Bigeye Tuna

Category: Deep Offshore

Trip Type: Deep Offshore

Bigeye tuna are among the most respected offshore game fish in the Gulf, known for their deep-water habits, incredible strength, and outstanding table fare.

Appearance

Bigeye tuna are dark metallic blue along the back with silver sides and a white belly. As their name suggests, they have noticeably larger eyes than other tuna species, an adaptation that helps them hunt in deep water.

Habitat

Bigeye tuna are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico in deep offshore waters. Unlike yellowfin tuna, they spend much of their time hundreds of feet below the surface and are often associated with underwater canyons, offshore rigs, and areas with strong currents.

Average Size

Most bigeye tuna caught in Gulf waters weigh between 50 and 250 pounds, though fish over 300 pounds are possible.

Best Time to Catch

Bigeye tuna can be caught year-round in the Gulf, but they are most commonly targeted during the warmer months when offshore conditions are favorable.

Fishing Tips

Bigeye tuna rarely spend much time feeding on the surface during daylight hours, making them more difficult to locate than yellowfin tuna. Successful anglers often troll large offshore lures near temperature breaks, deep-water structure, and current edges. Areas near the Mississippi Canyon and Midnight Lump have produced some impressive Gulf catches.

Louisiana State Record

213.5 pounds — caught by Brian Neil in Mississippi Canyon in September 2018. The fish remains Louisiana’s official state-record bigeye tuna and highlights the incredible offshore fishery found out of Venice and the Mississippi Canyon region.

Fun Fact

Bigeye tuna can dive more than 1,000 feet below the surface and regularly move between warm surface waters and the cold depths of the Gulf.