Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Recreational Bag Limits
Summary
Bag limits for bluefin tuna vary by permit, vessel type, fish size, and region. Additional requirements may be applicable. View the HMS Recreational Compliance Guide for details.
Regardless of the permit type, bluefin tuna cannot be retained if a hammerhead or oceanic whitetip shark is on board or has been offloaded from the vessel.
HMS Angling Permit
|
Size Class (curved fork length) |
Fishery Status | Atlantic Bag Limit | Gulf of Mexico Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 27" | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| 27" to less than 47" | Open |
2/vessel/day or trip |
0 |
| 47” to less than 73” | Open | 1/vessel/day or trip | 0 |
|
73” or greater Gulf of Maine |
Open | 1/vessel/year | |
|
73" or greater Southern New England |
Open | 1/vessel/year | - |
|
73" or greater Trophy South |
Closed | - | - |
|
73" or greater Gulf of Mexico |
Closed | - | - |
HMS Charter Headboat Permit When Fishing Recreationally
Charter Boats
|
Size Class (curved fork length) |
Fishery Status | Atlantic Bag Limit | Gulf of Mexico Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 27" | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| 27" to less than 47" | Open |
3/vessels/day or trip |
0 |
| 47” to less than 73” | Open | 1/vessels/day or trip | 0 |
|
73” or greater Gulf of Maine |
Open | 1/vessel/year | |
|
73" or greater Southern New England |
Open | 1/vessel/year | - |
|
73" or greater Trophy South |
Closed | - | - |
|
73" or greater Gulf of Mexico |
Closed | - | - |
Headboats
|
Size Class (curved fork length) |
Fishery Status | Atlantic Bag Limit | Gulf of Mexico Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 27" | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| 27" to less than 73" | Open |
6/vessels/day or trip |
0 |
| 47” to less than 73” | Open | 2/vessels/day or trip | 0 |
|
73” or greater Gulf of Maine |
Open | 1/vessel/year | |
|
73" or greater Southern New England |
Open | 1/vessel/year | - |
|
73" or greater Trophy South |
Closed | - | - |
|
73" or greater Gulf of Mexico |
Closed | - | - |
Permits
Vessels must have a valid HMS Angling or HMS Charterboat/Headboat permit to fish for Atlantic bluefin tuna. The permit covers everyone fishing on that vessel. Tournament vessels may instead fish for bluefin with an Atlantic Tunas General category permit.
Measurement
Measure curved fork length by following the curve of the fish's body from the tip of the jaw to fork of the tail.
