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Big Yellowfin Tuna

YELLOWFIN TUNA

Yellowfin Tuna: The Powerhouse of Panama’s Pacific
Tuna are present in the Coiba area area year-round. Small tuna, weighing between 10 to 15 pounds, are often found throughout the islands in large numbers during certain years. Offshore, anytime of year while trolling for Blue Marlin, large schools of tuna, typically weighing 40 to 60 pounds, can be located in predictable areas.

During the dry season beginning December big fish get caught, in different ways. Sometimes expecting a marlin a cow tuna takes the bait and make a high power, high speed, long distance run at the surface, before diving and dogging it out. They are never alone when you catch a big one, likely they are all big ones. 

As the dry season progresses into March and April, big schools of larger fish show with dolphins  on the Black Marlin fishing grounds.  Every year is different, but late March and April there are at least two super pods in the area to be found from Jicaron north up along Coiba and the Hannibal Bank and another super pod that commonly shows around Isla Montousa and west. 

 

A one year old Yellowfin tuna weighs 8 – 10 lb. Two year olds are about 35 lb. Three about 75. A four-year-old averages 130. They live up to eight years. They can swim up to 50 mph.

 
Yellowfin tuna thrive in warm, tropical, and subtropical waters, preferring temperatures between 68–82°F (20–28°C), though they can tolerate a broader range of 59–86°F (15–30°C). In Panama’s Pacific waters, particularly around Coiba Island and Hannibal Bank, water temperatures consistently fall within their ideal range, making these areas hotspots year-round. Peak fishing occurs during the wet season (May–November)when warmer surface waters attract large schools.
 
Yellowfin tuna are pelagic fish, inhabiting the open ocean’s epipelagic and mesopelagic zones. They are typically found from the surface to 820 feet (250 meters), though they most commonly occupy the top 330 feet (100 meters). In Panama, anglers target them in 50–300 feet of water, often near offshore structures like seamounts, floating debris, or fish aggregating devices (FADs).
 they stay closer to the surface (0–100 feet) during feeding or when associated with dolphins or floating objects, but they may dive deeper (200–500 feet) during the day or in response to thermoclines. Trolling or chunking in the upper water column is highly effective in Panama’s nutrient-rich waters.
Yellowfin tuna are highly migratory, traveling vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, from 40°N to 40°S latitude. Their movements are driven by water temperature, food availability, and spawning needs. In the Pacific, they form large schools and follow warm currents, often associating with dolphins, whale sharks, or drifting objects. In Panama, yellowfin are present year-round but peak in abundance during the wet season (May–November), when upwelling brings baitfish to areas like Hannibal Bank and the Gulf of Chiriquí. They undertake long-distance migrations, with tagged individuals recorded traveling over 2,000 miles across the Pacific. These migrations bring them to Panama’s coastal waters, where they congregate around seamounts and drop-offs, making it a prime destination for trophy catches.

Yellowfin tuna grow rapidly and have a lifespan of up to 7–9 years. They reach sexual maturity at around 2–3 years, when they are approximately 3.3 feet (1 meter) and 30–40 pounds. Growth rates include:

  • Year 1: 1.5–2 feet (0.45–0.6 meters), 5–15 pounds.
  • Year 2–3: 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 meters), 30–80 pounds.
  • Year 5–7: 5–6.6 feet (1.5–2 meters), 100–200 pounds.
  • Maximum Size: Trophy yellowfin can reach 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) and weigh up to 440 pounds, though most catches in Panama range from 50–200 pounds.In Panama, large yellowfin (100+ pounds) are frequently caught around Hannibal Bank, especially during peak seasons, due to the region’s rich feeding grounds.
Yellowfin tuna populations in the Pacific are managed by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and are considered fully exploited but not currently overfished in most regions. The IUCN lists them as Least Concern, reflecting their wide distribution and high reproductive capacity (females release millions of eggs per spawning). However, heavy commercial fishing, particularly purse seine and longline fisheries, has led to concerns about localized depletion. In Panama, recreational fishing has minimal impact, and healthy stocks are supported by nutrient-rich waters and protected areas like Coiba National Park. Sustainable practices, such as adhering to size limits and avoiding juvenile fish, are essential to maintain populations.Yellowfin Tuna Diet in PanamaIn Panama’s Pacific waters, particularly around the Gulf of Chiriquí, Coiba Island, and Hannibal Bank.

Yellowfin tuna are voracious predators with a diverse diet:

  • Fish (70–80%): Primary prey includes sardines, anchovies, mackerel, flying fish, and small jacks, which are abundant in Panama’s upwelling zones. They also feed on juvenile tunas and mahi-mahi.
  • Cephalopods (15–25%): Squid are a significant component, especially around offshore structures where cephalopods congregate.
  • Crustaceans (<5%): Small shrimp and crabs are eaten opportunistically, particularly by smaller yellowfin.

Their feeding behavior involves high-speed pursuits and schooling with dolphins to corral baitfish. In Panama, yellowfin are often found crashing bait schools near seamounts or FADs, making them prime targets for trolling or live bait fishing.Remarkable Facts About Yellowfin Tuna

  1. Vivid Colors: Their bright yellow dorsal and anal fins, along with a metallic blue-green back, make yellowfin visually stunning, especially when hooked and flashing in the water.
  2. Speed Demons: Capable of speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h), yellowfin deliver long, powerful runs that test anglers’ skills and tackle.
  3. Dolphin Companions: In Panama, yellowfin often swim with dolphins, a behavior anglers use to locate schools by spotting dolphin pods offshore.
  4. Culinary Star: Yellowfin’s pink to red flesh is prized for its rich flavor and firm texture, making it a favorite for sashimi, ceviche, or grilled dishes in Panama’s fishing lodges.
  5. Panama Hotspot: Hannibal Bank and Coiba Island are world-renowned for trophy yellowfin, with fish over 200 pounds caught regularly, rivaling top destinations like Hawaii or Mexico.
  6. World Record Potential: The IGFA all-tackle record, a 427-pound yellowfin, was caught in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2012, but Panama’s waters offer similar opportunities.
  7. Oxygen Efficiency: Yellowfin have a unique ability to thermoregulate and extract oxygen efficiently, allowing them to dive deep and thrive in low-oxygen waters, enhancing their predatory range.

Why Fish for Yellowfin Tuna in Panama?Panama’s Pacific coast, with its deep waters close to shore and nutrient-rich upwelling, is a yellowfin tuna paradise. Areas like Hannibal Bank and Coiba Island offer prime opportunities to target these powerful fish using trolling, chunking, or live bait techniques. The thrill of battling a 100+ pound yellowfin, often alongside leaping dolphins, is unmatched, and the chance to enjoy fresh tuna sashimi or ceviche post-trip adds a culinary reward. Panama’s accessibility to deep offshore waters makes it ideal for both seasoned anglers and first-timers.Conservation NoteYellowfin tuna are a vital recreational and commercial species, and while populations are stable, sustainable practices are crucial.