Types of Tuna in Puerto Rico: Species, Tactics, and Culinary Guide

Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

Puerto Rico’s warm Caribbean waters and proximity to deep offshore trenches make it a premier destination for targeting multiple tuna species. From acrobatic Blackfin to powerhouse Bluefin, these pelagic predators offer thrilling fights and exceptional table fare. Here’s your guide to the five tuna species found in Puerto Rico’s waters, including local tactics, seasons, and conservation tips.

Yellowfin TunA

Habitat & Season:
Yellowfin thrive year-round in Puerto Rico, particularly near underwater trenches and FADs (fish-aggregating devices) off the north and east coasts. Specimens range from 10–100+ pounds, with larger “footballs” (40–80 lbs) common near the Puerto Rico Trench.

Fishing Tactics:

  • Trolling: Use cedar plugs, feather lures, or skirted ballyhoo rigs at 7–10 knots.

  • Live Baiting: Deploy live bonito or flying fish near surface schools.

  • Vertical Jigging: Butterfly jigs in 200–400 ft depths attract aggressive strikes.

Taste & Culinary Use:
Yellowfin’s mild, pink flesh is perfect for grilling, ceviche, or sushi. Local chefs often serve it as tataki with ginger-soy glaze or seared with mojo isleño (Puerto Rican tomato-caper sauce).

Conservation:
Sustainable populations; adhere to ICCAT regulations.

Blackfin Tuna

Habitat & Season:
Common inshore and around coastal reefs year-round, especially near San Juan and Palmas del Mar. Smaller (10–30 lbs) but hard-fighting.

Fishing Tactics:

  • Light Tackle: 20–30 lb spin gear with small metal jigs or poppers.

  • Chumming: Create a slick with sardines to lure schools to the boat.

Taste & Culinary Use:
Rich, oily meat ideal for smoking orempanadillas(fried turnovers). A local favorite forsashimidue to its buttery texture.

Conservation:
Abundant; no size restrictions.

Skipjack Tuna

Habitat & Season:
School near surface waters off the south and west coasts, especially around La Parguera. Peak season: May–September.

Fishing Tactics:

  • Casting: Small feathered hooks or diamond jigs into boiling schools.

  • Kite Fishing: Drift baits under kites to avoid smaller fish.

Taste & Culinary Use:
Stronger flavor; best grilled or canned. Rarely served raw in Puerto Rico due to high histamine levels.

Conservation:
Stocks healthy; minimal fishing pressure.

Bigeye Tuna

Habitat & Season:
Deep-water dwellers (500+ ft) off the north coast near San Juan. Target November–April using temperature breaks.

Fishing Tactics:

  • Deep Dropping: Electric reels with squid-rigged circle hooks.

  • Night Fishing: Use luminescent lures near thermoclines.

Taste & Culinary Use:
Fatty, rich meat prized for sashimi. Localchinchorros(beach bars) serve it ascrudowith lime andají caballero(spicy pepper).

Conservation:
IUCN “Vulnerable”; practice catch-and-release for giants (200+ lbs).

Bluefin Tuna

Habitat & Season:
Not native to Puerto Rico, but there are stories of occasional visitors to Puerto Rico’s deepest waters. Catches over 500 lbs supposedly documented near Mona Island.

Fishing Tactics:

  • Heavy Tackle: 130 lb-class rods with dead bait or large poppers.

  • Tag-and-Release: Required for all Bluefin under 73” (per DRNA regulations).

Taste & Culinary Use:
Ultra-premiumotoro(fatty belly) for sushi. Rarely kept locally due to conservation efforts.

Conservation:
Critically endangered; strictly regulated.

Puerto Rico Tuna Fishing Tips

  1. Timing: Dawn/dusk for surface action; midday for deep jigging.

  2. Gear: Curate Fishing provides Penn International reels and custom jigs for all tuna styles.

  3. Charters: Book 8–12 hour trips for best access to offshore trenches.

Local Records

  • Yellowfin: 298 lbs (San Juan Trench, 2019)

  • Bigeye: 384 lbs (Mona Passage, 2021)

Conservation Corner
Puerto Rico follows ICCAT and DRNA guidelines:

  • Release all Bluefin and spawning-sized Bigeye.

  • Use circle hooks for live baiting.

Ready to Target Tuna?
Curate Fishing’s charters specialize in:

  • Light-tackle Yellowfin battles

  • Deep-drop Bigeye expeditions

  • Sustainable tag-and-release practices

Reel in your trophy tuna with Puerto Rico’s top-rated fleet—where every catch supports responsible fishing! Curate Fishing operates out of Palmas del Mar, offering year-round access to Puerto Rico’s richest tuna grounds. Licenses, gear, and expert guidance included.