to catch big fish. This set offers a variety of 6 x octopus skirt baits and is presented in a High-Quality Mesh roll-up bag that is saltwater resistant.
3. JIOUDAO Set of 6 Trolling Lures
This is another quality and innovative lure from JIOUDAO and has been specially designed to target big game fish like Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin, and Sailfish. It is manufactured from premium vinyl to stand up to large fish. It features realistic 3D squid eyes, contracting tentacles, custom scent, and extended candles that offer a realistic swimming action.
This lure also features Glow-In-The-Dark Luminous Technology and a Vivid Simulation Shape which offers a life-like appearance.
4. Damidel Simulation Squid Fishing Lures
The Damidel 4-Pcs Large Simulation Squid is an exquisite topwater and offshore saltwater fishing lure. It features attractive colors, life-like skin, and 3D holographic eyes. The heavy-duty construction features Built-In Multi-Colored Lead Blocks, which results in excellent casting abilities, streamlined baits, and a stable and tempting swimming action.
The Damidel 4-Pcs Large Simulation Squid produces a unique vibration to attract fish further and is rigged with 2 x super-sharp premium treble hooks. We’ve even caught Opah with them!
5. Bassdash Saltwater Octopus Trolling Lures
Bassdash Saltwater Octopus Fishing Lures are designed to be trolled and feature a Concave-shaped head. This design creates a maximum disturbance on the surface, even when the conditions are off, and is irresistible to Marlin, Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, and Wahoo. This lure is offered in weights of 1.6oz (46g) and 3.4oz (96g ) and lengths of 6.7in (17cm) and 9.1in (23cm).
The Bassdash Saltwater Octopus trolling Lure features a life-like octopus body and realistic moveable 3D eyes. The head is made from quality acrylic, with a lead weight for stability. The skirts are made from the finest PVC, and the lure is rigged with a single premium stainless steel hook. This lure offers vibrant colors and realistic swimming action. Included are six octopus skirts presented in a convenient Mesh Bag.
6. Lobo Lures #222 Green Machine Tuna Bullet
The #222 Green Machine Tuna Bullet is another fantastic creation from Lobo Lures. It is ideal for targeting Blackfin Tuna and various other types of game fish. It features a four-inch Chartreuse and Green Bird Head, a large 13in weighted Tuna Bullet, and all lures are double skirted.
This lure is rigged with a super-sharp premium 10/0 hook, 400lb monofilament shock leader, and a Commotion Splash Fishing Daisy Chain. These lures are expertly manufactured in the United States and include a Lobo Lures Premium Embroidered Storage Bag with Hook and Loop closure.
7. Nomad MadscadNatural Mullet Sinking Lure
The Madscad 150 Natural Mullet is a quality and seriously realistic Hard Body Sinking Lure. It weighs 2.75oz and has a length of six inches. It is ideal for targeting many salt and freshwater species, including Cubera Snapper, Blackfin Tuna, Yellowtail, Giant Trevally, Roosterfish, and Wahoo. This lure features a metal plate construction and comes standard with ultra-strong 5/0 BKK inline single hooks.
The Madscad 150 Natural Mullet Sinking Stickbait lure is highly versatile and can be worked slow or fast with the rod tip’s intermittent twitches. A more patient stop-start technique creates a desirable erratic swimming action that mimics an injured baitfish. This excellent lure also offers long-lasting capabilities.
8. AUTES Hard Fishing Sinking Minnow Lure
This Artificial Plastic Bait Sinking Minnow has been manufactured using only the highest quality components and is used by professional fishermen worldwide. It weighs 21g and has a length of 5.12in. This lure is rigged with a #6 Shark hook with a seawater corrosion protection finish.
It features realistic 3Deyes, accurate water layer control, and water depth control. Built-in fish scale coating and advanced laser technology allow the minnow to offer loads of flash to attract hungry predators. The AUTES Hard Fishing offers a vivid swimming action and can sink quickly.
What is the Best Bait for Blackfin Tuna?
When targeting Blackfin Tuna, the best bait to use is live Pinfish. Although there numerous other species that will also work. Mackerel, Herring, Cigar Minnows, Small Hardtail, and Bonito are capable live baits for targeting Blackfin Tuna.
How Do You Catch Blackfin Tuna?
Trolling is the most effective way to target Blackfin Tuna. It is advisable to chum fresh Mackerel and Fresh Bonito while doing this. Once Blackfin Tuna are located, anglers can use surface poppers, jig heads, and spoons.
Vertical jigging and kite fishing are becoming increasingly successful techniques to target Blackfin Tuna. Blackfin and all species of Tuna have excellent eyesight. It is essential to scale down on your hooks and leader material.
Do You Need to Bleed Blackfin Tuna?
Yes, with all Tuna, it is imperative to allow the fish to bleed out. The longer the fish is alive, the greater the chance of lactic acid buildup and the meat getting bruised or damaged. A Tuna will get extremely hot during the fight, and it is advisable to cool and drain them as soon as possible.
Once you get the fish on your boat or kayak, make a forceful incision just behind each pectoral fin. Next, place the fish in a live well to bleed and cool naturally before placing it in a cooler with ice. If you do not allow for natural cooling, the ice will quickly be melted by the overheating Tuna.
Can You Eat Blackfin Tuna?
Absolutely! Blackfin Tuna are excellent eating fish. The flesh can be consumed raw, seared, grilled, baked, or preserved. Apart from being extremely tasty, they offer loads of nutritional benefits.
Nutritional Facts
Monounsaturated Fat 0.044g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.081g
Saturated Fat 0.067g
Total Fat 0.027g
Cholesterol 13mg
Sodium 10mg
Total Carbohydrate 0g
Potassium 126mg
Protein 6.63g
Sugar 0g
Vitamin A 0.05g
Iron 1%
This nutritional data has been derived from 1oz of boneless Blackfin Tuna.
Are Blackfin Tuna Endangered?
According to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), the blackfin Tuna is considered “Least Concern.” This means that the populations are healthy, and there are no signs of overfishing.
Blackfin Tuna are black on their backs and a beautiful yellow on the sides. They feature light yellow finlets and a powerful oval-shaped body. They are extremely fast-growing species with a short life-span. At the age of five years, they are considered to be old. Blackfin Tuna spawn in the open sea in summer and reach sexual maturity at the age of two years.
They have extremely healthy appetites and will hunt on the surface (epipelagic) and in deeper water (mesopelagic). Blackfin Tuna feed on Amphipods, Crabs, Shrimps, and other Crustaceans. Their primary diet, however, is made up of squid and other smaller fish. They prefer water temperatures over 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) and are considered as warmer water fish. Although Blackfin Tuna don’t achieve their larger cousins’ weight and size, they still offer an exceptional fight and a tasty meal.
More Blackfin Tuna Facts
Blackfin Tuna can be targeted with live bait as well as artificial lures. Blackfin Tuna feed on Amphipods, Crabs, Shrimps, and other Crustaceans. Their primary diet, however, is made up of squid and other smaller fish. The most effective fishing technique is trolling (live bait or artificial lures) while chumming fresh Bonito and fresh Mackerel.
When Blackfin Tuna are located, enthusiasts can use surface poppers, jigheads, hard-body lures, and spoons to target them. It is important to downscale on your hooks and leader material because all Tuna have incredible eyesight.
Top Tip: The best live bait to use for Blackfin Tuna is Pinfish, although Bonito, Herring, Threadfin Herring, and Cigar Minnows are also good baits to use.
Blackfin Tuna are delicious to eat and offers a variety of health benefits. The flesh can be consumed raw, seared, grilled, baked, and preserved. The IUCN lists the Blackfin Tuna as “least concern,” there are no signs of overfishing, and populations appear to be healthy.
Conclusion
Blackfin Tuna is the smallest species of the Tuna family. They are extremely fast-growing, mature sexually at the age of two, and after five years, are considered to be old. They can be located in the Caribbean Sea as well as in the Gulf of Mexico.
They can also be found from Brazil to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. We hope you enjoyed this article on the best lures for Blackfin Tuna.
Happy Hunting!
