Fishing Term: Butterball

Definition

Big plump Bigeye Tuna, often called "Butterballs" due to their massive girth, are prized catches for anglers worldwide. Understanding how and where to catch these fish requires an appreciation of their migration patterns. Bigeye Tuna inhabit three of the world's five oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They can reach impressive sizes, often exceeding 400 pounds, and are capable of diving to depths up to 500 fathoms.

Despite their widespread presence, the ecology of Bigeye Tuna, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean, remains largely mysterious. Most of what we know about their habits comes from fisheries studies in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These studies have revealed that Bigeye Tuna are highly migratory, traversing vast distances in search of food and optimal breeding grounds.

Bigeye Tuna are opportunistic predators, much like other tuna species. Their diet consists of mackerel, lancetfish, squid, and other small bait fish. This diverse diet underscores their adaptability and prowess as hunters in the open ocean. Among the various species of tuna, Bigeyes are the most structure-oriented, often found around underwater ridges and plateaus where their prey is abundant.

In the mid-Atlantic and Northeast canyons, Bigeye Tuna can be located at depths ranging from 100 fathoms to over 1,000 fathoms. These areas provide the structural habitat that attracts these large predators. Anglers targeting Bigeye Tuna in these regions need to be prepared for a challenging fishing experience, requiring deep-sea equipment and a thorough understanding of the underwater topography.

The nickname "Butterball" aptly describes the Bigeye Tuna's hefty and robust body, which makes it not only a challenging catch but also a highly valued one for its meat. Anglers seeking to catch these giants must be ready for a rigorous battle, as Bigeye Tuna are known for their strength and stamina.

For those venturing into the deep waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, or Indian Oceans, the pursuit of the Butterball Bigeye Tuna promises both adventure and the potential for a remarkable catch. Understanding their migratory patterns, diet, and preferred habitats can significantly enhance an angler's chances of landing one of these impressive fish.