2018 Recreational Atlantic Tunas Retention Limits
Effective April 26 through December 31, 2018, the BFT daily retention limits are the following.
For HMS Angling-permitted vessels: 2 school BFT (27 to <47") + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47 to <73");
for HMS Charter/Headboat-permitted vessels: 3 school BFT + 1 large school/small medium BFT.
These limits are effective for all areas except the Gulf of Mexico. Angling and Charter/Headboat vessels may also land 1 trophy BFT measuring 73" or greater per vessel per year north of 39°18’N (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ).
The trophy bluefin fishery for the southern area is closed, The Gulf of Mexico area will close at 11:30 p.m. May 13. The recreational yellowfin tuna retention limit is 3/person/day or trip. The minimum size for yellowfin and bigeye tuna is 27" curved fork length.
There are no recreational limits for bigeye, skipjack, or albacore tunas.
