On the opposite coast from where the original Wicked Tuna was filmed in California is where you will find some epic-sized tuna as well! While Pacific bluefin tuna off the coast of California is not quite as big as the Atlantic bluefin on the east coast, there are still trophy fish to be had. From San Francisco down to San Diego, there are various hot spots for finding some of the biggest bluefins. The peak season varies along the coast. However, the general rule of thumb is that most bluefin migrate through from late spring until early fall. When we talk about “trophy-sized” bluefin, just how big are we talking? Are there 200-pound bluefins off the coast of California? What about 300 pounds or more? Read on to find out all about the largest bluefin tuna ever caught in California!
What is a Bluefin Tuna?
Bluefin tuna is the largest of the 15 tuna species. Breaking that down further are the Atlantic bluefin (the largest), the Pacific bluefin (the ones you will find in California), and the southern bluefin. Other common tuna found off the coast of California include the yellowfin tuna and albacore tuna.
Bluefin tuna have a torpedo-shaped body, which gives them incredible speed and the capability to leap out of the water in a spectacular show. Their bodies are blueish-green on the dorsal side with glimmering silver sides. The sail-like dorsal fin is retractable and aids in controlling its speed. Every year they migrate in large schools. Can you imagine seeing a school of hundreds of massive tuna?
©iStock.com/T-Fujishima
How Big are Bluefin Tuna?
Bluefin tuna average around 500 pounds, but they can get to 1,000-2,000 pounds! However, the Atlantic bluefins are the largest with the Pacific bluefins running a little smaller. Bluefin tuna range in size from 6 to 14 feet with some getting even longer. A standard queen-size bed is 5 feet by 6 feet 8 inches, so a smaller bluefin would fit in your bed. But the larger ones, say a 14-footer, might not even fit in your bedroom!
How Big was the Largest Bluefin Tuna Ever Caught in California?
The largest bluefin tuna ever caught in California was 395 pounds 6 ounces! This record-breaking fish was recently caught back on September 9, 2021, in Tanner Bank off the coast of Los Angeles. According to news reports, Floyd Sparks of San Diego was fishing with friends Rob Thompson, Cole Peters, and another friend. It had been a successful day with a catch of a 230-pounder and 175-pounder already when Sparks saw this bluefin catch his line, breach, and then pull the line tight! Of course, a well-fought battle ensued and Sparks was able to eventually get the bluefin close enough to the boat so they could gaff it and bring it in.
The excited anglers knew they might have a record breaker so they took it to the San Diego Marlin Club to get it weighed on a certified scale. They then contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who came out to certify the species and weigh it two days later with the official record being set on September 11, 2021. This is one fish tale that the anglers don’t need to exaggerate anything!
How Big was the Largest Bluefin Ever Caught in the World?
A nearly-400 pound tuna sounds pretty impressive, but when you compare that to the world record you will be blown away! The largest bluefin tuna ever caught in the world was 1,496 pounds! There is an amazing fish tale behind this catch as well. This record-breaker was caught off the coast of Port Hood, Nova Scotia, Canada; think just east of Maine.
As you may have figured, this was an Atlantic bluefin tuna. Ken Fraser was trolling with a mackerel as bait when this bluefin bit his line. After a 45-minute “negotiation” with the tuna, Fraser was able to get it close enough to gaff. Along with Capt. Eric Samson, they were able to bring it onboard before bringing it to shore to be officially weighed.
This is not a recent record, however, it is a long-standing legend-of-a-catch dating back to October 26, 1979. Even the skilled anglers on Wicked Tuna have not been able to break this record…yet!
©iStock.com/LUNAMARINA
How Big is the Largest Pacific Bluefin Ever Caught in the World?
The largest Pacific bluefin ever caught in the world was 907 pounds 6 ounces. Compared to the California record, which is about 500 pounds heavier. This record-breaker was caught off the shores of Three Kings, New Zealand by Donna Pascoe. Her record dates back to February 19, 2014. The southern bluefin tuna species can also be found off the coast of New Zealand.
How Big is the Largest Southern Bluefin Ever Caught in the World?
The largest southern bluefin tuna on record was 369 pounds 4 ounces caught by Phil Body on July 9, 2009. This catch was recorded off the shore of Tathra, Australia which is in southeastern Australia.
What is the Largest “Diving” Record for Bluefin Tuna in California?
Besides “hook-and-line” fishing records, California also keeps track of free diving and scuba diving spearfishing records. The largest bluefin tuna speared by a free diver was 294 pounds 6 ounces. This is another recent record set on June 22, 2019. Joshua Liberty was free diving at the 43 Fathom Spot which is around 40 miles off the coast of San Diego when he spotted and speared this impressive bluefin.
©bekirevren/Shutterstock.com
What other Tuna Records are in California?
Other notable tuna records in California include:
- A 265-pound yellowfin tuna was caught by Bo Scanlon back on September 26, 2017. This yellowfin was caught off the coast of Oceanside, just north of San Diego. Moreover, the yellowfin tuna is the second largest tuna species.
- A 240-pound bigeye tuna was caught in Butterfly Bank off the coast of San Diego by Steve Hutchinson. This record dates back to August 1, 1987.
- A 90-pound albacore tuna was caught on October 21, 1997, a little further up the coast, off the shore of Santa Cruz. This record is held by Don Giberson.
- A 26-pound skipjack tuna was caught by William Hall off the coast of San Diego way back on August 28, 1970.
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