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West Palm Beach Little Tunny Fishing Adventure
Little Tunny Fishing in West Palm Beach
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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: onshore, nearshore, offshore. - Known by multiple names including Bonita, False Albacore, and Little Tuna. - Considered one of the smaller tuna variants. - Uses schooling behavior and migration as primary defense mechanisms. - Typically migrates south during winter and fall months.
Fishing Charter by Captain Neil Linkmeyer in August
Meet your Captain Neil Linkmeyer
- Book Your Fishing Charter with Palm Beach Charters
Summary
Captain Neil Linkmeyer of Palm Beach Charters on Thursday July guided a successful 4-hour offshore fishing charter targeting Little Tunny and local reef species in West Palm Beach waters. This offshore fishing adventure utilized trolling, deep dropping, and kite fishing techniques to explore productive fishing grounds off the South Florida coast. The charter accommodates up to three guests with all bait, tackle, and fishing licenses included, making it perfect for both seasoned anglers and beginners looking to experience the thrill of deep sea fishing. With expert local knowledge and flexible targeting options, these West Palm Beach fishing charters deliver reliable access to Atlantic Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, and various snapper species depending on seasonal conditions.
Offshore Fishing Charter with Captain Neil – Rates & Booking
Captain Neil Linkmeyer of Palm Beach Charters on Thursday July offers personalized 4-hour offshore fishing experiences departing from West Palm Beach. These small-group charters accommodate up to three guests, ensuring individual attention and hands-on instruction for anglers of all skill levels. All essential gear is provided including bait, tackle, and fishing licenses, with rates starting for half-day trips. Licensed and experienced, Captain Neil specializes in local waters and seasonal patterns, utilizing trolling, deep dropping, and kite fishing techniques to maximize your chances of success. Book online or call to secure your preferred date and experience the productive offshore waters of South Florida.
Highlights of Offshore Fishing Charter West Palm Beach – Sailfish, Tuna & Snapper
This charter targets multiple species including Atlantic Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, and Kingfish based on seasonal availability. The 4-hour duration provides ample time to explore different depths and employ various fishing techniques without the commitment of a full-day trip. Recent success includes landing feisty Little Tunny in the 15-inch range, demonstrating the consistent action these waters provide.
The personalized approach means Captain Neil adapts techniques and locations based on current conditions and guest preferences. Whether you're seeking your first offshore catch or targeting specific species, the flexible format accommodates different fishing goals while maintaining focus on productive local knowledge.
Local Species Insights: Little Tunny
Little Tunny thrive in the warm offshore waters around West Palm Beach, particularly during summer months when they school in productive numbers. These energetic members of the tuna family prefer depths ranging from nearshore reefs to deeper offshore structure, making them accessible during 4-hour charter windows. Captain Neil targets them using a combination of trolling with small lures and live bait presentations, often finding success around temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish concentrate. Their aggressive feeding behavior and strong fighting ability make them exciting catches for anglers, especially when they hit trolled baits at speed.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your offshore fishing adventure begins at the dock on Blue Heron Boulevard, where Captain Neil provides a safety briefing and gear overview. The charter boat is equipped with quality tackle, outriggers for trolling, and fish-finding electronics to locate productive areas efficiently. Departure times are scheduled to take advantage of optimal fishing conditions, with the 4-hour format allowing flexibility for morning or afternoon trips. Guests should bring sun protection, snacks, and beverages, while all fishing equipment and licenses are provided. The small group size ensures everyone gets hands-on experience with different techniques and personal attention from the captain throughout the trip.
Fishing in West Palm Beach: Little Tunny
Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), also known as False Albacore, Bonita, or Little Tuna, is a fast-swimming member of the Scombridae family in the order Perciformes. This smaller tuna variant is distinguished by its streamlined body, dark wavy lines on the back, and distinctive spotted pattern below the pectoral fins. In West Palm Beach waters this July, anglers commonly encounter these energetic fish in schools around offshore structure and temperature breaks.
Little Tunny Overview
Little Tunny represents one of the most accessible tuna species for recreational anglers, combining the fighting characteristics of larger tunas with the availability found in nearshore and offshore waters. These fish are prized for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and acrobatic jumps when hooked, making them exciting targets for both novice and experienced anglers seeking fast-paced action.
Little Tunny Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters throughout the western Atlantic, with significant populations along the Florida coast. They prefer warm waters and are commonly found around reefs, wrecks, and areas with strong currents that concentrate baitfish. Around West Palm Beach, they frequent depths from 30 to 200 feet, often following temperature gradients and current edges.
Little Tunny Size and Weight
Adult Little Tunny typically range from 24 to 48 inches in length and weigh between 5 to 15 pounds, though most recreational catches fall in the 10-12 pound range. The 15-inch specimen caught represents a smaller individual, as these fish continue growing throughout their lives and can occasionally exceed the typical size range in optimal conditions.
Little Tunny Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on 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 commotion. Peak feeding activity occurs during dawn and dusk, though they remain active throughout the day when bait is abundant.
Little Tunny Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in offshore waters during warmer months, typically from April through September in South Florida waters. During this period, they form larger aggregations and become more aggressive, making summer months particularly productive for anglers. Water temperatures above 75°F trigger increased activity and feeding behavior.
Little Tunny Fishing Techniques
Successful techniques include high-speed trolling with small spoons, feathers, and cedar plugs, as well as live bait fishing with pilchards or sardines. Casting small jigs and poppers to surface-feeding schools produces explosive strikes. In July around West Palm Beach, anglers find them near reefs and temperature breaks using a combination of trolling and live bait presentations at depths between 40-100 feet.
Little Tunny Is It Good to Eat?
Little Tunny offers firm, red meat with a strong flavor that benefits from proper handling and preparation. The flesh is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though it requires bleeding and icing immediately after catch for best quality. Many anglers prefer smoking, grilling, or using it for sashimi when ultra-fresh, while others release them to fight another day.
Little Tunny Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Little Tunny?
A: Live pilchards, sardines, and small mackerel work excellently, along with high-speed trolled spoons, feathers, and small cedar plugs. Match the bait size to local forage fish for best results.
Q: Where can I find Little Tunny near West Palm Beach?
A: Look for them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and temperature breaks in 40-200 feet of water. They often school near current edges and areas with active baitfish.
Q: Is Little Tunny good to eat?
A: Yes, when properly handled with immediate bleeding and icing. The red meat has a strong flavor that works well smoked, grilled, or prepared as sashimi when ultra-fresh.
Q: When is the best time to catch Little Tunny?
A: Summer months from May through September offer peak action, with dawn and dusk providing the most consistent feeding activity, though they can be caught throughout the day.
More species you can explore on this trip
Palm Beach Charters Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Get ready for an action-packed offshore fishing adventure in West Palm Beach! This 4-hour charter takes you where the big fish bite, targeting species like Atlantic Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Mutton Snapper, and more. With room for just three guests, you'll enjoy personalized attention and hands-on fishing time. Whether you're new to angling or a seasoned pro, the expert crew will help you make the most of your trip. No need to worry about gear or licenses - it's all included. The captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be hitting the best spots based on current conditions and seasonal patterns. From deep water to productive reefs, this focused charter aims to put you on fish and create lasting memories. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so come prepared to reel in some fun!
