Bluefin Tuna & Sharks

Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is one of the fastest, aggressive, and impressive predators swimming the ocean. Also known as the giant bluefin, these beautiful creatures have torpedo-shaped bodies that can reach up to 13 feed in length and 2,000 pounds in weight. Bluefin grow slowly and have a long lifespan of up to 25-30 years. Their coloring ranges from metallic dark navy on their backsides, to a cobalt blue stripe running from their eye to their tail, to pink pearly iridescent tones on their underside. The bluefin can be distinguished by the chain link pattern on their underside, which they use for communication.

Bluefin spawn in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. Their annual return to these regions makes the protection of these waters essential. The Deepwater Horizon oil disaster took place in the Gulf of Mexico during the bluefin’s spawning season in 2010, and the impact of this catastrophe to the tuna population is still unknown. Each year, the bluefin travel to the Gulf of Maine to fatten up on herring and mackerel.

The giant tuna acts as a top predator. Juvenile tuna like to eat squid, crustaceans, and fish, while adult tuna prefer baitfish like mackerel, bluefish, and herring. Bluefin are fierce and aggressive swimmers – they can cross the Atlantic Ocean in less than 60 days.  

Nothing beats a day offshore fishing for bluefin. If you are lucky, you may just witness humpback whales bubble feeding while trolling on the quest for a giant! Jail Break Fishing Charters uses artificial or natural dead baits, live baits, and chumming techniques to catch tuna.

In addition to tuna, this fishing trip can target shark fishing too, including mako, thresher, porbeagle, and blue sharks.