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The Little Tunny belongs to the order Perciformes and family Scombridae. It typically measures between 24 and 48 inches in length, with a weight range from 5 to 15 lbs. - Habitat includes onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters. - Known by multiple names including Bonita, False Albacore, and Little Tuna. - Considered one of the smaller tuna variants with strong schooling behavior. - Migratory species that typically heads south during winter months.
Guide Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Saturday August delivered an outstanding offshore fishing experience targeting Little Tunny and other gamefish in West Palm Beach waters. This family-friendly charter combines trolling, deep dropping, and kite fishing techniques to maximize your chances at quality catches. Operating from Riviera Beach City Marina, these 4-hour adventures cater to all skill levels with fishing license included and expert guidance throughout your trip. The diverse offshore grounds provide excellent opportunities for both seasoned anglers and families seeking their first deep sea fishing experience in South Florida's premier fishing destination.
Guide Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Saturday August offers comprehensive 4-hour offshore fishing adventures departing from Riviera Beach City Marina. These family-friendly charters accommodate up to 5 guests and include fishing licenses, with rates varying by season and group size. Captain Rich employs multiple techniques including trolling, kite fishing, and bottom fishing to target species like Little Tunny, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Snapper, and Grouper based on seasonal migrations. Guests should bring cash for live bait costs and mate gratuity, while food and beverages are welcome aboard. Book your West Palm Beach fishing charter online or call directly for current availability and pricing.
These offshore adventures showcase the incredible diversity of South Florida fishing with multiple techniques employed throughout each trip. Recent successful outings have produced quality Little Tunny, Mutton Snapper, and Red Snapper using a combination of trolling, deep dropping, and kite fishing methods. The experienced crew ensures both novice and seasoned anglers enjoy productive time on the water with proper instruction and guidance.
Operating from the convenient Riviera Beach City Marina location, these charters provide easy access to productive offshore waters where pelagic species and bottom fish thrive year-round. The 4-hour duration strikes the perfect balance for families and groups seeking substantial fishing action without an all-day commitment.
Little Tunny represent one of the most exciting and accessible offshore targets in West Palm Beach waters, offering fast-paced action for anglers of all experience levels. These smaller tuna relatives travel in schools and respond well to both trolling presentations and live bait fishing techniques. During summer months, they're commonly found in the 60-200 foot depth range where they feed aggressively on baitfish schools. Their fighting ability far exceeds their size, making them a favorite among charter captains for introducing newcomers to offshore fishing while still providing thrills for experienced anglers seeking consistent action in South Florida's productive waters.
Your offshore adventure begins at Riviera Beach City Marina with a thorough safety briefing and equipment overview before heading to productive fishing grounds. The charter boat accommodates up to 5 guests comfortably with all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment provided. Captain Rich will adjust techniques throughout the trip based on conditions and fish activity, ensuring maximum opportunities for success. Most trips target multiple species using various methods, giving everyone aboard chances to experience different aspects of offshore fishing while building skills and confidence on the water.
Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) belongs to the order Perciformes and family Scombridae, representing one of the most accessible tuna species for recreational anglers. Also known as Bonita, False Albacore, or Little Tuna, this smaller member of the tuna family exhibits the characteristic speed and fighting ability that makes the Scombridae family famous among sport fishermen. In West Palm Beach waters this August, these schooling fish provide consistent action for both novice and experienced anglers.
Little Tunny are fast-swimming pelagic fish that travel in large schools as a primary defense mechanism against larger predators. Their streamlined bodies and powerful tail fins enable rapid bursts of speed, making them exciting targets for light tackle fishing. These fish serve as both predator and prey in the marine ecosystem, feeding on smaller baitfish while being pursued by larger gamefish like marlin and sharks.
These versatile fish inhabit onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters throughout the Atlantic Ocean, with significant populations along Florida's coast. They prefer water temperatures between 68-86°F and are commonly found from the surface down to 150 feet. Around West Palm Beach, they frequent areas with strong currents and abundant baitfish, particularly near reef structures and temperature breaks where prey concentrates.
Adult Little Tunny typically measure between 24 and 48 inches in length, with most charter-caught specimens weighing between 5 and 15 pounds. Larger individuals can exceed these ranges, with some reaching weights over 20 pounds, though fish in the 8-12 pound range represent the most common catches in South Florida waters.
These aggressive feeders primarily consume small fish including sardines, anchovies, and juvenile mackerel, along with squid and crustaceans. They hunt in coordinated schools, often driving baitfish to the surface where feeding frenzies create visible disturbances. Peak feeding activity occurs during dawn and dusk hours, though they remain active throughout the day when bait is abundant.
Spawning occurs in offshore waters during warmer months, typically from April through October in Florida waters. During this period, they form larger aggregations and may be found in deeper water as they prepare for reproductive activities. Water temperatures above 75°F trigger spawning behavior, with females releasing millions of eggs in open ocean environments.
Successful techniques include high-speed trolling with small lures, live bait fishing with sardines or pilchards, and casting to surface schools when they're actively feeding. Trolling speeds of 6-8 knots work well with cedar plugs, small spoons, and feather jigs. In August around West Palm Beach, anglers find them near reef edges and current lines where they ambush baitfish schools moving with the tide.
Little Tunny offers firm, red meat with a strong flavor that's best prepared fresh using proper bleeding and icing techniques. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though it has a more pronounced taste than larger tuna species. Many anglers prefer smoking, grilling, or using it for sashimi when properly handled, while others release these fish to maintain healthy populations.
Q: What is the best bait for Little Tunny?
A: Live sardines, pilchards, and small mackerel work exceptionally well, along with artificial lures like cedar plugs, small spoons, and feather jigs trolled at 6-8 knots.
Q: Where can I find Little Tunny near West Palm Beach?
A: Look for them around reef structures, current edges, and temperature breaks in 60-200 feet of water, particularly where baitfish schools are active.
Q: Is Little Tunny good to eat?
A: Yes, when properly handled with immediate bleeding and icing, the firm red meat is excellent grilled, smoked, or prepared as sashimi, offering high protein and omega-3 content.
Q: When is the best time to catch Little Tunny?
A: Dawn and dusk provide peak activity, though they feed throughout the day during summer months when baitfish are abundant in South Florida waters.
Our offshore fishing vessel operates from Riviera Beach City Marina and comfortably accommodates up to 5 anglers for 4-hour adventures in West Palm Beach waters. The boat features all necessary safety equipment, quality fishing gear, and tackle for targeting Little Tunny, Snapper, and other offshore species. With ample deck space for multiple fishing techniques including trolling, kite fishing, and bottom fishing, guests enjoy a stable platform for both experienced anglers and families new to deep sea fishing. Captain Rich maintains the vessel to high standards ensuring reliable performance and guest comfort during your offshore charter experience.