View Full Version : I'm an idiot
Kayak fisherman
10-02-2009, 01:58 PM
I just gave a fishing report from yesterday's OI trip. It turns out (someone pointed out to me) that those little "Baby YFT" I was throwing back were most likely blackfin tuna. Still, they were pretty tiny. One was just under 27" and I still think he was a YFT. The others only weighed a few pounds, so I figure it's no big loss.
I think I'm pretty good at ID'ing adult tuna. It's the little ones I can't figure out.
7bartman
10-02-2009, 02:08 PM
No big loss if you don't like one of best eating fishes that swims. Jk, I can see myself doing the same thing.
satterly
10-02-2009, 03:49 PM
More then likely blackfin but better to be safe if your not sure. But damn they taste good
gary49
10-02-2009, 07:18 PM
The finlets on the Blackfin are definitely black, not real hard to identify. One that is close to 27" is a nice one.
Here We Go
10-02-2009, 08:05 PM
Blackfins are goooood!
2ntow
10-02-2009, 08:39 PM
Best eating tuner!
CaptNemo
10-03-2009, 01:48 AM
They are out there, and no min size right?
What is the best way to tell them apart?
twobyfour
10-03-2009, 06:51 AM
They are out there, and no min size right?
What is the best way to tell them apart?
Yellowfin
Identification:
Upper body black with blue overtones.
Yellow stripes along body and silvery belly.
Finlets yellow with black edges and yellow caudal keel.
Adult fish have very long yellow second dorsal and anal fins.
BLACKFIN TUNA - Thunnus atlanticus
Family Scombridae, MACKERELS AND TUNAS
Description: pectoral fin moderately long, reaching point below beginning of 2nd dorsal fin; 2nd dorsal fin dusky; all finlets dusky, with white edges; dorsal finlets sometimes turn yellowish at base after death; a broad, brownish stripe along upper part fo side; eye large; 19 to 25 gill rakers (usually 21 to 23) on 1st arch.
Blackfin are harder to identify after they die
Kayak fisherman
10-03-2009, 07:58 AM
Yep. I think I what I threw back were blackfin. All but one of them were SMALL (I mean like Arnold Drummond small). I don't feel too bad about throwing them back.
DC Ben
10-16-2009, 02:55 AM
Kayak, I admire your willingness to post all pitfalls, adventures and bonehead moves. We all make them but few share. Consider yourself a great conservationist for this one, and keep it all up!