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Thunnus Albacares

Yellowfin Tuna

Pure power on the line. Yellowfin tuna are one of the hardest-fighting fish in the ocean — their initial run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They are also the species most often kept by Cabo anglers, with fresh sashimi on the dock being a beloved local tradition. The IGFA world record was caught just south of Cabo.

427 lbs

IGFA WORLD RECORD

~7 ft (2.1 m)

MAX LENGTH

~47 mph

TOP SPEED

Jun-Nov

PEAK SEASON

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Taxonomy & Biology

  • Scombriformes

  • Scombridae

  • Thunnus

  • T. albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788)

  • Yellowfin tuna, ahi (Hawaiian), atún aleta amarilla (Spanish), allison tuna

  • Approximately 6–8 years

  • Squid, crustaceans, small pelagic fish, flying fish

  • Tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Epipelagic, typically found in the top 100 meters but capable of diving to 1,000+ feet. Often associated with dolphins and floating debris.

Yellowfin tuna are a schooling pelagic species identifiable by their bright yellow dorsal and anal finlets and the golden lateral band along their flanks. Mature fish develop dramatically elongated second dorsal and anal fins that can reach almost to the tail.

Yellowfin are warm-blooded (endothermic) — they can maintain a body temperature above the surrounding water, which gives them a metabolic advantage for sustained high-speed swimming and deep diving.

The IGFA all-tackle world record of 427 pounds was caught just south of Cabo San Lucas in 2012, making this region one of the most productive yellowfin fisheries on Earth. Yellowfin are often found in association with dolphins — following porpoise schools is a standard Cabo tuna fishing technique.

WHEN TO FISH

Seasonal Patterns in Cabo San Lucas

JAN

--

FEB

--

MAR

★

APR

★

MAY

★★

JUN

★★★

JUL

★★★

AGO

★★★

SEP

★★★

OCT

★★★

NOV

★★

DEC

★★

HOW TO CATCH THEM

Fishing Techniques & Tackle

HIGHEST VOLUME

CHUNK & CHUM

The boat anchors or drifts near a school, and chunks of cut bait are thrown overboard to create a chum slick. When tuna begin feeding in the slick, baited hooks are dropped into the feeding zone. This produces the highest volume of fish. Tackle: 30–50 lb class conventional.

SPORT TECHNIQUE

LIVE BAIT / POPPING

Live sardines or caballito on circle hooks, or surface poppers and stick baits cast to feeding schools. Popping for tuna on spinning tackle is one of the most exciting techniques in sport fishing. Tackle: Heavy spinning or 30 lb conventional.

COVERING GROUND

TROLLING

Cedar plugs, feathers, and skirted lures trolled at 6–8 knots to locate schools. Once fish are found, the boat often switches to chunk or live bait techniques. Effective for covering large areas of water. Tackle: 30–50 lb class.

WORLD RECORDS

IGFA Records & Notable Catches

IGFA ALL-TACKLE WORLD RECORD

427 lb

Caught by Guy Yocom on September 18, 2012, fishing 180 miles south of Cabo San Lucas. Yocom also won a $1 million bonus from Mustad's 'Hook a Million' promotion for the record catch.

TYPICAL GOOD CATCH

30-150 lb

Yellowfin in Cabo typically run 30 to 150 pounds, with trophy fish over 200 pounds caught every season. The species grows rapidly — a 100-pound fish may be only 3–4 years old.

TOP SPEED

~47 mph

Estimated maximum burst speed. Yellowfin Tuna are among the fastest fish in the ocean.

MAXIMUM RECORDED LENGTH

~7 ft (2.1 m)

Approximate maximum total length. Cabo yellowfin tuna typically measure smaller.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Conservation & Regulations

Responsible Fishing in Cabo

Yellowfin tuna are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN but are subject to commercial fishing pressure worldwide. Mexican bag limits allow 5 yellowfin tuna per license per day. Fish cleaning is available at the dock for an additional fee.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Yellowfin Tuna FAQ

  • Yellowfin tuna is considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean. The firm, deep-red flesh is excellent as sashimi, seared steaks, poke, or grilled. The limit is 5 per license per day. Fish cleaning is available at the dock for an additional fee. Several restaurants near the marina will prepare it fresh for you that same day.

  • Yellowfin tuna are most abundant in Cabo from June through November, with peak fishing in July through October when large schools concentrate around offshore banks and temperature breaks. Trophy-size fish over 100 pounds are most common during this window.

  • Yes. Yellowfin tuna can be kept — the limit is 5 per license per day. Fish cleaning and filleting is available at the dock for an additional fee. Many Cabo restaurants will prepare your fresh tuna as sashimi, ceviche, or grilled — ask us for recommendations.

EXPLORE MORE

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Striped Marlin

Coryphanea Hippurus

Dorado

Which Boat Should You Book for Yellowfin Tuna?

Any offshore-capable boat works for yellowfin tuna. The 30' California ($1,100) and 31' Bertram ($800) are popular choices. For large groups targeting tuna and marlin, the 40' ($1,200) or 44' Viking ($1,700) provide more deck space. View all boats →

Target Yellowfin Tuna in Cabo

Our captains know exactly where and when to find yellowfin tuna. Call or email directly — no booking fees, no middlemen.

Call Victor
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NO BOOKING FEES · NO COMMISSIONS · DIRECT WITH OUR CABO TEAM