Blackfin tuna are a species of tuna that can be found in the Gulf of Mexico. They are a smaller species of tuna, typically weighing between 10-30 pounds, although larger individuals can reach up to 45 pounds. They are known for their dark coloration on their backs and yellow on their sides and bellies, as well as their large eyes and deeply forked tails.
Blackfin tuna are primarily found in deeper waters, often around reefs, oil rigs, shipwrecks, and other structures. They are also known to school near the surface, making them accessible to anglers using trolling or casting methods.
In the Gulf of Mexico, blackfin tuna are typically caught using live bait such as pilchards, threadfin herring, and sardines. They are also caught using artificial lures such as jigs, plugs, and topwater poppers.
Blackfin tuna are highly sought after by recreational anglers due to their fighting ability and their excellent taste as a food fish. They are also commercially harvested in the Gulf of Mexico and are an important species for the regional fishing industry.