Bigeye Tuna Fishing Lodges, Destinations, and Guided Trips

Explore the best bigeye tuna fishing lodges and vacation destinations available - right here on FishingExplora.

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Colombia, Pacific Region

Amberjack, Billfish, Sailfish, Spanish Macke...
Sea Fishing, Big Game Fishing

Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus) are one of the most powerful and sought-after tuna species, known for their deep-water hunting behavior, incredible strength, and exceptional endurance. With their large eyes adapted for deep-water hunting, Bigeye Tuna are a favorite target for big-game offshore anglers looking for a brutal fight and trophy catch.

Where to Find Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye Tuna inhabit deep offshore waters, typically near seamounts, drop-offs, and strong ocean currents where baitfish congregate. The best destinations for targeting Bigeye Tuna include:

United States (Outer Banks, Mid-Atlantic Canyons, Gulf of Mexico, California, Hawaii) – Home to giant Bigeye Tuna, especially in deep offshore waters.
Mexico (Baja California, Socorro Islands, Puerto Vallarta, Magdalena Bay) – Prime waters for trophy Bigeye Tuna.
The Azores & Canary Islands (Portugal, Spain, Cape Verde) – Some of the best Bigeye Tuna fisheries in the Atlantic.
West Africa (Senegal, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Angola) – Remote waters with monster Bigeye Tuna.
Japan (Tokyo Bay, Okinawa, Tsugaru Strait, Hokkaido) – One of the world’s most famous Bigeye Tuna fisheries.
Australia & New Zealand (Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, Lord Howe Island) – Great fishing for Southern Pacific Bigeye Tuna.
Brazil & South America (Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Peru) – Offshore regions with large Bigeye Tuna populations.

What Makes Bigeye Tuna Special?

Bigeye Tuna are deep-water hunters, often feeding at greater depths than Yellowfin Tuna, making them more difficult to locate and catch. They are insanely powerful, capable of long, deep-diving runs that test even the heaviest tackle. Unlike other tuna, Bigeye Tuna are known to fight at extreme depths, often forcing anglers into exhausting battles that can last over an hour.

Top Fishing Techniques

Bigeye Tuna require strong gear, deep presentations, and precise techniques, with the most effective methods including:

Trolling with Squid Skirts, Ballyhoo, & Jet Head Lures – The best way to locate active Bigeye Tuna schools.
Live Baiting with Mackerel, Bonito, or Skipjack Tuna – Deadly for targeting trophy Bigeye in deep offshore waters.
Vertical Jigging with Heavy Metal Jigs – A top technique for deep-holding Bigeye Tuna.
Chunking with Cut Bait (Squid, Sardines, Herring) – Used at night or in deep canyons to bring Bigeye Tuna up.
Kite Fishing with Dead or Live Baits – Effective for targeting Bigeye Tuna near the surface.

Best Time to Fish for Bigeye Tuna

United States (Outer Banks, Mid-Atlantic, Hawaii, Gulf of Mexico) – Best from May to October, with peak action in summer.
Mexico & Central America – Best from June to December, when Bigeye migrate along offshore seamounts.
The Azores, Canary Islands & Cape Verde – Best from April to September, with monster fish in late summer.
Japan & The Pacific (Okinawa, Tokyo Bay, New Zealand, Australia) – Best from November to April, during the Pacific tuna season.
West Africa & South America (Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Peru) – Best from December to April, when warm currents push Bigeye closer to shore.

The World’s Best Bigeye Tuna Fishing Lodges & Charters

For anglers seeking one of the toughest, deepest-fighting tuna species, Fishing Explora offers access to the best Bigeye Tuna fishing lodges, guided offshore trips, and deep-sea charters worldwide. Whether you’re trolling deep offshore canyons in the Atlantic, jigging for monster Bigeye in the Pacific, or chunking for giants off West Africa, our curated destinations provide expert guides, top-tier accommodations, and an unforgettable tuna fishing experience.

Explore the best Bigeye Tuna fishing lodges and trips—right here on Fishing Explora.