Yellowfin Tuna Season in the Red Sea

Every winter, one of the ocean's greatest spectacles unfolds in the Red Sea: massive schools of Yellowfin Tuna sweep north through Egyptian waters, chasing sardine and anchovy in a feeding frenzy that can last for hours. For sport fishermen, this is as good as it gets.

When Does Yellowfin Tuna Season Start?

The Yellowfin Tuna season in the Red Sea runs from December 30 through April 1, with the peak of the run typically occurring in January and February. During these months, water temperatures drop to 22–24°C — the ideal thermal window for Yellowfin to concentrate in the northern Red Sea.

Where Do the Tuna Go?

Yellowfin Tuna in the Red Sea follow the bait. Schools of sardine and anchovy concentrate along thermal fronts — boundaries where warm and cool water masses meet. These fronts are invisible to the naked eye, but our GPS Chartplotter and Fishfinder help us locate them quickly.

We typically run 20–35 nautical miles offshore from Hurghada to reach the prime tuna grounds. The key signs we look for:

• Bird Activity: Diving terns and frigatebirds above bait balls
• Surface Boils: Tuna pushing bait to the surface
• Water Color Change: Deep blue meeting greener water
• Sonar Marks: Dense bait columns with large marks above them

Tackle and Techniques

Trolling Skirted Lures

We start most mornings trolling a spread of 6–8 lures at 7–9 knots, covering ground while searching for the fleet. Our go-to lures: Moldcraft Wide Range in pink/black and blue/white, plus rigged ballyhoo behind planer boards.

Chunking

Once tuna are located, chunking is our deadliest technique. We slow the boat, create a slick of sardine pieces trailing behind, and present a free-lined bait in the slick. When a Yellowfin picks it up — hold on.

Popping and Casting

When tuna are busting on top, surface casting with poppers and stickbaits produces explosive, visual strikes. We use heavy popping gear — 60–80 lb braid, PE6-8 rods — because these fish run hard and fast.

What to Expect on Our Crazy Yellowfin Tuna Safari

• Depart Hurghada at first light (approximately 06:00)
• Run offshore to tuna grounds (30–60 minute transit)
• Fish for 7–8 hours using multiple techniques
• Fresh fish lunch onboard when time permits
• Return by 15:00–16:00
• All catch cleaned and filleted by our crew