Playing Hard To Get: The Challenge Of Catching Blackfins

Blackfin tuna fishing makes for an awesome experience, as most anglers would concur. And when anglers see a flash of gold in the depths of the water, their eyes would light up, especially at the sight of a dark fin.

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Blackfins are historically abundant in the Southern Atlantic. With the species’ proliferation combined with its feistiness, the fight becomes that much enjoyable and challenging. The meat from this fish is very versatile and can be used for Sushi dishes or cooked on the grill.

While it is not as tough as the bluefin and yellowfin tuna, the blackfin’s strength and aggression especially show up when it is schooled up with others, and they are feeding. They provide wild battle, particularly when light tackles are used to them. But what really makes it difficult to reel in this little tuna is its availability and location during the day. Notoriously sensitive to light, blackfins are often called twilight tuna. With eyes so large, targeting these fish is best done during the first light and last light conditions.

Experienced anglers set out at approximately 5:45 to 7:00 in the morning and 5:30 to 7:30 in the evening. Tagging studies support their observation that blackfins stay much deeper during daytime and only rises to shallower parts at night.

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Ram Chary Everi is a photographer and graphic designer working in Boston, Massachusetts. During his free time, he dabbles in tuna fishing to relax and recharge; though at times he gets quite competitive. For more information about fishing and other activities in Boston, follow Ram on Twitter.