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Hawks Cay
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Keys Fishing
Blackfin Tuna Fishing in the Florida Keys
Tuna fishing charters reel in the challenging Blackfin Tuna
Pound for pound, the blackfin tuna could be called the middle weight champion of Florida Keys fishing. These open ocean predators are strong, fast and capable of long, drag-melting runs.
This species, found in tropic and temperate waters of the Western Atlantic, travels in schools, like mahi-mahi, and will often feed on the surface, slamming everything from live bait to artificial flies, making them the prey of choice for many Florida Keys fishing charters.
“An open-ocean marauder, the blackfin is found from Massachusetts to Rio de Janeiro and throughout the Gulf of Mexico”
The Florida Keys have long been known for tuna fishing charters, thanks to a unique geological feature in the offshore environment called The Humps. These seamounts, or underwater mountains, rise more than a thousand feet off the ocean floor, triggering a natural upwelling of nutrient-rich seawater, than in turn attracts baitfish, and the open-sea predators that feed upon them.
Without The Humps, blue-water fishing in The Keys would not be the same. The underwater topography is what makes this region ground zero for big game fishing the mainstay for many Florida Keys outfitters.
The captains who work out of the Hawks Cay Marina on Duck Key get their share of purists who come south in the late winter and spring just for tuna fishing charters. But if you time your trip right, you can also get in a little dolphin fishing, which peaks in the spring and summer.
Blackfin tuna don’t get as big as their cousins the better known bluefin and yellow fin. A 30-pound blackfin is considered a great catch, but bigger specimens have been caught in the Lower Keys. In fact, the world record blackfin tuna weighed 45 pounds 8 ounces; and was caught in Key West on May 4, 1996.
An open-ocean marauder, the blackfin is found from Massachusetts to Rio de Janeiro and throughout the Gulf of Mexico, but the species seldom ventures into waters cooler than 70 degrees. Blackfin feed on a variety of small baitfish, but be prepared for a battle royal, because this fish is also a favorite food of legendary blue marlin.
Most charter boat captains prefer trolling for blackfin tuna because these feisty fighters will hit everything from skirted ballyhoo to silver spoons. But you will find this species anywhere in the water column, and as a result, can also catch them on butterfly jigs and live bait. Even anglers out grouper fishing have been known to hook blackfin tun on flat lines as they bottom fished.
The Hawks Cay Marina has seven offshore boats that target blackfin, wahoo, sailfish and other pelagic species. The Tailwalker, the Tailwalker 2, the Final Final and the Chelsey Lynn are full-cabin, air-conditioned sportfishing boats that can accommodate parties of six.
But if you are looking for a little adventure, check out the Snapshot, a center-console that will also run tuna fishing charters. The Tailwalker 3 and the Eagle Eye are smaller boats that will still get you out beyond the reef.
Blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus)
REMARKS: Found in tropical and temperate waters of the western Atlantic, this pelagic, schooling fish usually feeds near the surface. A favorite of light-tackle enthusiasts, the blackfin can be taken on live or artificial baits. On the west coast of Florida anglers often look for this small tuna near shrimp boats.
One of the smallest of the tunas, the blackfin rarely reaches a weight of more than 30 pounds. It prefers water warmer than 70 degrees and is a favorite food of blue marlin. A schooling animal, the blackfin feeds on squid and a variety of fish.
REGULATIONS: No size or bag limits.
WORLD RECORD: 45 pounds 8 ounces; Key West, May 4, 1996.
QUICK FACTS:
Offshore Rates
Half day reef charters from $750
Full day reef charters from $1100
Backcountry Rates
Half day charters from $450
Full day charters from $650
Full Charter Price List
10 boats and captains available to suit any need. Download the complete
Hawks Cay Charter price sheet here.
Wish you were catching these fish?
We can “hook” you up! call for reservations:
charters available through:
Final Final
At Hawks Cay Resort
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Tailwalker
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Eagle Eye Charters
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Snapshot Charters
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Chelsey Lynn
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
Current Conditions Partly Cloudy
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Air 90.0° |
Wind Southeast at 6.9 MPH (6 KT)mph |
Humidity 62% |
