Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
The largest bony fish in the Mediterranean and the one every serious offshore angler measures themselves against. Bluefin are warm-blooded — unique among fish — which allows them to regulate body temperature and operate effectively in cold deep water that would slow any other predator. They grow to over 700kg, though the fish we encounter off Cambrils and Hospitalet de l´Infant typically run between 25kg and 300kg. Their backs are deep metallic blue, their undersides silver-white, and at speed their pectoral fins retract flush against the body to eliminate drag. Off the Costa Daurada, Bluefin appear in bigger numbers from March as water temperatures rise. The most productive method here is spinning for surface-feeding fish using poppers and stick-baits — when a school comes up on sardines, the surface erupts and casts need to be accurate and immediate. Alternatively, drifting with dead sardines in the current accounts for fish throughout the season. Tackle must be rated for the fight: 80–130lb class, minimum. Expect runs exceeding 200m on the first burst. Battles with giants can routinely last for several hours.