The Ultimate Texas Tuna Fishing Guide (Best Spots, Tips & More)

Caught your eye, did I? Good. If you’re looking to catch some of the giant Tuna in Texas, you’ll want to read this Tuna Fishing Texas guide.

This article will cover everything from the best spots and tuna charters to what kind of bait and tackle to use. So grab your rod and reel, and let’s get started!

Can You Catch Tuna in Texas?

The short answer is: absolutely! Texas is home to some of the biggest and best tuna fishing in the entire world.

Whether you’re looking to fish from the shore, a pier, or a tuna charter boat, there are plenty of opportunities to catch Tuna in Texas.

What Kind of Tuna Can You Catch in Texas?

When it comes to offshore tuna fishing, there are four main types that you’ll find in Texas waters:

• Yellowfin tuna
• Bluefin tuna
• Blackfin tuna
• Bigeye tuna

The Texas yellowfin tuna is the most common of these four, followed by the bluefin.

Blackfin and bigeye are less common but can still be caught with some luck (and patience).

Where to Find Tuna in Texas? (Tuna Fishing Texas Coast)

Now that we know what kind of Tuna you can catch, let’s talk about where to find them.

The Texas coastline stretches for over 600 miles, which means many options for tuna fishing. However, there are a few spots that stand out above the rest.

The 10 Best Texas Tuna Fishing Destinations & Hot Spots

If you’re looking to reel in some of the biggest Tuna Texas offers, you need to know where to go. 

Without the correct information, fishing for Tuna can be a total crapshoot. You might waste your time and money fishing at the wrong spot.

This comprehensive guide includes all of the best spots for tuna fishing in Texas and detailed information on what type of bait and tackle to use.

The 10 Best Texas Tuna Fishing places and Destinations to reeling in the big one.

1. Galveston

2. Corpus Christi

3. Tuna Fishing Port Aransas

4. Tuna Fishing South Padre Island

5. Sabine Lake

6. Matagorda Bay

7. Rockport

8. Aransas Pass

9. Corpus Christi Bay

10. Port Mansfield

These are just a few of the many great places to catch Tuna in Texas. With so many options, it’s easy to find a perfect spot for you.

When is the Best Time for Tuna Fishing in Texas? 

When Can You Fish for Tuna in Texas? The best time to fish for Tuna in Texas depends on the type of Tuna you’re after.

Yellowfin and bluefin tuna are most active in the spring and summer months, while blackfin and bigeye tuna are more active in the fall and winter.

However, there is one exception to this rule: blackfin tuna are sometimes found in the Gulf of Mexico during the spring and summer months.

What Type of Bait & Tackle to Use?

The bait and tackle you use can make a big difference when offshore fishing for tuna. Here are a few general tips to keep in mind:

• Use live bait whenever possible
• Use heavier tackle for giant Tuna
• Use light tackle for smaller Tuna
• Use a leader of at least 50lb test

Can You Catch Bluefin Tuna in Texas? (Bluefin Tuna Fishing Texas)

Yes, you can catch bluefin tuna in Texas! Texas is one of the best places in the world to catch them.

The best time to catch bluefin tuna in Texas in the spring and summer months. During this time, they can be found in the Gulf of Mexico.

Now let’s take a more detailed look at each type of Tuna and the best bait and tackle to use.

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Texas

The yellowfin tuna is the most common type of Tuna found in Texas waters. They’re known for their bright yellowfins and can grow to be quite large.

The average size of Texas yellowfin tuna is around 50-60 pounds, but they can grow much larger. The world record yellowfin tuna weighed in at over 400 pounds!

Live bait is always the best option for yellowfin tuna when it comes to bait. Common live bait includes:

• Squid
• Mackerel
• Anchovies
• Herring
• Pilchards

Cut bait can also be effective, but live bait usually produces better results.

As for tackle, you’ll want to use heavy-duty gear with diamond jigs when fishing for yellowfin tuna. They’re strong fighters and can easily break a lighter tackle.

A good rule of thumb is to use tackle that’s rated for fish twice the size of the one you’re targeting. So, if you’re after a 50-pound yellowfin, use tackle that’s rated for 100-pound fish.

Where Can I Find Yellowfin Tuna in Texas?

Yellowfin tuna can be found all along the Texas coastline. They’re most commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico but can also be found in the bays and along the coast.

The best time to catch yellowfin tuna is the spring and summer months. During this time, they’re migrating through the Gulf of Mexico.

How Many Yellowfin Tuna Can You Keep? (Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Texas)

The Texas bag limit for yellowfin tuna is 3 per person, but they can weigh up to 27 inches long. Tuna fish over the 27-inch limit must be re-released into the ocean.

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charters in Texas

If you’re looking to catch a yellowfin tuna, plenty of charter companies in Texas can take you out on the water.

Here are a few of the best fishing charters in Texas:

1. Galveston Fishing Charters

2. Corpus Christi Fishing Charters

3. Tuna Port Aransas Fishing Charters

4. South Padre Island Fishing Charters

5. Rockport Fishing Charters

With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a charter company that’s perfect for you.

Bluefin Tuna Fishing Texas

The bluefin tuna is the second most common type of Tuna found in Texas waters. They’re similar to yellowfin tuna in many ways but tend to be larger.

The average size of a bluefin tuna is around 80-100 pounds, but they can grow much larger. The world record bluefin tuna weighed in at over 1,500 pounds!

Live bait is once again the best option when it comes to bait. Common live bait includes:

• Mackerel
• Squid
• Herring
• Anchovies
• Pilchards

Cut bait can be effective, but live bait usually produces better results.

As for tackle, you’ll want to use heavy-duty gear when fishing for bluefin tuna. They’re stronger than yellowfin tuna and can easily break the lighter tackle.

A good rule of thumb is to use tackle rated for fish three times the size of the one you’re targeting. So, if you’re after a 100-pound bluefin, use tackle that’s rated for 300-pound fish.

Blackfin Tuna Fishing Texas

The blackfin tuna is the third most common type of Tuna found in Texas waters. They’re similar to yellowfin and bluefin tuna but tend to be smaller.

The average size of a blackfin tuna is around 20-30 pounds, but they can grow much larger. The world record blackfin tuna weighed in at over 80 pounds!

Live bait is once again the best option when it comes to bait. Common live bait includes:

• Mackerel
• Squid
• Herring
• Anchovies
• Pilchards

Cut bait can be effective, but live bait usually produces better results.

As for tackle, you’ll want to use medium-duty gear when fishing for blackfin tuna. They’re not as strong as yellowfin or bluefin tuna but can still break the lighter tackle.

A good rule of thumb is to use tackle rated for fish half the size of the one you’re targeting. So, if you’re after a 30-pound blackfin, use tackle that’s rated for 60-pound fish.

Where Can You Find Blackfin Tuna in Texas? (Blackfin Tuna Fishing Texas)

Blackfin tuna can be found all along the Texas coastline. Good places to start looking for blackfin are near-shore reefs, floating grasses, and jetsam.

The best time to catch blackfin tuna is in the spring and summer months. During this time, they’re migrating through the Gulf of Mexico.

Tuna Fishing Texas Gulf Coast

The Texas Gulf Coast is one of the best places to go tuna fishing. Three main types of Tuna are commonly found in these waters: yellowfin, bluefin, and blackfin.

The best time to go tuna fishing is from March to November. The water temperature during this time is typically in the mid-70s to low-80s, which is ideal for Tuna.

The best bait for Tuna is live bait, such as squid, mackerel, herring, or anchovies. The best tackle to use is heavy-duty gear rated for fish twice the size of the one you’re targeting.

Gulf of Mexico Tuna

The Gulf of Mexico is home to all three types of Tuna – yellowfin, bluefin, and blackfin. The type of Tuna you’re most likely to catch will depend on the time of year and the deep water temperature.

When the water is warmer, you’re more likely to catch yellowfin and bluefin tuna in the spring and summer. When the water is cooler in the fall and winter, you’re more likely to catch blackfin tuna.

Can You Catch Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico?

Yes, you can catch tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a reason why fishing for yellowfin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico is so popular; it has nothing to do with their taste.

These tasty fish can be caught year-round without legally imposed seasons limiting when you might want one!

When Can You Catch Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico?

Tuna are available to be caught in the Gulf of Mexico at any time of year. The warmer water temperatures in the spring and summer months make these the best times to fish for yellowfin and bluefin tuna.

The cooler water temperatures in the fall and winter months make these the best times to fish for blackfin tuna.

How Much Does It Cost to Go Deep Sea Fishing in Texas? (Deep Sea Fishing Texas Prices)

The cost of deep-sea fishing in Texas varies depending on your trip. A half-day trip will typically cost around $400, while a full-day tuna trip will cost around $600.

The cost of the trip includes the price of the party boat, the captain, and the bait.

It does not include the cost of your fishing license, which you can purchase online or at a local tackle shop.

How Much Is a One-Day Fishing License in Texas?

Do You Need a License to Fish in Texas? Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Texas. A one-day fishing license costs $11 for residents and $16 for non-residents.

A yearly fishing license for residents costs $30, and an annual fishing license for non-residents costs $58.

Can You Catch Tuna from Galveston Texas? (Tuna Fishing Galveston)

Galveston is one of the best places to go tuna fishing in Texas. The waters around Galveston are home to all three types of tuna – yellowfin, bluefin, and blackfin.

Galveston is one of the best places in Texas for catching fish. Head out on a fishing tuna trip, and you could catch Tuna, Cobia, or Kingfish – just choose how long your stay!

Galveston Tuna Fishing charter trips are great because they offer 12-, 24-month & 36-hour excursions, so there’s something available no matter what time you have!

How Far Is Tuna from Galveston?

In the waters off Galveston, if you’re looking for big fish – like Tuna or wahoo- your fishing charter will take care of it. There are plenty in this area for those who want even deeper water (beyond 75 miles)!

The fishing capital of Texas is in Galveston, where you can go about 50 miles out to find schools on Tuna and 75 more if they’re interested in biting.

Tuna Fishing Houston

Houston is a great place to fish for Tuna because it’s close to the Gulf of Mexico. This means that the water temperature is ideal for Tuna year-round.

Tuna fishing charter trips in Houston are available all year long. Choose a half-day, full-day, or overnight trip to fit your schedule.

Prices for charter trips start at $400 for a half-day trip and $600 for a full-day trip.

Can You Fish for Tuna in Corpus Christi Texas?

Corpus Christi is another excellent place to fish for Tuna in Texas. The summer is the best time to catch blackfin tuna in Corpus Christi.

Offshore oil rigs are where you will find most fish, but yellowfins can also be caught here if they’re fishing near an area with solid currents like Sargent Arch Channel or Aransas Bay.

As we all know, Tuna isn’t just found on our coastlines – so when you’re looking for them, go beyond what many people think about “coastal” waters!

Deep-Sea Fishing Corpus Christi Texas (Tuna Fishing Charters near Me)

Corpus Christi is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a great place to go tuna fishing. The waters off Corpus Christi are home to all three types of Tuna – yellowfin, bluefin, and blackfin.

Corpus Christi is one of the best places in Texas for catching fish. Head out on a fishing trip, and you could catch Tuna, Cobia, or Kingfish – choose how long your stay!

Commonly Asked Questions About Texas Tuna Fishing (FAQ)

Is Tuna a Seasonal Fish in South Texas?

No, Tuna is not a seasonal fish in South Texas. You can catch Tuna all year round in South Texas.

How Far Off Galveston Is Blue Water?

The blue deep water is about 50 miles offshore from Galveston.

Does Texas Have Bluefin Tuna?

Yes, Texas has bluefin tuna. You can catch bluefin tuna offshore from Corpus Christi and Galveston.

How Much Is a Fishing License in Texas?

A one-day offshore fishing license in Texas costs $11 for residents and $16 for non-residents. A yearly fishing license for residents costs $30, and an annual fishing license for non-residents costs $58.

How Long Is Yellowfin Tuna Season?

There is no set yellowfin tuna season. You can catch yellowfin tuna all year round in Texas.

What Is the Record for Bluefin Tuna?

The world’s largest bluefin tuna was caught in 1979 and weighed 1,496 pounds. The fish measured 52 inches long when it reached its maximum potential size, according to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).

How Far Is Offshore Tuna Texas?

Offshore tuna fishing in Texas usually takes about 75 miles from the coast. However, you can find Tuna as far offshore as 50 miles from the beach.

What Is the Limit on Yellowfin Tuna in Louisiana?

The limit on yellowfin tuna in Louisiana is 27 inches minimum curved fork length and three per person daily.

What Is the Biggest Fish in the Gulf of Mexico?

The biggest fish in the Gulf of Mexico is the Whale Shark. The whale shark is not an actual shark but a filter-feeding fish that can grow to be 35 feet long and typically weigh around 25 tons.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Everything you could want to know about tuna fishing in Texas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, we hope this Tuna Fishing Texas guide has been helpful. While Tuna can be caught in Texas year-round, the best time to fish for them is during the late summer and fall. South Texas offers some great opportunities to catch this prized gamefish. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this guide, you’ll have a better chance of landing your very own Tuna. What are you waiting for? Now get out there and start reeling in those big ones!

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