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Caught Little Tunny Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
Little Tunny Charter Fishing in Destin, FL
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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. - Also known as Bonita, False Albacore, or Little Tuna. - Considered one of the smaller tuna variants. - Uses schooling behavior and migration as primary defense mechanisms. - Typically heads south during Winter or Fall months.
Fishing Charter by Captain Bernie Lefebvre in August
Meet your Captain Bernie Lefebvre
- Nothing beats a day of fishing action!
Summary
Captain Bernie Lefebvre of Windwalker II Charters delivered an outstanding deep sea fishing experience this Monday June in the Gulf waters off Destin, FL. Using a combination of jigging and trolling techniques, our crew landed 8 fish including Little Tunny, Spanish Mackerel, and Cero Mackerel. The 5-hour afternoon charter showcased why Destin remains one of Florida's premier fishing destinations, with warming June waters bringing excellent pelagic action. Light tackle fishing proved highly effective as we worked different depths, with fish hitting hard throughout the trip. Weather conditions included partly cloudy skies with light rain, but water conditions remained ideal for targeting these fast-moving species. Book your deep sea charter with Windwalker II Charters to experience the best offshore fishing Destin has to offer.
Fishing Charter with Captain Bernie Lefebvre – Rates & Booking
Captain Bernie Lefebvre of Windwalker II Charters on Monday June offers comprehensive deep sea fishing experiences targeting Little Tunny, Spanish Mackerel, and other Gulf species. Our 5-hour afternoon charters include all fishing gear, tackle, and expert guidance from a licensed captain with extensive local knowledge. Trips depart from Destin Harbor with small group capacity ensuring personalized attention for each angler. Pricing varies by season and group size, with special rates available for families and repeat customers. Contact us directly for current availability and to secure your preferred departure time.
Highlights of Deep Sea Fishing Charter
This charter showcases the exceptional fishing opportunities available in Destin's Gulf waters during peak summer months. Our crew successfully landed 8 fish using light tackle techniques, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining jigging and trolling methods. The trip featured consistent action with Little Tunny providing exciting fights, while Spanish Mackerel and Cero Mackerel rounded out a diverse catch. Captain Bernie's expertise in reading water conditions and locating productive fishing zones ensures maximum success for anglers of all skill levels.
The Windwalker II is equipped with quality fishing gear and safety equipment, providing a comfortable platform for offshore fishing adventures. Our afternoon departure schedule allows anglers to experience prime feeding times when pelagic species are most active near the surface.
Local Species Insights: Little Tunny
Little Tunny represent one of Destin's most exciting light tackle targets, offering blistering runs and acrobatic fights that challenge even experienced anglers. These members of the tuna family typically range from 24 to 48 inches and weigh between 5 to 15 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. In June waters around Destin, Little Tunny feed aggressively on baitfish schools, creating excellent opportunities for both jigging and trolling presentations. Their migratory nature brings them through Gulf waters during warmer months, with peak action often occurring during afternoon hours when bait concentrates near the surface.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your deep sea fishing adventure begins at Destin Harbor where Captain Bernie provides a thorough safety briefing and equipment overview. The Windwalker II accommodates small groups comfortably, with ample deck space for fighting fish and storing gear. All fishing equipment is included, from light tackle rods to terminal tackle and bait. Departure times are scheduled to coincide with optimal fishing conditions, typically targeting afternoon periods when pelagic species are most active. Bring sun protection, snacks, and beverages for a comfortable day on the water. The captain handles all navigation and fish-finding responsibilities, allowing guests to focus on the fishing experience.
Fishing in Destin, FL: Little Tunny and Spanish Mackerel
The Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) is a dynamic member of the Scombridae family, belonging to the order Perciformes. Also known as Bonita, False Albacore, or Little Tuna, this species represents one of the smaller tuna variants that provides exceptional sport fishing opportunities. In Destin waters this June, anglers consistently target these fast-swimming predators for their explosive strikes and determined fights.
Little Tunny Overview
Little Tunny are highly prized gamefish that combine the speed and power of larger tunas with a more manageable size perfect for light tackle fishing. These fish are known for their distinctive appearance, featuring a streamlined body with dark wavy lines on the back and silver sides. Their smaller size compared to other tuna species makes them an ideal target for recreational anglers seeking exciting action without the need for heavy tackle.
Little Tunny Habitat and Distribution
These pelagic fish inhabit onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters throughout the western Atlantic, with the Gulf of Mexico providing prime habitat. Around Destin, Florida, Little Tunny are commonly found over structure, near baitfish schools, and in areas where currents create feeding opportunities. They prefer warmer waters and are most abundant during spring and summer months when water temperatures rise.
Little Tunny Size and Weight
Adult Little Tunny typically measure between 24 and 48 inches in length, with weights ranging from 5 to 15 pounds. These dimensions make them perfect for light tackle fishing while still providing substantial fights that test angler skill and equipment.
Little Tunny Diet and Behavior
Little Tunny are aggressive predators that feed primarily on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They often hunt in schools, using their speed and coordination to corral baitfish into tight balls before attacking. This schooling behavior creates excellent fishing opportunities, as finding one fish often means finding many. They are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are favorable.
Little Tunny Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in warmer months when water temperatures reach optimal levels. During this period, Little Tunny may exhibit increased feeding activity as they prepare for reproduction, making them more aggressive toward lures and baits.
Little Tunny Fishing Techniques
Successful Little Tunny fishing requires fast-moving presentations that trigger their predatory instincts. Trolling with small spoons, cedar plugs, or feathers at speeds of 6-8 knots proves highly effective. Jigging with vertical jigs when fish are located on electronics also produces excellent results. In June around Destin, anglers find success using light spinning tackle with 15-20 pound test line, allowing these fish to showcase their fighting ability.
Little Tunny Is It Good to Eat?
Little Tunny provides excellent table fare when properly prepared, offering firm, flavorful meat with a mild taste. The flesh is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy dining option. Many anglers prefer to bleed and ice the fish immediately after capture to ensure optimal meat quality.
Little Tunny Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Little Tunny?
A: Small spoons, cedar plugs, feathers, and vertical jigs work exceptionally well. Live bait such as sardines or small mackerel can also be very effective when available.
Q: Where can I find Little Tunny near Destin?
A: Look for them around structure, baitfish schools, and in areas where currents create feeding opportunities. They're commonly found in both nearshore and offshore waters during warmer months.
Q: Is Little Tunny good to eat?
A: Yes, when properly handled and prepared, Little Tunny provides excellent table fare with firm, flavorful meat that's rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Little Tunny?
A: Dawn and dusk periods typically provide the best action, though they can be caught throughout the day. Spring and summer months offer peak fishing opportunities in Gulf waters.
