Tuna identity

[absolutly]

maybe reel fool can chip in here. He's been catching 15-30lb bigeyes on some recent trips.

[Capt_John]

Baby Bigeye.......I caught tons of them in Hawaii on pink kingbusters. Damn good marlin and human bait.

[reel fool]

maybe reel fool can chip in here. He's been catching 15-30lb bigeyes on some recent trips.

yellowfin

[Green Machine]

I also think it is a baby bigeye.

In addition to what others have said it also appears to have one less finlet then a yellowfin would normally have - which is common for bigeyes.

[captlen]

Bigeye. The well defined strip of gold though the middle of the fish is a dead giveaway. Aside from the fact that the fish is very stocky in the tail section. Not many others signs to tell them apart at that age.

I don't believe in the liver liver straightion thing - I think its a farse- after seeing Allisons yellowfins with straightons in the liver.

Liver striations are an accurate way to tell the difference between a yellowfin and a bigeye. I was taught and I believe the eye or the yellow strip has nothing to do with it. Big fish big eye. The gill rakes overlap on both species so that isn't an accurate way to tell either.

The best way to tell is if it fits in the cooler call it a yellowfin!!

99% this is a yellowfin

[reel fool]

scary that you guys are engaged in harvesting tunas & you can not distinguish among targeted species. put down that extra lure & pick up a fish ID chart (laminated) next time you are in Bass Pros. seriously, how many times (every year) do we get someone posting a report about slaying the "yellowfin" at the Jackspot or Massey's in June. Have heard occasionaly yft at the Jackspot, but for some reason, never have received a confirmed report of yft at Massey's (even though it is deeper water). become proficient at the ID game. you should be able to ID a fish well b4 the gaff shot, with the fish in the water, b4 you are on leader, esp the tunas