Tuna Fishing - Chunking and Chumming Yellowfin

Chunking and Chumming Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico

Why Do Yellowfin Tuna Respond to Chunking Around Gulf Platforms?

Oil platforms function as permanent fish aggregators, drawing baitfish that attract predators including yellowfin tuna. Chunking works because it mimics the constant flow of injured or disoriented baitfish moving away from structure in current. Yellowfin cruise these areas looking for easy feeding opportunities, and a consistent chum line triggers competitive feeding behavior. The technique succeeds when current speed, water clarity, and bait presentation align. Captain Josh Howard demonstrates how Gulf yellowfin respond aggressively to dead bait chunks when fish are positioned correctly relative to structure and current flow.

How Do You Adjust Chunking Strategy Based on Conditions?

Water color drives tactical decisions in the Gulf. The green water phenomenon occurs where Mississippi River outflow mixes with clear Gulf water, creating edges where yellowfin stage to ambush bait. Position your boat to work these color breaks, not just the platform itself. Current direction determines where fish hold. In strong current, yellowfin sit downcurrent from platforms, intercepting bait swept away from structure. In lighter current or slack tide, fish spread wider and require adjustments to chum distribution and bait depth.

What Makes Gulf Yellowfin Fishing Different From Other Regions?

This video covers chum composition, bait rigging for dead baits, depth adjustments, and the combat tactics needed when fighting yellowfin near structure in the Gulf of Mexico.