Florida City Flats Little Tunny at Dusk

Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) is a spirited member of the Scombridae family in the order Perciformes. Often confused with other small tunas, these fish are distinguished by their dark wavy lines on the back and black spots below the pectoral fins. In Florida City waters during October, they provide some of the most exciting light tackle action you'll find. Little Tunny Overview The Little Tunny, also known as False Albacore or Bonita, is one of the smaller tuna species. These fish are prized by anglers for their blistering runs and pound-for-pound fighting ability that far exceeds their modest size. They're common throughout Florida waters and provide reliable action when other species might be less active. Little Tunny Habitat and Distribution These fish inhabit nearshore, offshore, and onshore environments, typically found in warm temperate and tropical waters. Around Florida City, they can be found anywhere from just off the beaches to several miles offshore, often congregating around structures, reefs, and areas with strong current flow where bait concentrates. Little Tunny Size and Weight Typical Little Tunny measure between 24 and 48 inches in length and weigh from 5 to 15 pounds. Trophy specimens pushing the upper end of this range are occasionally caught in Florida waters, especially during fall migrations. Little Tunny Diet and Behavior These aggressive predators primarily feed on small baitfish like anchovies, pilchards, and small herring. They hunt in schools, often creating surface disturbances called "blitzes" when feeding. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding periods, though they can be active throughout the day depending on tide and bait presence. Little Tunny Spawning Season In Florida waters, spawning typically occurs in early summer through fall when water temperatures are warmest. They reproduce offshore in open water, releasing millions of eggs that develop rapidly. Little Tunny Fishing Techniques The most productive methods include: - Fast-retrieved metal jigs and spoons that mimic fleeing baitfish - Small bucktail jigs in white or chartreuse - Fly fishing with small baitfish patterns on 9-weight rods In October around Florida City, light spinning tackle with 15-20 lb test line gives you the best combination of casting distance and fighting power. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Little Tunny Is It Good to Eat? While edible, Little Tunny has darker, stronger-flavored meat than other tunas. Many anglers release them, but they can be prepared by bleeding immediately after catch, then soaking fillets in milk overnight to reduce the strong flavor. They're high in omega-3 fatty acids but should be eaten in moderation due to potential mercury content. Little Tunny Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the best bait for Little Tunny? A: Small shiny lures like silver spoons, white jigs, and small baitfish patterns work best, especially when retrieved quickly to trigger their predatory instinct. Q: Where can I find Little Tunny near Florida City? A: Look for them around tide lines, depth changes, and areas where baitfish are present. Birds diving on the water often indicate feeding Little Tunny below. Q: When is the best time to catch Little Tunny in Florida? A: Fall and spring are typically the best seasons, with October being prime time as they migrate through Florida waters. Q: How do you identify a Little Tunny from similar species? A: Look for the distinctive wavy pattern on their backs and the black spots below their pectoral fins - these markings distinguish them from other small tunas.