Tuna fishing season in Cornwall is one of the most exciting times of the year for anglers looking to experience big-game fishing in UK waters. Each summer and autumn, Atlantic bluefin tuna move through the waters off the Cornish coast, following baitfish and feeding offshore in some of the most productive fishing grounds in the country.
For anglers looking to book a tuna fishing trip in Cornwall, the main period to focus on is generally August, September, October and into November, depending on conditions, bait movement and the rules set for the season. The official English bluefin tuna catch-and-release recreational fishery is managed through permits, and the 2026 season is listed by the Marine Management Organisation as running from mid-July to 30th November.
Silver Gannet is licensed to run dedicated bluefin tuna fishing trips from Mylor Harbour near Falmouth during the tuna season (September - October), giving anglers the chance to target one of the most powerful fish in the Atlantic.
September and October are often regarded as particularly strong months for tuna fishing trips in Cornwall. The sea is still relatively warm from summer, baitfish are often present in good numbers, and offshore conditions can produce excellent big-game fishing opportunities.
As with all wild fishing, tuna catches can never be guaranteed. Bluefin tuna are powerful migratory fish, and their movements are influenced by weather, water temperature, food availability, tides and other natural factors. However, Cornwall has become one of the UK’s most talked-about locations for anglers wanting to target Atlantic bluefin tuna without travelling overseas.
Cornwall is well placed for bluefin tuna fishing because of its access to deep, productive Atlantic waters. The coastline around Falmouth, the Lizard, Mount’s Bay and the wider south-west approaches offers the kind of offshore environment that holds large amounts of baitfish.
In recent years, Atlantic bluefin tuna have become increasingly visible in UK waters. Carefully managed licensed fisheries and research programmes have helped build knowledge of these fish while supporting responsible catch-and-release angling. Bluefin tuna were heavily overfished in the past, but international quota controls and conservation measures have helped the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stock recover.
Yes, the English Catch and Release Recreational Fishery for Bluefin Tuna first opened in 2024. It allows permitted vessels to target Atlantic bluefin tuna by rod and line during a defined season in English waters, with all fish released after capture.
Because the fishery operates in English waters, it is managed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO is responsible for issuing permits, monitoring fishing activity and helping ensure that bluefin tuna fishing is carried out legally, responsibly and sustainably.
Silver Gannet is fully licensed for bluefin tuna fishing in Cornwall for the 2026 season, allowing customers to target Atlantic bluefin tuna legally and responsibly.
