Texas is one of the world’s most targeted destinations for tuna fishing. It is one of the most popular fish for fishers and anglers in Texas, and you can catch tuna from the shore, a pier, or a boat. Knowing this, let’s dig into the details of tuna fishing in Texas, the best months for tuna, and how many you can keep in Texas.
When Can Yo Go Tuna Fishing in Texas?
Tuna fishing is allowed year-round in Texas. You can even go night fishing for tuna without a problem, as tuna tend to bite well at night. Some of the best places for tuna fishing in Texas include Galveston, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and Corpus Christi Bay. These are just a handful of the possible locations, so choosing the right one for you is important.
Types of Tuna in Texas
There are three main types of tuna you can find in Texas, including
- Yellowfin tuna
- Bluefin tuna
- Blackfin tuna
When tuna fishing in Texas, Yellowfin and Bluefin tuna are the most common to catch. Blackfin tuna are less common, but catching them with the correct tackle, conditions, and patience is possible.
What Month is Best for Tuna Fishing in Texas?
Peak tuna season in Texas is from July to October. The type of tuna you are looking to catch is a significant component of determining the best time of year for your fishing expedition.
Yellowfin Tuna
July to October are the best months to catch Yellowfin tuna when the water temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees. Although they may enter bays and be along the coastline, they are most often seen in the Gulf of Mexico. The worst months to fish for Yellowfin tuna are January to May, November, and December.
Bluefin Tuna
Like Yellowfin tuna, Bluefin tuna are most often caught in the spring and summer months in the Gulf of Mexico.
Blackfin Tuna
Fishing for Blackfin tuna is best from June to October when the water temperature is between 71 and 80 degrees. You can find Blackfin Tuna around the Texas coastline, near-shore reefs, floating grasses, and jetsam. The worst months to fish for Blackfin tuna are January to March, November, and December.
How Many Tuna Can You Keep in Texas?
It is important to follow any Texas regulations regarding the number and size of fish you catch, including tuna. There are also federal regulations you must be aware of.
Federally, catching, tagging, and releasing Yellowfin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico is allowed. Texas regulations state that a bag limit of three Yellowfin tuna can be kept a day and that they must be at least 27 inches long.
NOAA Fisheries states a bag limit of one Bluefin tuna a day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The bag limit is zero on the remaining days of the week. These limits are effective from July 1 through November 30, 2024.
Currently, there are no bag or size limits for Blackfin tuna.
Choose Boat Stop Marina for Your Tuna Fishing in Texas
When it comes to fishing, you have chosen the right place. Texas is one of the leading tuna fishing destinations in the world. It is important to remember the time of year when you want to go tuna fishing and state and federal regulations.
Boat Stop Marina can help you determine the best time of year for tuna fishing in Texas, inform you of state and federal regulations, and provide a safe, secure place to put your boat in the water.
Contact us today to get your Texas fishing trip underway.