Expert Guided Yellowfin & Blackfin Tuna Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets tuna in Gulf watersExperienced captains provide equipment and expert guidanceFullday deep sea adventure accommodates up to 6 guests
When you're serious about landing some of the Gulf's most prized game fish, this 12-hour deep sea charter with Bottomed Out Fishing Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day targeting blackfin and yellowfin tuna in the deep blue waters off Gulf Shores, where these powerful fish roam in impressive numbers. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand and understand exactly where to find the action when tuna are feeding. Whether you've been chasing tuna for years or this is your first time going after these speedsters, our crew will set you up for success with top-notch equipment and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from spending countless hours on these waters.
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – we're talking about a serious 12-hour commitment that gives you the best shot at connecting with some of the Gulf's most sought-after fish. Your day starts early as we head out into the deep blue, running offshore to where the continental shelf drops off and the real action begins. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, which means you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be bumping elbows when the fish start biting. Our captains have been working these waters for years and they know exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, water temperature, and recent tuna activity. The atmosphere on board is relaxed but focused – everyone's there for the same reason, and when a tuna hits your line, the whole boat gets excited. You'll spend most of your time in deep water where the bottom might be 200 feet down or more, and the water has that beautiful deep blue color that tells you you're in tuna territory. The crew handles all the navigation and positioning, so you can focus on what you came for – putting fish in the boat.
Tuna fishing is all about covering water and presenting the right baits at the right speed, and that's where our trolling setup really shines. We'll be pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits behind the boat, typically running at speeds between 6-8 knots to trigger strikes from these fast-moving predators. The boat is rigged with heavy-duty trolling reels loaded with 50-80 pound test line, because when a yellowfin decides to make a run, you need equipment that can handle the pressure. Our lure spread includes a mix of cedar plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and various trolling lures in colors that have proven effective in these waters. The outriggers keep the lines spread out wide, giving us better coverage and reducing the chance of tangles when multiple fish hit at once. When we mark fish on the electronics or spot birds working over baitfish, we'll sometimes switch to chunk baiting or live bait fishing, which can be deadly effective when tuna are feeding actively. The crew takes care of rigging all the baits and adjusting the spread throughout the day, but they'll also teach you the techniques if you're interested in learning more about how it all works.
The blackfin tuna we target out here are absolutely beautiful fish that typically run anywhere from 10-25 pounds, with the occasional larger fish pushing into the 30-pound range. These fish are incredibly fast and acrobatic, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked, which makes for some spectacular fights and great photo opportunities. Blackfins tend to school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can often catch several before they move on or wise up to what's happening. They're also excellent eating, with firm, red meat that's perfect for searing or making into sushi. Yellowfin tuna are the real prize out here, and while they can be a bit more challenging to find consistently, when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can range from 20 pounds up to 100 pounds or more, and they have the power and endurance to test both your equipment and your arms. The bigger yellowfins will take long, powerful runs that can strip 200-300 yards of line before you even start gaining ground on them. Both species are most active during the warmer months, but we see them year-round in the Gulf, with some of the best action happening during spring and fall when baitfish are abundant.
Blackfin tuna are one of the most reliable targets on these deep water trips, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders that respond well to both trolled lures and live bait presentations. They typically travel in schools, often mixed with other pelagic species like bonito or small yellowfin, and they're not particularly line-shy, which makes them great for anglers who might be new to offshore fishing. The best thing about blackfins is their willingness to bite throughout the day – while other species might shut down during the middle of the day, blackfins will often continue feeding as long as there's bait around. They prefer water temperatures in the 70-80 degree range and are commonly found around structure like oil rigs, floating debris, or temperature breaks where different water masses meet. When hooked, they put up a spirited fight that includes long runs and acrobatic jumps, and they rarely give up without a real battle.
Yellowfin tuna are the fish that most serious offshore anglers dream about, and the Gulf of Mexico holds some real giants. These fish are built for speed and power, with a torpedo-shaped body and sickle-shaped fins that allow them to reach speeds of up to 50 mph. They're also incredibly strong, with a muscular build that allows them to fight for extended periods without giving up. Yellowfins are more temperature-sensitive than blackfins, preferring the clearest, warmest water they can find, which often means running farther offshore to locate them consistently. They're also more structure-oriented, frequently found around oil r
Get ready to chase some serious tuna aboard our 30-foot NauticStar center console! This 2017 beauty packs twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the deep water fishing grounds at a cruising speed of 45 knots - no wasting time getting to where the big fish are biting. The boat's rigged with everything you need for a successful day on the Gulf: GPS to navigate the open waters, radar for safety, and a fish finder to locate those tuna schools. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight these powerful fish without getting tangled up. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for when multiple tuna hit the spread at once. Plus, there's an onboard head so you can stay comfortable during those long 12-hour battles with some of the Gulf's strongest fighters.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfins are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 10-30 pounds, but they pack serious fight for their size. You'll find them in the warmer Gulf waters, usually within 20-40 miles offshore around structure and temperature breaks. They school up tight and move fast, so when you find one, there's likely more nearby. Fall through spring gives us the best action when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes these fish special is their incredible table fare - some say they're the best eating tuna around. They're also perfect for anglers wanting that true tuna experience without the marathon battles of their bigger cousins. Here's a local trick: scale down your tackle and use smaller hooks than you think. These fish are incredibly sharp-eyed, and lighter fluorocarbon leaders often make the difference between watching them swim away or getting bit.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are the heavyweight champions out here, with most fish running 60-150 pounds, though we've seen them push over 200. These torpedo-shaped beauties cruise the deep blue water 30-60 miles offshore, usually in the top 100 feet of water around current edges and floating debris. Summer and fall bring the best action when the Gulf waters are warmest. What draws people back is the incredible fight - they'll make screaming runs and test every bit of your tackle. Plus, you can't beat yellowfin on the dinner table, whether you're grilling steaks or going for sashimi. The key technique I share with guests is chunking. When we mark fish but they won't bite our spread, we'll cut up some bait and start a chum line. It draws those finicky tuna up from the depths, and once they start feeding, the action can get wild fast. Patience pays off with these fish.
Gulf Shores