Spearfishing bluefin tuna represents the ultimate conquest, often referred to as the ‘holy grail’ of the underwater world.
As we dive into the depths of this article, you’ll discover the secrets and nuances of spearfishing for one of the sea’s most majestic creatures. From the vital preparation and gear selection to the art of tracking and landing these formidable giants, every aspect requires a blend of individual expertise and synchronized team effort. Get ready to be entertained and informed, as we navigate through the exhilarating and challenging world of bluefin tuna spearfishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned spearfisher or an aspiring ocean adventurer, this guide will arm you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to join the ranks of those who pursue this ultimate underwater quest.
World Record: Bluefin Tuna Spearfishing
Female World Record: Tracy Wittmeier 196,2 lbs August 20, 2022 San Diego
On August 20, 2020, Tracy Wittmeier made history by setting a women’s world record for the largest bluefin tuna caught via spearfishing. Off San Diego’s coast, she speared a bluefin tuna weighing an impressive 196.2 pounds. The journey to this record involved a challenging 100-mile offshore trip. Accompanied by her husband Maddie and their friend Derek, they navigated elusive fish behavior and vast ocean expanses.
The defining moment of Tracy’s catch came during their return. Upon spotting a group of bluefin tunas, Tracy dove into the water. She encountered a particularly large tuna, seemingly motionless in the water, and made a successful shot.
The tuna initially seemed subdued, but it vigorously fought back, leading to an intense 20-minute struggle. Demonstrating skill and determination, Tracy managed to secure the fish, finalizing her catch with a second shot.
This catch was a culmination of years of pursuit and passion for spearfishing:
Tracy’s spearfishing journey began with an introduction to lobster diving, leading to a deep-seated love for the ocean and underwater hunting. Her skills were honed in Australia, where she joined the local spearfishing community, enhancing her abilities and deepening her connection with the ocean. This record is not only a personal triumph for Tracy but also an inspiring testament to her dedication and skill in spearfishing.
If you want to hear the full story you can check out The Spearfactor Podcast Episode #51 by Bret Whitman.

The Tale of Paulo Gaspar’s Legendary Catch (1997)
On August 19, 1997, Paulo Gaspar, a diver born and raised in the Azores, set a world record that remains etched in the history of spearfishing. He landed a colossal Atlantic bluefin tuna, weighing a staggering 297.2 kilograms (655.2 pounds). This catch wasn’t just about its size; it was a testament to Gaspar’s character, preparation, and respect for the ocean.
Paulo’s journey to this record was marked by passion and an unyielding respect for the sea. He was warned by local fishermen about the dangers of pursuing such a giant – tales of fishermen dragged deep by these mighty creatures were not uncommon. But Paulo, a consummate bluewater hunter, was undeterred. His previous encounters with tuna, armed only with inadequate gear, had only fueled his determination. He knew he needed to upgrade his equipment – no longer trying to “shoot an elephant with a BB gun.”
The day of the catch was a culmination of lifelong obsession and preparation. Paulo’s story teaches us the importance of understanding the creature’s behavior, preparation, and most importantly, respect for the ocean. His record is more than a statistic; it’s a narrative that intertwines adventure, respect, and a deep connection with the sea, embodying the true spirit of spearfishing.
Best Locations & Seasons for Spearfishing Bluefin Tuna
Finding the right spot and time is crucial in spearfishing for bluefin tuna. This segment introduces the top global destinations known for their bluefin populations, coupled with the best seasons to visit these locations. This handy table will provide a quick reference to plan your next spearfishing adventure.
Locations & Seasons for Spearfishing Bluefin in America, Australia and Europe
Region | Locations | Best Times to Spearfish for Bluefin Tuna |
---|---|---|
Northern Pacific (USA, Mexico) | Various offshore locations in the USA and Mexico | Spring to Fall |
Atlantic (USA) | North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Gulf of Maine, Cape Cod, Nova Scotia, Florida, Bahamas | Spring in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland; Summer in the Gulf of Maine; Fall in Cape Cod and Nova Scotia; Winter in Florida and the Bahamas |
Mediterranean and Black Sea | General region | November to May (Peak: June to July) |
Croatia | General coastal areas | February 15 to December 31 (Best: September and October) |
Italy (Sicily and Sardinia) | Lampedusa, Taormina, and others | April to late December |
Madeira, Portugal | General region | Year-round |
Canary Islands, Spain | General region | April to November |
Rhodes, Greece | South of the Cape of Rhodes | Suitable for deep-sea fishing (specific months not provided) |
The Azores, Portugal | General region | May to October |
South Australia (Southern Ocean) | Port Lincoln | Late summer to autumn |
New South Wales (Pacific Ocean) | NSW South Coast (Bermagui, Merimbula) | Winter months |
Western Australia (Indian Ocean) | Broome | Year-round, best conditions vary |
Queensland (Pacific Ocean) | Hervey Bay | Late summer through autumn |
Northern Pacific (USA, Mexico): In this region, spearfishers commonly encounter bluefin tuna ranging from 200-300 pounds (90-136 kg), measuring around 6 feet in length. The area is suitable for spearfishers of intermediate to advanced skill levels due to the size of the fish and the open ocean conditions.
Atlantic (USA): The Atlantic waters vary in the size of bluefin tuna caught. In the Gulf of Maine and Cape Cod, larger bluefins averaging 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg) are common. The region is generally more challenging, suited for intermediate to advanced spearfishers.
Mediterranean and Black Sea: Bluefin tuna in these waters can range from 100-200 pounds (45-90 kg). The Mediterranean offers a range of conditions, making it accessible for beginners in some areas but more suited to experienced spearfishers in others, especially in open waters.
Croatia: The Adriatic Sea here is known for sizable bluefin, often exceeding 200 pounds (90 kg). The clear waters offer a moderate challenge, suitable for spearfishers with some experience.
Italy (Sicily and Sardinia): These Italian waters are home to bluefin tuna that can weigh between 150-300 pounds (68-136 kg). The diverse conditions make it a region suitable for spearfishers of all levels.
Madeira, Portugal: The warm waters around Madeira are suitable for beginners to intermediate spearfishers. Tuna sizes vary, but individuals around 100-200 pounds (45-90 kg) are common.
Canary Islands, Spain: Spearfishing the Canary Islands will offer bluefin tuna typically in the 100-200 pound range (45-90 kg), presenting a moderate challenge appropriate for intermediate level spearfishers.
Rhodes, Greece: This location is known for larger bluefin tuna, often exceeding 200 pounds (90 kg), offering a challenging experience suitable for more experienced spearfishers.
The Azores, Portugal: Known for some of the largest bluefin tuna, often exceeding 300 pounds (136 kg), the Azores are a destination for advanced spearfishers due to the size of the fish and the challenging ocean conditions.
Spearfishing for Bluefin Tuna in California

California's coastline is a hotspot for spearfishing enthusiasts, offering abundant opportunities to target bluefin tuna. This subsection will guide you through the key locations in California known for bluefin tuna, alongside important regulations to ensure a legal and ethical spearfishing experience.
Regulations for Spearing Bluefin Tuna in California
The good news- You can spearfish for tuna all year round! There is no closed Season for Bluefin Tuna in California.
The special daily bag limit for bluefin tuna is 2. This limit is in addition to the overall general daily bag limit of 20 finfish. This bluefin tuna limit applies regardless of where the fish are taken.
Protected Areas: If you are interested in finding out about marine protected areas, fishing regulations and groundfish conservation area depth restrictions there is a really useful interactive fishing card of California you can check out.
Regarding the Fishing Licence: Anyone aged 16 or older must have a valid fishing license to spearfish in California.
Hotspots for Spearing Bluefin Tuna in California
In California, Bluefin Tuna are predominantly found in the offshore waters of Southern California, although they can sometimes be encountered in Central California as well. Here's a breakdown of the hotspots where you are most likely to encounter Bluefin Tuna:
Catalina Island (Southern California)
This location is particularly noted for its rich marine life and offers a high likelihood of encountering Bluefin Tuna. The island's diverse underwater terrain and nutrient-rich waters make it a prime spot for these species.
San Diego (Southern California)
Known for its excellent spearfishing opportunities, San Diego is a hotspot for a variety of fish species, including Bluefin Tuna. The warm waters and favorable ocean conditions here increase the chances of encountering Bluefin Tuna, especially during their migration season.
Interested in a Spearfishing Charter in San Diego?
Check out Reel Deep Sportfishing for the Bluefin Tuna Spearfishing Trip of your life.
Monterey Bay (Central California)
While more famous for species like Lingcod and other types of fish, Monterey Bay can also be a location where spearfishers might encounter Bluefin Tuna, particularly as the tuna migrate north during warmer months.
The likelihood of encountering Bluefin Tuna in these areas often depends on factors like ocean currents, water temperatures, and the season. Bluefin Tuna are known to prefer warmer waters and are more commonly found in Southern California, where the conditions are more favorable for them. Additionally, being migratory fish, their presence can vary from year to year.
For the best chance of encountering Bluefin Tuna, it's advisable to go spearfishing during their migration season, typically from late spring through fall, and to focus on the renowned hotspots in Southern California. Always check local reports and consult with experienced spearfishers or guides for the most current information on Bluefin Tuna movements and presence in these areas.
Bluefin Tuna Speargun Setup
Let’s get technical.- Choosing the right setup for your underwater duel with a bluefin tuna is key. Not only your ability of successfully securing your catch, but also your safety is partially reliant on the use of the right gear. In the following I will let you be part of the research I have done on the matter:
Speargun Choice for Spearfishing Bluefin Tuna
Between spearfishers there will often be the discussion between lighter and heavier guns when going bluewater spearfishing. So some people might prefer rollers and some might value those Big Timber Spearguns. Let's take a look at the advantages and limitations of both approaches:
Inverted Roller or Double Roller Spearguns
(110 cm to 130 cm)
Advantages: Ideal for tracking fast-moving Bluefin tuna, especially when they swim vertically to take the bait.
Limitations: Limited by shaft thickness (max.8.5mm) and length (max. 170 cm) making them less suitable for larger Bluefin tuna above 110 pounds/ 50 kg. Also if you go smaller, be aware that there might be some kickback.
Big Bluewater Timber Spearguns
(8.5 mm shaft and 4 x 16 mm power bands)
Advantages: Reliable and capable of taking on larger Bluefin tuna. Thanks to the resilience of the material, timber spearguns can handle greater loading power.
Limitations: Not suitable for tracking fast-moving fish due to their buoyancy and weight.
Spear Shafts for Bluefin Spearfishing
As the minimum Shaft Diameter a shaft with least 8mm is recommended.
Double flopper or slip tip shafts are advised for increased holding ability:
Double Flopper tips/shafts are praised for their ease of rigging, exceptional accuracy, and simplicity in maintenance. They are also more budget-friendly compared to the slip tip and shaft combination. However, they do have some drawbacks, including reduced holding power and a tendency to bend when catching larger fish. Additionally, finding these shafts can sometimes be challenging due to limited availability.
On the other hand, Slip Tip/Drop Barb Shafts are highly regarded for their superior holding power, which is crucial in spearfishing. They are less likely to result in a bent shaft and offer the advantage of less leverage for the fish to dislodge the shaft, especially beneficial if the shot placement isn’t ideal – a common occurrence with fast-moving targets. The downsides include a lengthier reset and loading time, the necessity of regular maintenance to prevent cable failure, and a higher price point compared to Double Flopper Shafts. With Slip Tip Shafts you should ensure the thread is compatible with your speargun and has a locking mechanism to prevent the tip from loosening.
Floatline and Floats for Spearing Bluefin
In my quest to find the perfect float setup for spearfishing Bluefin Tuna, I came across some invaluable insights on what to consider, when putting together your Floatline setup:
For effectively targeting bluefin tuna, the optimal setup involves connecting one or two high-pressure floats in series, using either a PVC or spectra float line combined with a bungee. Incorporating a bungee line between the floats is crucial as it helps to lessen the strain on the shaft and rigging during the catch.

Tracy's Expert Tip on Float Setup:
"A 3ATM+ float is 100% necessary. We use a bungee system with a 100 ft float line. I don’t have a picture. For larger fish, we use 2 floats. One for the initial shot, then another to help fight. Important to have a float line set up that doesn’t put too much pressure on the fish at once, especially if they are large, so that they don't have leverage to tear out if it isn’t a good shot."
Some other things you should look out for:
Bungee Line: I discovered that a hundred-foot bungee line is ideal when targeting Bluefin Tuna. Not all bungees are created equal, though. Dark water bungees stand out as they are less prone to 'bottoming out' under the heavy strain of a Bluefin, compared to other types like net tonic bungees.
Float Choice: The choice of float really makes a difference. I read that the three atmosphere JBL float seems to be more streamlined and effective compared to others like the Gannet floats. Its narrower design means it cuts through the water more efficiently, reducing drag and maintaining better pressure on the fish.
Pressure Management: Setting up your float line to maintain consistent pressure on the fish is key. For example, using a 15-foot leader with a three atmosphere float placed ten feet down exerts about 33 pounds of pressure on the fish. This setup ensures that when the tuna hits the second full-size float, it won’t sink but will be sufficiently tired, making it easier to handle.
Float Line Considerations: I found that PVC float lines are preferable for deeper dives due to their durability and less tangling nature. Foam-filled float lines are also great for their buoyancy and quick floatation capabilities, which aids in reducing tangling and improves tracking.
Shock Absorption: Incorporating float line bungees, especially bluewater bungees designed for large species like Bluefin Tuna, is crucial. They’re stronger and can handle the extra weight and pressure, absorbing shock and reducing strain both on the fish and the spearfisher.
Line Length: It's also important to have a float line that's at least twice as long as the depth of your dive to ensure you have enough range and control.
How to find Bluefin Tuna for Spearfishing?

Staying Ahead with Social Media Insights
Waiting for the perfect moment to spearfish for Bluefin Tuna can feel like waiting for a surprise guest. These elusive giants don't exactly RSVP, so keeping an eye on social media can be your secret weapon. Facebook Groups (e.g. Trapman Bermagui for Australia) or commercial fishing pages are treasure troves of updates on when the Tuna are making their grand entrance.
Utilizing Apps for Precision
Ever heard of apps like Ripcharts or FishTrack? These apps are like having a treasure map when you're out on the water. It's fantastic for zeroing in on those elusive Tuna once they're in the neighborhood. And here’s a pro tip: keep an eye out for temperature change lines on the charts. That’s where the baitfish – and the Tuna – love to hang out.
Attracting, Finding and Approaching Bluefin Tuna
Now, on your way to the Tuna hotspots, consider the live bait strategy. If your boat can keep them alive, grabbing some live bait en route could give you the upper hand. Where dead bait might not do the trick, live bait can ignite a feeding frenzy, luring Tuna from as deep as 200-330 feet (60m to 100m).
Keep your radio turned up and listen closely. The chatter from other fishermen can be like hidden treasure maps, leading you to the exact coordinates where the Tuna are biting. But remember, you've got to be quick – these coordinates are fleeting, and once a boat is hooked up, they're likely to go off the grid.
Approaching the Tuna schools requires a bit of finesse. Don't just jump into the middle of the action. Instead, start off a bit away, create your own burley trail, and let the Tuna come to you. Remember, the bigger fish often prefer the outskirts of the school.
Tracy's Expert Tip on Approaching Tuna:
"To approach Tuna, patience is key. Tuna can be very boat shy. Get into a position to parallel the school with the boat. Slowly angle towards them until you get a mark on the fish finder that is divable. The quieter the engines, the better. Avoid revving the engine or moving in and out of gear quickly.
You may get lucky and find a school that will stick around regardless of how noisy or fast you boat is driving. In that case, it is possible to t-bone the school, but those scenarios are rare. Generally the more pressure the school has experienced (more boats over the last few hours or days), the more shy they are."

Dragging trolling skirts is a common method to cover more ground once you reach the fishing grounds. These aren't just for show – they're essential in bringing the Tuna to the surface. And when you do spot Tuna, either on the sounder or breaking the surface, it's time to start burleying and slide into the water, with someone on the boat continuing the burley trail. Always carry a waistcatch bag for your burley (except when there are sharks in the area of course, but then you have different things to deal with).
If you stumble upon a bountiful spot, don't hesitate to share the love over the radio – what goes around comes around. And keep your eyes peeled for seabirds and marine life – they're your natural indicators of where the Tuna and baitfish might be.
Lastly, don’t lose hope if they’re not smashing your burley immediately – the tide change is often when the Tuna really start to show up at the surface.
Techniques for Bluefin Tuna Spearfishing
Before diving in for Bluefin Tuna, it’s crucial to have a clear plan with your dive team. Avoid rushing your shot due to excitement or competition with your buddy, as this can spook the fish. Stay composed, especially if it’s your first encounter with Tuna - their ability to sense your excitement can make them keep their distance.
Ensure your gear is ready, your float line is untangled, and safety is checked. Use slow, calm dives to interact with the school without directly diving at them. Feed out some burley and wait patiently in the burley trail.
When a tuna goes for the bait, take a careful shot, considering the fish's speed and the heavier shaft you might be using.
During the fight, prioritize safety and avoid tangling with the rig line:
Towards the end, the fish tend to swim in large circles. This behavior can lead to the diver getting tangled in their own float line, requiring careful line management. It's helpful to have someone on the boat to tidy up the line, preparing for any sudden runs by the tuna.
Bluefin Tuna are strong but less explosive than Dog Tooth Tuna, so be patient in the fight. There's less urgency compared to dogtooth tuna hunts, as the risk of being cut off by the bottom is minimal, except in shallow waters.
When the fish is tired, you might have the opportunity to grab it. The best control is achieved by getting your hands into the gills of the tuna, although it's tricky as the gills are tight and can be rough on the fingers. Be mindful of the power and speed of the tuna, as they can suddenly go for a strong run, even when they seem tired.
Caring for your Catch
Alright, you've just landed a magnificent Bluefin Tuna, and now it's time for the grand finale: getting it on board and taking care of it.
First off, hoisting this behemoth onto your boat isn't a solo gig.
You might need a gaff or a rope, and some muscle power from your buddies. It's a team effort, so coordinate well to avoid any boat-rocking surprises.
Next up, it's bleeding time. And yes, it's as dramatic as it sounds. You gotta cut near the pectoral fins and gills to let all the blood out. This isn't just about being neat; it's crucial for keeping that meat top-notch.
Then, we move on to the gutting ceremony. Think of it as prepping your fish for its final journey - straight into an ice slurry or a cold cooler. This chilly bath is essential to keep the meat fresh and tasty.
Finally, your prize catch needs a cool, shady spot to chill out. Wrap it up and keep it in a cooler, away from the harsh sun. And remember, when you're transporting this ocean treasure, treat it with the gentleness it deserves. No bumps or bruises, please!

And there you have it – the tuna's journey from ocean to cooler, handled with care and a bit of flair!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, sporting, or professional advice. Spearfishing involves inherent risks, and the regulatory information presented herein may not be current or complete. Before engaging in spearfishing or relying on any information from this blog, readers should verify the applicable local laws and safety regulations and consult with appropriate professionals as needed. Under no circumstances will the blog author or publisher be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damages arising from any reliance on the content provided.