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The Little Tunny belongs to the order Perciformes and family Scombridae. It typically measures between 24 and 48 inches in length, with a weight range from 5 to 15 lbs. Habitat: onshore, nearshore, offshore. - Also known as Bonita, False Albacore, or Little Tuna. - Considered one of the smaller tuna variants. - Uses schooling behavior as a primary defense mechanism. - Highly migratory, typically heading south during winter and fall months.
Captain Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Wednesday July delivered an outstanding offshore fishing charter in West Palm Beach. Our 3/4 day trip featured kite fishing, trolling, and bottom fishing techniques targeting Little Tunny, King Mackerel, and Mahi Mahi in the Gulf Stream. The partly cloudy conditions proved perfect for deep sea fishing, with multiple species landed including a 36-inch King Mackerel and 14-inch Little Tunny. West Palm Beach offers prime summer fishing opportunities with diverse offshore gamefish just minutes from shore. Whether you're after hard-fighting pelagics or want to experience Florida's top fishing techniques, this charter provides the complete Gulf Stream experience with professional guidance and all necessary tackle included.
Captain Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Wednesday July offers comprehensive 3/4 day offshore fishing trips departing from West Palm Beach. Our charters include all tackle, bait, and fishing licenses with experienced guidance targeting Little Tunny, King Mackerel, and Mahi Mahi using proven techniques like kite fishing and trolling. Trips accommodate up to 6 anglers with morning departures under ideal Gulf Stream conditions. Book your offshore adventure with our licensed captain who knows the best fishing spots and seasonal patterns. Contact us directly for current rates and availability.
This West Palm Beach fishing charter showcases the diversity of Florida's offshore fishing with multiple species landed during a single trip. The 36-inch King Mackerel provided the day's highlight, demonstrating the quality gamefish available in local Gulf Stream waters. Our kite fishing technique proved especially effective, allowing precise bait presentation in the current while covering productive water. The combination of trolling, bottom fishing, and kite fishing maximizes your chances of connecting with various species throughout the day.
Summer conditions in West Palm Beach create ideal opportunities for targeting pelagic species like Little Tunny, which school in nearshore and offshore waters. The partly cloudy skies and calm seas provided perfect visibility for spotting fish activity and bird life that indicates feeding schools below.
Little Tunny thrive in West Palm Beach waters during summer months, forming schools that move between nearshore and offshore areas following baitfish. These fast-swimming members of the tuna family respond well to kite fishing presentations and trolled baits, making them exciting targets for anglers seeking action-packed fishing. Their migratory nature means timing and location knowledge are crucial for consistent success, which is why working with an experienced local captain like Rich Adler makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Our 3/4 day trips provide ample time to explore different fishing techniques and target multiple species without feeling rushed. The boat is equipped with professional-grade tackle, outriggers for trolling, and kite fishing equipment to handle whatever the Gulf Stream presents. We typically start with trolling to locate fish activity, then adapt our approach based on conditions and what's biting. All safety equipment is provided, and our captain maintains current Coast Guard licensing and local knowledge of seasonal fishing patterns.
Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), also known as False Albacore or Bonita, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Scombridae. This smaller member of the tuna family displays the characteristic torpedo-shaped body and metallic coloration that makes it a prized catch among West Palm Beach anglers. In July waters around Riviera Beach, these fast-swimming gamefish form active schools that provide exciting fishing opportunities.
Little Tunny are among the most abundant tuna species in Atlantic waters, valued by anglers for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability. They typically travel in schools, making them an ideal target for charter fishing when located. Their smaller size compared to other tuna species makes them accessible to anglers of all skill levels while still providing the classic tuna fishing experience.
These fish inhabit onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters throughout the western Atlantic. Around West Palm Beach, they're commonly found in the Gulf Stream and along the continental shelf where warm water currents create ideal feeding conditions. They prefer water temperatures above 68°F and are most active in areas with strong current flow and abundant baitfish.
Adult Little Tunny typically range from 24 to 48 inches in length, weighing between 5 and 15 pounds. The largest specimens can exceed these averages, with some reaching weights over 20 pounds in prime feeding areas. Their compact, muscular build gives them impressive strength relative to their size.
Little Tunny are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on small schooling fish, squid, and crustaceans. They hunt actively during daylight hours, often driving baitfish to the surface in feeding frenzies that attract seabirds. Their schooling behavior serves as protection from larger predators while allowing them to coordinate feeding efforts effectively.
Spawning occurs in warm offshore waters during spring and summer months when water temperatures reach optimal levels. During this period, they form larger aggregations and may be found in shallower waters than usual, making them more accessible to charter fishing operations.
Trolling with small lures, spoons, or rigged ballyhoo proves highly effective for Little Tunny. Kite fishing allows precise bait presentation in current lines where they commonly feed. Live bait fishing with pilchards or sardines can produce explosive strikes when schools are located. In July around West Palm Beach, anglers find success targeting current edges and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate.
Little Tunny provides excellent table fare when properly handled and prepared fresh. The meat has a rich, full flavor with firm texture similar to other tuna species. It's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice. The meat is best when grilled, blackened, or prepared as sashimi when ultra-fresh.
Q: What is the best bait for Little Tunny?
A: Live pilchards, sardines, and small ballyhoo work exceptionally well. Artificial lures like small spoons, cedar plugs, and feathers are also highly effective when trolling.
Q: Where can I find Little Tunny near West Palm Beach?
A: Look for them along current edges, temperature breaks, and areas with active baitfish schools. The Gulf Stream edge and nearshore reefs are prime locations during summer months.
Q: Is Little Tunny good to eat?
A: Yes, Little Tunny is excellent table fare with firm, flavorful meat that's high in protein and healthy oils. It's best prepared fresh and can be grilled, blackened, or served as sashimi.
Q: When is the best time to catch Little Tunny?
A: Summer months provide peak fishing, with early morning and late afternoon being most productive. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish are concentrated along current lines.