Tuna fishing has long captured the hearts of saltwater anglers for one reason—it’s a thrilling test of skill, patience, and preparation.  Bluefin, yellowfin, and other species are fast, strong, and elusive, which makes the reward of landing one all the more satisfying.  Whether you’re chasing tuna from a center-console offshore boat or a compact fishing kayak Hobie, the right techniques, gear, and know-how can mean the difference between going home empty-handed or filling your cooler.

Learn how to rig a tuna spreader bar, perfect your trolling technique, select a versatile setup like the fishing kayak Hobie, and, most importantly, how to clean bluefin tuna like a pro after a successful day on the water in this guide.

Why Tuna Fishing Is a Bucket List Adventure

Few fish match the power and prestige of the bluefin tuna.  These apex predators can reach speeds of over 40 mph and weigh several hundred pounds.  They’re notorious for long runs and brutal fights, making them a favorite target for sport fishermen worldwide.

Thanks to advancements in gear and kayak technology, targeting tuna isn’t just reserved for offshore vessels anymore.  With the right strategy, even anglers using a fishing kayak Hobie can join the hunt.

Fishing Kayak Hobie: Pedal Power Meets Tuna Fishing

The sport of kayak fishing is becoming increasingly popular, and Hobie is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to tuna fishing. Anglers can use both hands to manage rods, lures, and fish while maintaining stability in the water on Hobie’s fishing kayak models, particularly those equipped with the MirageDrive pedal system. Hobie kayaks provide surprising versatility when it comes to fishing for schoolie-sized tuna or chasing them close to shore. Outfitted with rod holders, electronics, and storage space for gear and ice, these kayaks become fully functional mini fishing machines.  From your kayak, you can even use small lures or bait rigs to great effect.

Trolling for Tuna: The Hunt Begins

One of the most effective ways to target tuna is by trolling for tuna—dragging bait or artificial lures behind your vessel at various speeds and depths.  You can cover more ground and find active fish by trolling. The tuna spreader bar is a well-liked and highly effective piece of equipment for this method. The spreader bar is rigged with multiple teasers and a single hook-attached trailing lure to resemble a school of baitfish. Even cautious tuna can react to this setup, especially if it is fished just outside the boat’s wake or with outriggers.

If you’re trolling from a fishing kayak Hobie, you can still use smaller-scale spreader bars or feathered lures that create just enough surface disturbance to entice a bite.

How to Clean Bluefin Tuna: From Catch to Cuisine

After you have fought, landed, and celebrated your catch, what you do next is just as important as what you did before. Cleansing bluefin tuna properly ensures that the meat remains fresh, flavorful, and safe for consumption.

Step 1: Bleed the Tuna Immediately

To bleed the fish, make cuts behind the pectoral fins and at the base of the tail. Letting the blood drain is crucial to maintaining high-quality meat, especially if you plan on eating it raw.

Step 2: Chill It Down

Tuna meat spoils quickly in the heat.  The catch should be stored as soon as possible on ice, either in a kill bag on a kayak or in a large cooler on a boat.

Step 3: Gut and Clean

Place the tuna flat on its side and cut a hole along its belly. Remove the internal organs carefully, especially avoiding the bile sac which can taint the meat.  Rinse the cavity with cold, clean water.

Step 4: Fillet with Precision

Cut along the spine and ribs with a knife that is both flexible and sharp to remove the four main loins—two from the top and two from the bottom. Trim the skin, bloodline, and sinew before portioning into steaks, fillets, or sushi-grade blocks.

Final Thoughts

Tuna fishing is a dynamic and rewarding activity that requires both skill and the right gear. From setting up a tuna spreader bar and trolling for tuna off the back of a boat or a fishing kayak Hobie, to learning exactly how to clean bluefin tuna after the catch—it’s an adventure from start to finish.

With the right knowledge, even solo anglers on kayaks can experience the adrenaline of landing a bluefin and the satisfaction of preparing a fresh, top-tier meal with their own two hands.  So get out there, gear up, and chase the thrill—because the ultimate tuna experience is waiting just beyond the horizon.