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Bullet tuna

Auxis rochei

Bullet tuna© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Bullet tuna (Auxis rochei) is a small, fast‑swimming tuna found in coastal and brackish waters. It grows up to 50 cm and is prized for its firm, mild flesh and the challenge of catching a high‑speed surface feeder.

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Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Scombridae

Max Size

50 cm

Habitat

marine, brackish

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Warm tropical months (May–October), though bullet tuna can be caught year‑round in equatorial waters

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon when surface feeding is active

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Bullet tuna

  • Look for schools of small baitfish near reefs, surface piles, or at the edge of brackish lagoons
  • Use a fast, erratic retrieve to trigger a strike from the bullet tuna’s aggressive nature
  • Keep the drag set low‑mid; these fish are strong for their size but tire quickly, so reel in steadily
  • Troll with multiple lures spaced 10‑15 ft apart to cover more water and locate active schools

Top Fishing Locations for Bullet tuna

Christmas Island Offshore

Australia
intermediate78% Very Common

Remote island in the Indian Ocean known for abundant bullet tuna aggregations around volcanic reefs.

Best: January–March

Ari Atoll, Maldives

Maldives
beginner65% Common

Crystal-clear waters of the central Maldives with strong currents that attract bullet tuna near drop-offs.

Best: April–October

Maui West Coast, Hawaii

United States
intermediate55% Common

Surf breaks and reef edges off Kihei draw bullet tuna during summer swells.

Best: May–September

Tenerife South Coast, Canary Islands

Spain
expert38% Occasional

Deepwater canyons off the southern coast host bullet tuna during the Atlantic migratory window.

Best: June–August

Mahé Outer Reef, Seychelles

Seychelles
intermediate30% Occasional

Outer reef slopes around Mahé provide seasonal bullet tuna schools with passing currents.

Best: September–December

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Belize
beginner18% Uncommon

Barrier reef flats near the northern tip see occasional bullet tuna during the Caribbean dry season.

Best: February–May

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Bullet tuna

Recommended Equipment

RodLight to medium‑action spinning rod, 6‑7 ft
Line20‑30 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMetal jigs, small surface plugs, or feather rigs
TechniqueTrolling or casting with rapid retrieval, targeting schools near reefs or estuaries

Best bait: Live or fresh small baitfish such as sardines, anchovies, or shrimp