Blue Fin Tuna Licences Issued for 2025:

Giant Blue Fin Tuna are back in the warm waters off Devon and Cornwall. Catch and Release Blue Fin Tuna fishing is classed as a Recreational Fishery by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). Opportunity Charters and their fully kitted out boat, Charlie Boy, are licenced for the English Blue Fin Tuna Fishing season, this year open from mid-July, running until the end of November 2025. We are taking bookings now, with a unique option to ‘Fish and Stay’ in a dedicated cottage on the waterfront in Plymouth.  

Book Your Unforgettable Experience:

Embark on the ultimate catch and release adventure fishing trip tailored for bluefin tuna enthusiasts. Opportunity Charters, based in Plymouth, Devon, invites you to test your skills against one of the ocean’s most powerful game fish. With expert skippers, state-of-the-art gear, and a commitment to sustainable fishing, we guarantee an adrenaline-packed experience you’ll never forget.

Excellent Value UK Fishing Adventures:

We think we are excellent value – for example a ‘Fish and Stay’ costs £1350 for a night in holiday cottage on the waterfront in Plymouth that can sleep up to 4, plus an approximately 10 hours on the water chasing Blue Fin Tuna, all equipment provided, for four adults, spread four ways, that’s a great experience.

Perfect as a milestone birthday gift, experience day out or stag / hen do. Why not club together to give Dad a gift he is never going to forget! Or an 18th birthday whole Family experience.

Whilst 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. Treat yourself!

The photo left shows a magnificent Blue Fin tuna being landed on one of our boats – Universal Marine UK on the boat side is our parent company.

The Catch and Release Tuna Fishery – How likely am I to Catch A Blue Fin Tuna?

Statistics published by the Marine Management Organisation for the 2024 Blue Fin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery saw licenced vessels like Charlie Boy making 1,014 trips in total. In total, 3,359 Blue Fin Tuna were caught during the 2024 season, with an average of 3.3 Blue Fin Tuna per trip.

So your chances of a catch are really good, even higher if you book a couple of days! Bluefin tuna are incredibly powerful fish, capable of long, fierce battles. Anglers need to be prepared for a test of endurance, sometimes lasting hours.  Catching tuna requires specialized gear and techniques. On our boat 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. On Charlie Boy we have some of the latest, high standard offshore sport fishing equipment onboard. You are welcome to bring your own gear, but it is not necessary as we provide everything you would require on a fishing trip.

The average length of the Blue Fin Tuna caught was 167.7cm, and the average estimated weight was 95.5kg. Imagine the challenge and excitement of reeling one of those in!  The MMO noted that the majority (98.7%) of Blue Fin Tuna were released in a good to excellent condition, something that we pride ourselves on at Opportunity Charters. So, you can rest easy with the knowledge a great day out awaits that isn’t going to harm these magnificent Blue Fin Tuna.

Conservation Friendly Experience:

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.

At Opportunity Charters we don’t just fish for Blue Fin Tuna. Although we just love it!  If Shark Fishing is your preference, or you want to mix it up over a couple of days, we think we are the go-to charter in Devon and Cornwall.  

Plymouth South Devon – the Perfect Location for Sports Fishing and Blue Fin Tuna

Plymouth is the perfect location to set out from, on the border of both counties. Any specific requirements just contact us.  Call Dan 07515 370000.