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Top-Rated 12 HR Tuna Fishing Trip in California
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- San Francisco
- $150 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: October 4, 2025
Summary
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Tuna Takedown
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Big halibut and striped bass action!
Spotted leopard sharks on deck!
Giant halibut catch success!
Summer salmon
Big halibut and striped bass action!
Spotted leopard sharks on deck!
Giant halibut catch success!
Summer salmon
Big halibut and striped bass action!
Spotted leopard sharks on deck!
Giant halibut catch success!
Tuna Fishing Frenzy: California Offshore Adventure
Get ready to battle some of the ocean's mightiest fish on this 12-hour bluefin tuna charter off the California coast. We're talking serious offshore action, folks. Our crew at Norcal Traditions Sportfishing knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're itching to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time chasing pelagics, this trip is guaranteed to get your heart racing and your arms burning.
What to Expect on the Water
Listen up, because this ain't your average fishing trip. We're heading way offshore, sometimes 50 miles or more, to where the big boys play. Our fast, seaworthy vessel will get us there in no time, and once we're in the zone, it's game on. We'll be using heavy-duty gear - think 80-130 lb class rods and reels spooled with braid that could tow a truck. The action can be non-stop, with multiple hookups sending the deck into organized chaos. You might be cranking on a fish for an hour or more, so come prepared to work. But trust me, when you see that massive tuna break the surface, it'll all be worth it.
Tuna Tactics & Techniques
Alright, here's the deal on how we hunt these beasts. We'll be using a mix of methods, depending on what the fish are doing. Sometimes we'll be trolling spreader bars or Yummy Flyers to cover ground and locate schools. Other times, we might stop on a promising spot and chunk with live bait or kite fish if conditions allow. When we mark fish, get ready to drop jigs or pitch baits. It's all about reading the water, finding the bait, and staying on the fish. Our crew's got eyes like hawks and they're always scanning for bird activity, jumping fish, or any sign that'll put us in the strike zone.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Let me tell you, once you've felt the raw power of a bluefin on the line, you'll be hooked for life. Our regulars can't get enough of the adrenaline rush that comes with these trips. It's not just about the size of the fish (though that doesn't hurt) - it's the whole package. The anticipation as we run offshore, the excitement of finding a hot bite, and the camaraderie that comes from working together to land these giants. Plus, there's nothing quite like coming home with coolers full of prime sushi-grade tuna. Many of our guests say it's the fishing highlight of their year.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Pacific Bluefin Tuna are the stars of the show here, and for good reason. These aren't your average fish - we're talking about apex predators that can tip the scales at over 200 pounds. They're built like torpedoes, all muscle, and when they decide to run, hold on tight. Bluefin are known for their endurance and can easily strip hundreds of yards of line in a single blistering run. The best time to target them off California is typically from late spring through fall, with peak season often hitting in the summer months. What makes them so exciting to catch? It's a true test of an angler's skill and stamina. Plus, the meat is some of the most prized in the world - deep red, rich in flavor, and perfect for everything from sashimi to grilled steaks.
While bluefin are our main target, don't be surprised if we run into some of their cousins. Yellowfin tuna, also known as ahi, might make an appearance. They're generally a bit smaller than bluefin but fight just as hard pound-for-pound. Albacore tuna are another possibility, especially in the cooler months. These "longfin" are beloved for their light, mild meat that's perfect for canning or grilling.
And hey, the ocean's full of surprises. We might encounter other pelagic species like mahi-mahi (dorado), wahoo, or even billfish like striped marlin if we're really lucky. Each of these offers its own unique challenge and excitement, adding to the adventure of offshore fishing.
Top Catches This Season
Folks, the bite has been on fire lately. We've been seeing some absolute monsters come over the rails. Just last week, Jimmy from San Diego tangled with a 180-pounder that had the whole boat cheering. The week before, we had a triple hookup of 100+ lb class fish that had everyone scrambling. It's not uncommon for our anglers to go home with 40-60 pounds of prime tuna after processing. Remember, though, fishing's fishing - some days are better than others, but we always give it our all to put you on the fish.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're still reading this, you know you want to get out there. These bluefin tuna trips are some of the hottest tickets in California sportfishing right now, and spots fill up fast. Don't miss your chance to tangle with one of the ocean's toughest fighters. Whether you're looking to check "giant tuna" off your bucket list or you're a seasoned pro chasing that next personal best, we've got you covered. And hey, don't forget we also offer a range of other trips - from San Francisco deep sea fishing to lingcod and rockfish charters, even California crabbing adventures. There's always something biting out here.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the rail, and let's go chase some giants. The tuna are out there, and they're calling your name. Book now, and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, once you feel that first run, you'll be glad you did. See you on the boat!
Learn more about the animal
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Pacific Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus Orientalis) Fish Description
The Pacific Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus orientalis) is one of the largest tuna species in the world. They can grow up to ten feet long and can weigh half a ton. They are also highly sought after for their delicious fatty meat that is said to be best consumed raw as sushi or sashimi. One of these has been sold for more than three million dollars by a sushi store owner in Japan.
Much like other tuna species, its body is shaped like a torpedo—long, circular, and streamlined. It has retractable fins that help them dart through the waters at great speeds without much drag. They’re mostly silvery in color, though the upper part a bit darker with a gray, blue, to green iridescence; while the lower half of its body has a lighter hue. The belly however is splattered with small dots that are sometimes colorless, sometimes grayish-silvery in color. Another distinguishing feature of the Pacific Bluefin Tuna is the series of fins that are usually colored with a yellow tinge with black edges.
The Pacific Bluefin Tuna is known to live up to more than twenty years, but the average lifespan tends to be between ten to fifteen years. Spawning usually occurs from April to August in East Asia, specifically off the coasts of eastern Taiwan, in the Philippine Sea, as well as in the Sea of Japan. They reach maturity at about five years of age. They are also predatory and preys on other fishes, including mackerels, sardines, pompanos, herrings, anchovies, and even other smaller tunas. Although most of their diet is fish, they also occasionally eat crabs, krill, octopi, squids, and other marine invertebrates.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna Interesting Facts
- The biggest one ever caught using a traditional rod and reel was a 907-pounder.
- The monstrous fish was caught off the coast of New Zealand by a female angler named Donna Pascoe.
- It took four hours for Pascoe—with the help of four men and the boat’s anchor winch—to reel in and land the humongous fish.
- They migrate back and forth several times across the vast Pacific Ocean—from Asia to California and back again—in their lifetime.
- They also sometimes migrate down to the waters of Australia and New Zealand.
- The Pacific Bluefin Tuna is a highly-prized commodity in the seafood market.
- Each one can sell for thousands of dollars in the seafood market.
- They are typically auctioned off in Japan.
- A 612-pounder was auctioned in Japan and was bought by sushi shop owner, Kiyoshi Kimura, for three million dollars—the most expensive one so far.
- There are three types of Bluefin tuna—Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern.
- About 80% of Atlantic and Pacific Tunas are consumed in Japan.
Average Size and Swimming Speed
Aside from its enormous size, the Pacific Bluefin Tuna is also a well-known speedster of the ocean. They are capable of swimming at an average of twelve to fifteen miles per hour—or sometimes even faster of up to twenty miles per hour for shorter periods.
The Pacific Bluefin Tuna is also the second (next to their cousin, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna) biggest tuna species out there with an average size of four to seven feet, weighing at around one hundred and thirty pounds.
Range and Habitat
As the name suggests, the Pacific Bluefin Tuna is endemic in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from East Asia to North America. Although most of the population is found within the northern part of the Pacific, this fish is migratory as some can also be found in the southern hemisphere—particularly near the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. In the US, they are often fished off the coast of southern California.
The Pacific Bluefin Tuna is a pelagic fish that are found in large groups or schools in the open ocean, often in depths between eight hundred to over a thousand feet.
Fishing Tips
The Pacific Bluefin Tuna is a pretty elusive fish as they are said to be easily spooked. Fortunately, they are also known to be voracious predators, which you can take advantage of by employing chumming or using live baits. For live baits, we highly suggest using mackerels, herrings, or squids, which are known to be quite lively on a hook, therefore effectively attracting the prized fish you’re aiming for. Ideal rods are popper rods equipped with a spinning reel, specifically those built for heavy-duty fishing but lightweight—a perfect combo for reeling in a fish built for speed and endurance. Lastly, if you’re gunning for this highly-sought fish, in particular, you will need to cast your line way offshore as the Pacific Bluefin Tuna is much easier to spot in the open waters.
About the Norcal Traditions Sportfishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
