Thynnus albacares

The yellowfin tuna is a seasonal circumtropical fish that can be encountered from May to December. This is of course a very popular gamefish. In Indonesia it cohabits with bigeye tuna, with which it is sometimes confused. It can exceed 150kg, less than the bluefin tuna but more than the dog tooth tuna.

It is recognized by its large yellow fins, similar to sickles, and a golden band along the body.

Juveniles have short fins. In adulthood, the dorsal and pectoral fin grow to the size of a scythe, and when the fish is even older (over 100kg), a filament develops at the end of these two fins. Its length is a pretty good indicator of the age / size of the fish.

Sometimes in small groups, often in very fast, big schools, the yellowfin tuna is resolutely pelagic and will not be seen near the coast, at least in Indonesia.

It is a very strong fighter and its capture requires (ideally) a slip tip and float for specimens above 15kg.

The younger fish swim very fast and require a maneuverable weapon. For the big ones, one needs a powerful speargun and wait for the fish to come close by.

Yellowfin tuna are usually hunted on FADs, in open water near bait balls (often in association with dolphins), or in open water with chumming (technique at Ascension Island). At the FAD it is also interesting to chum.

To begin with, one has to immerse oneself by pointing at the sinking bait chunk. The tuna will move at the speed of light and the targeted specimen must be shot at exactly the right moment.

Around the bait balls, it is necessary to anticipate the movement of the schools and to immerse oneself in midwater, while waiting for the passage of the pack. With a little luck it will come to you and it will be just necessary to wait until the fish comes close by before pulling the trigger.

It is an excellent fish cooked or raw.