Yellowfin tuna

Finlets behind both the second dorsal and anal fins; larger fish can have very long second dorsal and anal fins.

Metallic blue back, silver belly and bright yellow fins and finlets with dark finlet margins.

30–100 lb.

Over 6 ft and 400 lb.

A wide range of fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.

Mobile open-water predator; often tracks bait schools, current edges, temperature breaks or floating structure.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start around offshore current edges, weed lines, temperature/color changes, bait schools and legal FAD areas; then adjust to where bait and birds show active feeding. Habitat reference: Oceanic water above and below the thermocline.

Oceanic water above and below the thermocline.

Open-water species; activity commonly shifts through the upper water column with bait, temperature and current structure.

Start near the surface and upper water column around bait, weed lines, current edges or floating structure; work deeper only when marks or bait show deeper.

Oceanic water above and below the thermocline. This is species-level habitat context, not proof for every linked area.

Fish when local reports show bait and pelagic activity; in Puerto Rico these fisheries can be productive in multiple seasons rather than one universal peak.

Dawn through mid-morning and late afternoon are common starting windows, but active bait and current can produce throughout the day.

Offshore current edges, rips and convergences usually matter more than the tide table alone; fish the side holding bait.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Live baits (blue runners, bonito) and chunks.

Spreader bars, skirted lures, poppers and stick baits.

Start with a medium-heavy offshore outfit, 30–50 lb main line, 50–80 lb leader and a bait/lure matched to the forage; scale up for larger fish.

A practical starting range is roughly 5/0–9/0 for natural bait, scaled to bait size and the target; use strong, non-stainless hooks when release is likely.

30–80 lb class mono or braid is a common offshore starting range; scale heavier for large tuna or billfish and lighter for school-size fish.

40–100 lb mono/fluorocarbon is a common starting range; toothy species may need heavier abrasion-resistant or wire bite protection.

Troll or chunk around oil rigs, FADs and bait schools in deep water.

For an ordinary small fish, minimize handling and air exposure, support its body and use a dehooker. Species-specific hazards take precedence.

Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting catches in the region. Large tunas and billfish carry more mercury — limit portions.

Top-quality table fare: firm, white, mild meat.

Safety first: FOOD STORAGE HAZARD — if this fish is not promptly and properly chilled after catch, histamine/scombrotoxin can form. Cooking, freezing or smoking does not reliably destroy the toxin once formed. Ice it right away. Use a clean board and sharp knife; scale or skin only when appropriate, remove the viscera or fillet cleanly, trim damaged tissue/bloodline as desired, minimize warm-water exposure, and keep the edible portion cold. If the fish carries venomous spines, dangerous teeth or a toxin advisory, follow the safety warning before cleaning.

For routine cooked preparation, FDA seafood guidance uses 145°F (63°C) as the safe internal-temperature target for fish; flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. Grilling, baking, broiling, steaming or pan-cooking can all work after the fish is positively identified, legally retained and cleared for applicable toxin/mercury advisories.

FOOD STORAGE HAZARD — if this fish is not promptly and properly chilled after catch, histamine/scombrotoxin can form. Cooking, freezing or smoking does not reliably destroy the toxin once formed.

Rules: Yellowfin tuna — Puerto Rico daily quota: 3 per person per day. Puerto Rico territorial quota from DRNA quick guide. Seasonal closures, size rules, HMS requirements, and later orders may also apply. | Current NOAA Atlantic HMS recreational rule: fishery open; 27 in curved-fork-length minimum and 3 yellowfin tuna per person per day or trip. An HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permit is required.

Avoid damaging habitat and follow the local rules below. If it's protected, enjoy the sighting and let it be.