Large, torpedo-shaped tuna with a metallic blue back, yellow sides/stripe, and long yellow finlets and sickle-shaped second dorsal/anal fins on bigger fish. Galveston fish commonly 30-100 lb, with 150-200+ lb 'cows' possible at the floaters.
⚖ Texas & federal limits Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →.
On the water
WhenYear-round with strong winter/spring showings at the floaters; a classic overnight/dawn bite. These are long, often overnight runs on bigger boats; calm windows are essential.WhereDeepwater floaters/production rigs, the shelf edge, and blue-water banks well offshore - typically 60-150+ nm in very deep water. They hold around the big floaters and along strong current/temperature breaks.HowChunking a flat-line/deep chunk slick around floaters (the go-to Gulf tactic), live-baiting, vertical jigging, and trolling. Night fishing under the floater lights with chunks or poppers can be spectacular. Downsize leader for finicky fish.BehaviorApex pelagic predators keying on flying fish, squid, and baitfish concentrated by the floaters, current rips, and temperature breaks; the rigs' lights and structure aggregate bait and tuna at night.The fightBrutal, drawn-out battles - long powerful runs followed by deep, grinding 'death spirals' that can last well over an hour on big cows.
Baits that work
Chunked/whole cut bait (blackfin, bonito, hardtails) in a slick
Live hardtails and cigar minnows
Flying-fish patterns / poppers and stickbaits
Heavy vertical jigs; trolled ballyhoo and skirts
Tackle
Rod & reelHeavy stand-up conventional (50-80 lb class) or heavy popping/jigging spinning outfitsLine50-100 lb braid or monoLeader60-130 lb fluoro (drop lighter/clear when they're leader-shy)TerminalStrong circle or J hooks 6/0-9/0; heavy assist hooks on jigsRigChunk/flat-line rig, live-bait rig, heavy vertical jigs, or trolled ballyhoo/lures
The bait clock
☀ DawnTopwater popper or live hardtail at bait schools
Daybreak surface feeds around the floaters are the premier plug-casting window.
☼ MiddayTrolled skirted ballyhoo/plugs or deep live bait
Daytime fish go deep and scattered; trolling and downrigged live baits cover water.
☾ DuskLive blue runner or chunk drifted at the rigs
Fish move back up the column as light fades, starting the night program.
★ NightChunked bonito/blackfin or live bait under rig lights
The famous floater fishery: night chunking in the light halos is the top yellowfin producer.
[{'months': [10, 11, 12, 1, 2], 'note': 'Cooler months concentrate yellowfin at the deepwater floaters (100+ mi run from Galveston).'}]
A long-range overnight trip fishery from Galveston; the night/dawn rig-light bite defines it.
Bright yellow finlets edged in black, a gold lateral band, and long yellow second dorsal/anal fins on adults. Blackfin finlets are dark. Yellowfin carry a federal minimum; check it before keeping one.
Handling & releasePelagic - no barotrauma. Immediate bleeding and hard icing are critical for table quality. These are big, powerful fish - use proper gaffs, mind the crew, keep clear of the tail and hooks. Revive big fish alongside for release.On the tableThe premium tuna for sashimi, poke, and searing - deep red, rich, and clean when handled well. Moderate-to-high mercury.As baitNo - far too valuable; only scraps used for bait.
The bar to beat
Texas state record
216.2 lb · 80.0″ — Jim Dickson
Gulf of Mexico, TX, 1998
World record
427.0 lb — Guy Yocom
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, 2012
Records as compiled in the IronJetty guide (Aug 2026) — verify current marks with TPWD records / IGFA.
