Yellowfin Tuna Fishing (Thunnus albacares)

Yellowfin tuna fishing are one of the Pacific Ocean’s most common and widespread tuna species. Incredibly agile, strong and deep diving when hooked. Unlike bigeye tuna, yellowfins spend most of their life above the thermocline and prefer warmer waters. They are capable of growing over 400 pounds. Adult fish tend to have a long second dorsal and anal fin much in the shape of a sickle.

They are terrific fighters on light tackle and will readily take a topwater plug cast at them. The phenomenon of catching these pelagics on light tackle is taking the angling community by a storm and has become more popular each year. Ecuagringo offers what we believe is one of the best destinations in the world to catch these fish because of the sheer possible numbers.

How To Catch Yellowfin Tuna In The Galapagos Islands

Most anglers choose to troll or site cast to topwater feeding fish. Catching tuna in the Galapagos is usually not hard and using trolling or spinning gear works well. Topwater tuna fishing is a very productive and fun way to try for tuna. When yellowfin tuna are in their feeding frenzies they are likely to take a popper, stick bait or almost any kind of plug cast at them.

Where To Fish For Yellowfin Tuna In The Galapagos Islands

Yellowfin tuna like to congregate over reefs, banks, seamounts and drop-offs. One of the most common telltale signs to find tuna in general are birds circling or diving. There are several FAD buoys that also attract tuna in various places in the Galapagos. San Cristobal and Isabela Island are two of the best islands to start when planning a trip to the Galapagos for tuna.

Fishing Seasons For Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna can be found year round in the Galapagos Islands. Most anglers choose to fish the calmer months from December to June as it makes it much easier to site cast and find the fish.

Fishing Tips & Techniques for Yellowfin Tuna

These tuna are powerful, fast and have a very aggressive bite. The right tackle is important in order to match the size of the fish you are chasing. Yellowfin tuna in the Galapagos Islands average 15 to 100 pounds in most places they congregate but these fish are known to grow in excess of 400 pounds. Most topwater tuna are fished with 50 and 80 braided line on spinning gear. Trolling works well with 30, 50 and 80 pound stand up tackle. Light and thin leaders help improve hoo-up ratio as yellowfin tuna seem to pay attention to details and a thick leader can scare away fish.