1 Review
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The Yellowfin Tuna is one of the ocean's most impressive gamefish, known for its fighting ability and table quality. These powerful fish belong to the Scombridae family and can reach sizes of up to 94 inches in length and weights of 150 pounds. - Yellowfin are recognizable by their bright yellow fins and streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies. - While typically offshore residents, in Florida City we sometimes find them in backcountry waters when conditions are right.
Our Wednesday October backcountry fishing charter in Florida City delivered some serious action despite partly cloudy skies and occasional rain. The Kaveri River Basin provided perfect conditions for Shriya to land a beautiful Yellowfin Tuna using a mix of drift fishing, kite fishing, and bottom fishing techniques. Ray Shetty's local knowledge of these productive waters paid off as we targeted the deeper channels before switching tactics when the current picked up. This 4-hour adventure showcases why Florida City's backcountry waters are prime territory for anglers of all experience levels. The mangrove maze creates ideal habitat for yellowfin tuna, making this trip perfect for families or serious anglers looking to experience the best fishing Florida has to offer. Our Family-Friendly Palm Beach Fishing Charters provide all the gear you need for a successful day on the water.
Instructor Ray Shetty of Ray Charters on Wednesday October offers the perfect 4 Hour Fishing Adventures package for anglers wanting to experience Florida City's productive backcountry waters. This family-friendly charter includes your fishing license and all necessary gear to target species like Yellowfin Tuna in the Kaveri River Basin. You'll need to bring cash to cover live bait costs and mate tips, and you're welcome to bring your own food and beverages aboard. Whether you're new to fishing or experienced, Captain Ray tailors the trip to give you the best chance at success using techniques like drift fishing, kite fishing, and bottom fishing depending on conditions and fish activity.
Our 4-hour backcountry fishing trips provide the perfect balance of action and accessibility. The Kaveri River Basin offers excellent opportunities to work multiple fishing techniques in a single area, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions and target active fish. We specialize in putting clients on Yellowfin Tuna that cruise the flats and mangrove edges looking for bait.
What makes these charters special is the versatility – when the current picks up, we can easily switch from drift fishing to bottom fishing, ensuring productive time on the water regardless of conditions. This trip is ideal for families and anglers of all skill levels, with expert guidance that helps newcomers succeed while still challenging experienced fishermen.
Yellowfin Tuna in Florida City's backcountry waters provide exceptional action for anglers. These powerful fish are known for their stunning yellow finlets and streamlined bodies that can reach impressive sizes. When targeting Yellowfin in the Kaveri River Basin, we focus on areas where deeper channels meet the flats, as these transitional zones attract baitfish that tuna feed on aggressively.
Fall is an excellent time for Yellowfin action in Florida, as water temperatures create ideal feeding conditions. We've found drift fishing and kite fishing to be particularly effective when the fish are actively feeding near the surface, while bottom fishing produces results when they move deeper with changing currents. The fight of a Yellowfin is unmistakable – powerful runs and determined resistance that makes landing one a genuine achievement for any angler.
Our 4 Hour Fishing Adventures depart from our convenient Florida City marina location. The charter accommodates up to 1 guest comfortably, making it perfect for a personalized fishing experience. We provide all necessary fishing equipment, including quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited to the techniques we'll be using that day.
For your comfort, we recommend bringing sun protection, a light jacket in case of rain, and a camera to document your catch. While food and beverages are welcome aboard, we suggest bringing water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during your fishing adventure. Remember to bring cash for live bait costs and gratuities. Our experienced crew prioritizes both your safety and fishing success throughout the trip.
The Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) belongs to the Scombridae family and Perciformes order. These magnificent fish are easily recognized by their torpedo-shaped bodies, metallic blue backs, silver bellies, and distinctive bright yellow dorsal and anal fins that give them their name. In Florida City waters this October, these powerful fighters provide some of the most exciting action available to anglers.
Yellowfin Tuna are highly prized gamefish known for their incredible strength, speed, and fighting ability. These fish are among the fastest swimmers in the ocean, capable of bursts up to 50 mph. Anglers target them for both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare, making them one of the most sought-after species in both recreational and commercial fisheries.
Primarily pelagic and oceanic, Yellowfin Tuna typically inhabit offshore waters in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. They're usually found in the upper 100 meters of the water column, preferring temperatures between 64°F and 88°F. While generally offshore residents, in the Florida City area, certain conditions can bring them into backcountry waters where the Kaveri River Basin provides unique opportunities for anglers.
These impressive fish typically range from 27 to 94 inches in length, with weights varying from 40 to 150 pounds. The largest specimens can approach 400 pounds, though such giants are rare in coastal waters. In the Florida backcountry, specimens in the 40-80 pound range are considered excellent catches and provide plenty of challenge for light to medium tackle.
Yellowfin are voracious predators, feeding primarily on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They often hunt in schools, corralling baitfish into tight balls before attacking from below. Their feeding behavior can be remarkably aggressive, sometimes creating visible surface disturbances called "boils" when they chase prey toward the surface. They tend to be most active during dawn and dusk periods.
These fish spawn throughout the year in tropical waters when temperatures are suitable, typically above 75°F. In Florida waters, peak spawning activity occurs during summer months. During spawning, a single female may release several million eggs, which hatch within 24-48 hours. Growth is rapid, with juveniles reaching about 1-3 pounds in their first year.
When targeting Yellowfin in the Florida City area, three techniques prove particularly effective. Drift fishing with live baits like pilchards or threadfin herring works well when the fish are holding at mid-depths. Kite fishing allows baits to be presented naturally at the surface, often triggering aggressive strikes. When current picks up, switching to bottom fishing with chunk baits can be productive. In October, anglers around Florida City find them particularly responsive to baits presented near structure edges where currents create feeding opportunities.
Yellowfin Tuna is considered premium seafood, prized for its firm, meaty texture and rich, mild flavor. The flesh ranges from pink to dark red, depending on the cut, and is excellent when prepared as sashimi, seared, or grilled. It's also nutritionally valuable, being high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while relatively low in mercury compared to some other large predatory fish. Fresh yellowfin should have a clean ocean smell and vibrant color.
Q: What is the best bait for Yellowfin Tuna?
A: Live baits like pilchards, threadfin herring, and blue runners are extremely effective. For artificial lures, cedar plugs, skirted trolling lures in blue/white or green/yellow combinations, and metal jigs all produce well when presented at the appropriate depth and speed.
Q: Where can I find Yellowfin Tuna near Florida City?
A: While typically an offshore species, the unique geography of the Kaveri River Basin sometimes brings them into backcountry waters, particularly where deeper channels meet the flats. Local knowledge is essential, which is why fishing with experienced guides like Ray Charters significantly increases your chances.
Q: Is Yellowfin Tuna good to eat?
A: Absolutely. Yellowfin is considered premium seafood with firm, meaty flesh ranging from pink to dark red. It's excellent for sashimi, searing, or grilling and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.
Q: When is the best time to catch Yellowfin Tuna?
A: In the Florida City area, fall months like October often provide excellent opportunities as water temperatures create ideal feeding conditions. Dawn and dusk periods typically see the most active feeding, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right.
Q: How do you identify a Yellowfin Tuna from other tuna species?
A: Look for the bright yellow dorsal and anal fins that give the species its name. Yellowfin also have a yellow lateral line and yellow finlets between the second dorsal fin and tail. Their bodies are more elongated than Bluefin, with a metallic blue back that transitions to silver on the sides and belly.
Q: What tackle should I use for Yellowfin Tuna?
A: Medium to heavy spinning or conventional tackle rated for 30-50 pound line is ideal for most Florida Yellowfin. Reels should have smooth drags capable of handling long runs, with a line capacity of at least 300 yards. Fluorocarbon leaders of 40-60 pound test improve bite rates in clear water conditions.