Bluefin Tuna Fishing

Locating Tuna: Finding tuna can be a significant challenge, as they are highly migratory and can travel vast distances. It requires knowledge of their behaviour, seasonal patterns, use of technology and that all important local knowledge of the best spots and the way local fish populations behave. On Charlie Boy, we are confident we can give you the best chance of an encounter with these incredible fish. It’s not a guarantee, but it will be one heck of an experience!

Spectacular Scenery: Tuna fishing often takes place in breath taking locations, from the open ocean to beautiful coastal waters, offering stunning views and a sense of adventure.

Community and Camaraderie: Tuna fishing trips are often shared experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie. If you choose a lone charter, our Skipper will quickly become very involved with your experience. Memories - and those all-important pictures – will last a lifetime.

Conservation and Ethics: Ensuring the catch and release of tuna is done responsibly to minimize harm is crucial. Our skippers are knowledgeable about best practices for handling and releasing these fish to ensure their survival.

About the Bluefin Atlantic Tuna:

Bluefin are the largest tuna and can live up to 40 years. They migrate across all oceans and can dive deeper than 3,000 feet. Bluefin tuna are made for speed: built like torpedoes, have retractable fins and their eyes are set flush to their body. They are tremendous predators from the moment they hatch. They hunt by sight and have the sharpest vision of any bony fish.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are migratory, travelling from their spawning grounds in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico to the cooler waters of the North Atlantic and coastal regions like the English Channel. During summer, they move closer to the coast in search of food, particularly smaller fish, like mackerel, herring, and sardines, which attract them to the waters off Devon and Cornwall where these stocks are plentiful

Local Catches: The biggest tuna caught by an angling boat from Plymouth is an Atlantic bluefin tuna that weighed approximately 500 pounds (227 kg). This remarkable catch was made in 2020.

A scientific catch and tagging survey run by CEPHAS in 2023 - the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science – reported 1436 Bluefin Tuna measured following 595 fishing trips by boats participating in its scheme. Another indication of how healthy the stock is and your high chances of a successful catch.

Conservation: The return of Bluefin tuna to Devon and Cornwall waters is an exciting development for anglers and conservationists alike. After being mostly absent for over 50 years due to overfishing, these magnificent fish have made a dramatic comeback in recent years and have been carefully studied over that time with pilot fisheries, with regard to stocks and sustainability. Factors such as decreased fishing pressure and possibly climate change have contributed to their return.

As part of conservation efforts for Atlantic Bluefin tuna, all tuna caught in UK waters must be released back into the sea after capture. Anglers are required to follow proper catch-and-release practices, which include handling the fish carefully to ensure it survives after being released. On Charlie Boy, we are experienced at fish catch and release techniques. Our boat is equipped with the proper gear to ensure that tuna are safely handled, measured, and released quickly to minimize stress on the fish.

The CHART Tuna Programme aims to balance the protection of Atlantic Bluefin tuna with the sustainable management of fisheries, while also improving our understanding of these fascinating creatures as they make their way through UK waters. The programme reflects growing awareness of the need to protect marine species from overfishing and environmental threats. Our catch and release methods on Charlie Boy ensure you have the thrill of big game fishing, without killing one of these magnificent fish, thus participating in their long term sustainability.

Physical Strength and Stamina: Bluefin tuna are incredibly powerful fish, capable of long, fierce battles. Anglers need to be physically fit and prepared for a test of endurance, sometimes lasting hours.

Technical Expertise: Catching tuna requires specialized gear and techniques. On Charlie Boy, help will be on hand to help you become adept at using heavy-duty rods, reels, and lines, as well as understanding how to handle bait and lures effectively.

Navigating Regulations: There are strict regulations in place to ensure the sustainability of tuna populations. Our experienced skippers ensure you are on the right side of local and government laws.