OffshoreHookup
School of yellowfin tuna busting the surface at dawn

Yellowfin Tuna SeasonGulf Coast

Yellowfin Tuna season in the Gulf peaks Jun–Aug: that's when at least half of the 5 ports we track are at peak. June and July are the hottest, with 4 of 5 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Gulf Jan–Nov.

Bars: share of the 5 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Venice is the anchor of the Gulf yellowfin circuit. The Midnight Lump and the 24-Mile Rigs concentrate fish from December through March; in January and February, when the deep rigs off the Mississippi River mouth are loaded, it is as consistent as anywhere in the country. Summer adds a second window at the eastern Gulf rigs when the Loop Current pushes fish up from depth. Come set up for chunking and kite fishing — 130-pound standup gear and more bait than you think you need.

Port by port5 ports

Yellowfin Tuna bite calendar by port, Gulf Coast
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Destin, FLPeak Jun–SepOffOffOffFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakFishableOffOff
Galveston, TXPeak Jun–AugOffOffFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishableOffOff
Orange Beach, ALPeak Jun–AugOffOffOffFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishableOffOff
Port Aransas, TXPeak Apr–JulOffOffFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakFishableFishableFishableFishableOff
Venice, LAPeak Jan–Mar, Sep–OctPeakPeakPeakFishableFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakFishableOff

Where to run

Each port's primary offshore run, and its window for yellowfin tuna. Tap a port for every run, regulation and source.

Florida

Destin

Peak Jun–SepFishable Apr–May, Oct
Primary runjust over 10 milesto 100-Fathom Curve
Texas

Galveston

Peak Jun–AugFishable Mar–May, Sep–Oct
Primary run40 miles or less in peak seasonto Summer billfish and pelagic water
Alabama

Orange Beach

Peak Jun–AugFishable Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Primary runabout 8-15 miles offshoreto Orange Beach artificial reef zone
Texas

Port Aransas

Peak Apr–JulFishable Mar, Aug–Nov
Primary runabout 35 milesto Bakers and Hospital Rock
Louisiana

Venice

Peak Jan–Mar, Sep–OctFishable Apr–Aug, Nov
Primary runabout 20 miles off Southwest Passto Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)

How to fish it

Tackle class:30-50lb spinning or conventional. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the yellowfin tuna page.

Kits for this fish

  • The Blue-Water Trolling Starter KitThe reel, rod, braid, leader, and gaff you need to run a real bump-and-wind spread on giant bluefin, yellowfin, and wahoo, bundled so you're not guessing what pairs with what.

Frequently asked

When is yellowfin tuna season in the Gulf?

Yellowfin Tuna season in the Gulf peaks Jun–Aug: that's when at least half of the 5 ports we track are at peak. June and July are the hottest, with 4 of 5 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Gulf Jan–Nov.

What is the best month for yellowfin tuna in the Gulf?

June and July. In June, 4 of the 5 ports we track are at peak: Destin, Galveston, Orange Beach, Port Aransas.

Which Gulf Coast port has the longest yellowfin tuna season?

Venice, LA: 11 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Jan–Mar, Sep–Oct.

What rig do you use for yellowfin tuna?

30-50lb spinning or conventional. Start with The Bump-and-Wind Rig for Bluewater Tuna or Chunking Bluewater for Yellowfin.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.