Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye Tuna Fishing in Florida

Bigeye tuna are federally managed: 27 inches curved fork length minimum, no bag limit, and the vessel needs a federal HMS permit.

Florida rules from FWC and NOAA Fisheries, checked Sep 2026

Check before you keep a fish. Seasons and limits change, sometimes in the middle of a season, and a court or an agency can change them overnight. Everything here was copied from FWC and NOAA Fisheries in Sep 2026 and is listed with its source at the bottom of this page. We are not a regulatory authority. Confirm the current rule with your captain or with FWC before you keep a fish.

Florida state record

  • 194.80 lb Juno Beach · March 14, 2020 · Anthony Beau Kelly

From FWC Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle), checked Sep 2026. Records are certified by FWC and can be broken at any time.

About the fish

SizeUp to about 5.5 feet
What it eatsFish, crustaceans and squid

NOAA says bigeye live up to 9 years.

From FWC's species profile, checked Sep 2026.

Which rules apply to your trip

  • The boat needs an HMS Angling or HMS Charterboat/Headboat permit, which covers everyone fishing aboard.
  • NOAA sets no bag limit for bigeye, but the 27 inch minimum applies.
  • No tuna may be kept if a hammerhead or oceanic whitetip shark is on board or has been offloaded from the vessel.

Bigeye, state and federal waters: when you can keep one

Federal rules, which FWC says apply in state waters.

  • Anglers on a vessel with an HMS permitOpenNOAA Fisheries lists the fishery as open.
27 inches curved fork lengthSize limit
No bag limitDaily limit. The vessel needs an HMS Angling or Charterboat/Headboat permit.

Questions about bigeye tuna

Is there a limit on bigeye tuna?

NOAA lists no bag limit. Fish must be at least 27 inches curved fork length.

Do I need my own permit on a charter?

No. The vessel's HMS permit covers everyone fishing on that vessel.

Seasons, sizes and bag limits on this page were copied from NOAA Fisheries, recreational Atlantic tuna statuses and limits and FWC, billfish, tuna and swordfish regulations and NOAA Fisheries, Atlantic bigeye tuna in Sep 2026. Rules change, sometimes mid-season. Check the current rule with your captain or FWC before you keep a fish.