Pacific bluefin tuna fishing out of Eureka is an occasional shot at large fish rather than a dependable fishery, and the bite gives about 24 hours’ notice. This page is for skippers who already run albacore from Eureka and the Humboldt Bay entrance and want to know when, where and how bluefin fit into the same boat. The Pacific bluefin species guide covers the fish itself. This page covers the season window, the named grounds, the local method sequence, who runs trips and the buoy to watch.
When bluefin are off Eureka
The season runs later summer through fall, per 707 Sportfishing, which describes it as a possible shot at large fish. That window overlaps the albacore run you already fish, so the same boat, crew and grounds apply.
The bite comes on fast, with about 24 hours’ notice, per 707 Sportfishing. That is your cue to get the boat ready to tow. For the wider coastal pattern, see the wider regional pattern (see also the wider Pacific Northwest guide).
In short:
- Season: later summer through fall.
- Character: a possible shot at large fish, not a sure thing.
- Notice: about 24 hours when the bite turns on.
Where boats run from Humboldt Bay
Every run starts at the bay entrance. 707 Sportfishing keeps a bluefin waitlist, and its bluefin trip is listed as to be announced. That listing is the local fleet signal to watch.
The named grounds near Eureka:
- North and South Jetties: at the Humboldt Bay entrance
- Cape Mendocino and the Lost Coast rocks: south of Eureka, along the Lost Coast
- Eel River Canyon: named canyon structure
- Pacific halibut grounds, 48-line to 53-line: offshore north of the bay entrance, 280 ft
- Redding Rock: named structure
- 125-line albacore area: 46-line to 38-line
Bay entrance and jetties
The North and South Jetties mark the Humboldt Bay entrance. Every run goes out between them and comes back the same way, so plan your departure and return around that single entrance.
South toward Cape Mendocino
Cape Mendocino and the Lost Coast rocks sit south of Eureka along the Lost Coast. The Eel River Canyon is the named canyon structure in the same part of the coast. Mark both on your chart when you plan a line south.
North and offshore
The Pacific halibut grounds run from the 48-line to the 53-line, 280 ft, offshore north of the bay entrance. Redding Rock is the other named structure on this side.
The 125-line albacore area, from the 46-line to the 38-line, is the offshore ground most albacore skippers already know by that name. Chart Contours in the Breakpoint app helps you plan a line between these grounds. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Reading NDBC 46022
NDBC station 46022 (Eel River) sits 17 NM WSW of Eureka at 40.716 N 124.540 W, per the NDBC station page. It is your reference point for the offshore run.
Read wave height, dominant period, and wind speed and direction. Then check the official NWS marine forecast before you commit. If you watch 46022 through the window, you will have most of the go decision made before the call comes.
How bluefin are fished out of Eureka
Tuna trips here troll first, then switch to live bait or to jigs and swimbaits depending on conditions, per 707 Sportfishing. For rigging detail, see tuna trolling and bait tactics.
The sequence has three steps:
- Troll to search. Cover water until you find fish.
- Read the conditions. What the water and the fish are doing decides the next move.
- Switch. Go to live bait, or to jigs and swimbaits.
Troll first
Trolling is the search phase and it comes first. It is the same opening move as an albacore day, so your existing spread and routine carry over.
Switching to live bait, jigs or swimbaits
The switch depends on conditions, per 707 Sportfishing. Carry both options before you leave the dock so the choice is made on the water.
Who fishes for them
707 Sportfishing keeps a bluefin waitlist, and its bluefin trip is listed as to be announced. The waitlist exists because the bite happens fast, with about 24 hours’ notice, per 707 Sportfishing. Details are on the 707 Sportfishing charters page.
On a private boat the same 24 hours applies, so fuel, rig and crew need to be sorted before the call. If you are weighing a guided trip first, joining the waitlist is the step available to you.
FAQ: bluefin tuna out of Eureka
When is the bluefin season out of Eureka?
Pacific bluefin tuna fishing out of Eureka runs later summer through fall, per 707 Sportfishing, which describes it as a possible shot at large fish. It is occasional, not dependable.
How does the 707 Sportfishing bluefin waitlist work?
707 Sportfishing keeps a bluefin waitlist, and its bluefin trip is listed as to be announced. Anglers on the list get the call when the bite comes on.
Why do bluefin trips come with only 24 hours’ notice?
The bite happens fast, per 707 Sportfishing. Readiness means boat, fuel and crew are set before the call.
What method do local boats start with?
Boats troll first. They then switch to live bait or to jigs and swimbaits, depending on conditions.
Which buoy should I watch before running offshore?
Watch NDBC 46022 (Eel River), 17 NM WSW of Eureka at 40.716 N 124.540 W. Read wave height, period and wind, and check the NWS marine forecast.
Where are the rules for bluefin out of Eureka?
Check the state and federal rules linked in the Regulations section before you fish.
