Where can I catch Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in the UK?

Recorded regularly in western approaches, Irish Sea and areas off south west England, Wales and western Scotland.

What tackle do I need to catch Atlantic Bluefin Tuna?

Most juniors catch Atlantic Bluefin Tuna on straightforward float or feeder setups with balanced line and hook sizes and a small landing net.

What bait works well for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna?

Natural baits such as maggots, worms or bread often work well for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna species guide • Sea fish • Advanced / specialist (10/10)

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna junior fishing guide

Thunnus thynnus

A clear, plain-English guide to atlantic bluefin tuna for parents, coaches and juniors. See where they live, the best starter tackle, simple bait choices and a three-step plan to help young anglers catch their first one safely.

🎣 View starter tackle setups 📋 Log a Atlantic Bluefin Tuna catch

Junior-first & welfare-aware • 3-step beginner plan • UK venues & seasons

Skill & size • Seasons • Beginner baits

Skill level

Advanced / specialist (10/10)

Usually better for experienced anglers with guidance.

Best time

Spring–Autumn

Pick mild, settled days for junior sessions.

Typical size

Sport fish from 150 - 400 lb or more for specialist charter boats.

Always match hooks, nets & lines to expected fish size.

Beginner baits

Maggots, worms, bread

Keep it simple — small hook baits, little-and-often feeding.

Typical venues: Deep offshore waters, tidal fronts and open sea areas reached by licensed charter boats.

Scroll down for detailed tackle setups, methods and parent-friendly guidance.

Catch your first atlantic bluefin tuna with confidence

Catch your first Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in 3 steps

A simple, repeatable plan juniors can follow with help from a parent, coach or older angler.

Step 1

Deep offshore waters only

Bluefin are huge pelagic predators found far offshore. Juniors should only learn about them as examples of ocean ecology.
Step 2

Understand specialist gear

Tuna fishing requires heavy stand-up gear, fighting harnesses and trained skippers.
Step 3

Focus on conservation

Emphasise tagging, research and strict release rules that help protect this recovering species.

Tackle setups that work

Designed with juniors and fish welfare in mind. Start with an IDEAL or GOOD setup for easier casting and safe unhooking.

We don’t have tackle recommendations for this species yet. Ask your club coach for a simple, junior-friendly rig and check back soon.

About the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are huge, powerful ocean predators that visit UK waters to feed on mackerel, herring and other baitfish. They are one of the most impressive sport fish on the planet but are only targeted by specialist licensed boats under strict rules.

Junior tip

Use Bluefin Tuna mainly as a teaching example of big pelagic fish, food chains and conservation. Juniors should not target them directly on normal trips; instead explain how tagging and strict catch-and-release programmes help protect these fish.

Logged a Atlantic Bluefin Tuna recently?

Add a catch report so juniors can see where they’re being caught, which baits work and how your tackle was set up.

Submit a catch report

Want to discover more species? Browse the full species guide.

← Back to all species

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For parents & carers

Use this page to quickly judge if Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are a good match for your child’s confidence and ability.

●Clear guidance on safe handling, landing nets and unhooking.
●Beginner tackle that’s lightweight and manageable for juniors.
●Written in plain language so non-angling parents can still support on the bank.

At a glance

Family: Scombridae
Feeding zone: Midwater / Pelagic
Diet: Shoals of mackerel, herring and other medium-sized fish in open water.
Typical size: Sport fish from 150 - 400 lb or more for specialist charter boats.
Best season: Late summer and autumn in UK waters when warm currents bring baitfish and tuna inshore.
Conservation: Globally recovering but still heavily managed; strictly protected and controlled in UK waters.
UK distribution: Recorded regularly in western approaches, Irish Sea and areas off south west England, Wales and western Scotland.