Are there tuna in the gulf of mexico

There is thus much scope for large growth. Because of their large size, Yellowfin are prized as sport fish. There is plenty of meat to be had on an animal that can weigh as much as pounds. Even if not being caught as a potential meal, the Yellowfin is a very large fish that will give an angler plenty of fight before they are finally caught.

Yellowfin tend to spawn between April and August. A female will tend to lay a series of egg clutches that can number as high as 1. Younger females will tend to lay fewer eggs at less frequent rates than a fully mature female. The spawning age for an adult Yellowfin is roughly two years.

The condition of the water where they choose to breed and lay their eggs will naturally influence their number and viability. Under ideal conditions, a female Yellowfin, fully sized about 70 pounds, can lay up to 25 million eggs during the course of the spawning season. While few of these eggs will survive to adulthood, the sheer number of fry spawned will be more than enough to sustain the species for another generation. While many anglers are new to the Gulf region, chances are good that they have sampled Yellowfin tuna at a restaurant.

Yellowfin is highly desirable in many forms, including grilled, charbroiled, and even as sashimi. This last category is especially common in Japan, where it is considered to be quite the exquisite delicacy. For anglers who are not inclined to sample the Yellowfin raw, it can be cooked either as the main course or as part of a stew or assorted seafood dish.

Its relative scarcity during some seasons may tend to drive the price up. However, during the spring and summer months, Yellowfin can be commonly found in many seafood restaurants all across the United States as well as the rest of the world. Due to the increasing rarity of other types of tuna, including the formerly much more common bluefin, the Yellowfin is being listed as a replacement fish in many areas.

However, depending on the area, there are some restrictions that will apply to this classification. You may not be able to bring as many fish ashore in one area as you can in another. This is due to certain allegedly non-eco-friendly practices that are employed by both commercial fishermen and sport fishers in many parts of the world.

These allegations have yet to substantiated by any major environmental summit or commission. Sport fishing for Gulf Yellowfin has become a nationally recognized sport. A number of highly competitive and lucrative tournaments and other fishing events have been organized all over the Southern Gulf Coast, particularly in the bayou regions south of New Orleans, most notably, Venice, Louisiana — the sportfishing capital of the world.

Whether you are looking to compete for a large purse or simply want to try your hand at an exciting new hobby, the Gulf Coast is a highly recommended venue. If you are an angler who is interested in catching some of the most competitive sport fish on the planet, you are well advised to visit the Southern Gulf Coast, hire a gulf coast fishing charter, and hit the water. This is the place where you will find thousands of Yellowfin and other species. These fish will give you an excellent run for your money.

Whether you are new to the sport or searching for the ultimate challenge to sharpen up your skills, this region comes warmly recommended by experts in the fishing industry. You can find plenty of charter fishing services that will gladly take you out on the water.

The season for Yellowfin is extremely flexible. Keep in mind that some seasonal restrictions on the number of fish caught will apply.

Although Yellowfin Tuna are seasonal, you can go fishing in Venice LA year round — unlike many other fishing spots around the country where you have to wait for the warm months to enjoy angling, the great weather in this area means that you can go there several times a year. In the winter you will find schools of Yellowfin tuna at a spot called Midnight Lump , but in the summer they are found all over the Gulf of Mexico.

People love to angle for Yellowfin tuna not just because of their size but also because they present a unique challenge. You have to do everything just right if you want to go home with a catch.

They are also great fighters — baiting one is just the beginning — reeling him in will require some skill. In other words, angling for Yellowfin tuna is not only one of the most relaxing things that you can do, it is also one of the most challenging things you will do out in the water. The best time to go fishing is in the night although these fish surface during the day, they come out in even larger numbers at night to feed so you will have an easier time catching one.

That is why many of the charter fishing boats of out Venice allow for overnight fishing trips. Experienced boat captains usually set off just before sunrise so that they can make it to deep water about feet just as the fish are starting to bite.

This gives them time to troll for a while. The best places to set up are near the lights of a floater or a rig. You will be able to see pound Yellowfin tuna leaping into the air in numbers and this is the best time to cast your fishing rod.

For bait you will do best with live fish — the tuna assume that it is dinner swimming around and once they take the bait you can reel it in. Some captains, to save time, use sonar to locate schools of tuna, but if you want an all natural experience you should wait for the fish to show up naturally.

Most charters that go out have caught a Yellowfin by midnight and can head back to shore. Unfortunately, these findings also give cause for concern in light of the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill. I think it is amazing how precisely we can predict where the bluefin are.

Unfortunately their spawning habitat overlaps the Deepwater Horizon oil accident site, and the timing of the spill coincides with the time when we expect them to be there spawning" said senior author Dr.

Barbara Block of Stanford University. For more information, visit www. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Science News. Journal Reference : Steven L. Teo, Barbara A. Block, Sharyn Jane Goldstien. ScienceDaily, 31 May Stanford University - Hopkins Marine Station.