BIGEYE TUNA (AHI)

Scientific Name: Thunnus obesus
Hawaiian Name: `Ahi
Japanese Name: Mebachi

In Hawaii, “Ahi” refers to two species, the Bigeye Tuna and the Yellowfin Tuna. Similar in general appearance, the Bigeye may be recognized by its plump body, its larger head and its unusually large eyes.

Good quality Bigeye meat has a reddish-pinkish flesh color. Caught in deeper, cooler water, it typically has a higher fat content than Yellowfin and is preferred by sashimi lovers. For less discriminating consumers, the two species are interchangeable.

Fish landed in Hawaii range from 20 to over 200 pounds. Smaller fish are usually caught around fish aggregation buoys and over seamounts. The large fish are usually caught in deep open ocean waters. They are preferred for their typically higher fat content and greater yields.

FISHING METHODS

All Hawaii bigeye tuna are line-caught. Most of Hawaii’s bigeye tuna are caught by deep-set longline fishing gear off shore of Hawaii. The remainder of Hawaii landings come from handliners and trollers. Fresh Hawaii bigeye tuna are not caught by purse seine nets as they are in fisheries that supply tuna canneries.

SEASONALITY

Peak landings occur from October through April.

PREPARATION NOTES

Texture: Firm
Flavor: Mild
Suggested Preparations: Grill, Broil, Sauté, Raw

One of the preferred species for the preparation for sashimi. With a high fat content, it is also among the most desirable species for grilling.

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Hawaii Bigeye Tuna is an excellent source of healthy, extra lean protein. It is also low in saturated fat and low in sodium. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus. Hawaii Bigeye Tuna is a good source of iodine and magnesium. Hawaii Bigeye Tuna also provides about 500 mg of omega-3’s (DHA and EPA) per 4 ounce serving of fresh fish.


Big Game Sport Fishing

Big game sport fishing isn't just for the pros; this unique experience can be customized for families, friends or an executive gathering. Grab your hat and a lunch and we will take care of the rest.

Our Boat - The Kona Blue

The Kona Blue is a completely refitted 1971, 53 foot Hatteras yacht. Outfitted with HD 800 Side Scanning Sonar, Mitsubishi Gyro-Stabilzer, and many other state of the art components.

Customer Gallery

These are some images of our customers enjoying their time aboard the Kona Blue. Book your charter today, and become part of the Kona Blue family!

BIGEYE TUNA (AHI)

Scientific Name: Thunnus obesus
Hawaiian Name: `Ahi
Japanese Name: Mebachi

In Hawaii, “Ahi” refers to two species, the Bigeye Tuna and the Yellowfin Tuna. Similar in general appearance, the Bigeye may be recognized by its plump body, its larger head and its unusually large eyes.

Good quality Bigeye meat has a reddish-pinkish flesh color. Caught in deeper, cooler water, it typically has a higher fat content than Yellowfin and is preferred by sashimi lovers. For less discriminating consumers, the two species are interchangeable.

Fish landed in Hawaii range from 20 to over 200 pounds. Smaller fish are usually caught around fish aggregation buoys and over seamounts. The large fish are usually caught in deep open ocean waters. They are preferred for their typically higher fat content and greater yields.

FISHING METHODS

All Hawaii bigeye tuna are line-caught. Most of Hawaii’s bigeye tuna are caught by deep-set longline fishing gear off shore of Hawaii. The remainder of Hawaii landings come from handliners and trollers. Fresh Hawaii bigeye tuna are not caught by purse seine nets as they are in fisheries that supply tuna canneries.

SEASONALITY

Peak landings occur from October through April.

PREPARATION NOTES

Texture: Firm
Flavor: Mild
Suggested Preparations: Grill, Broil, Sauté, Raw

One of the preferred species for the preparation for sashimi. With a high fat content, it is also among the most desirable species for grilling.

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Hawaii Bigeye Tuna is an excellent source of healthy, extra lean protein. It is also low in saturated fat and low in sodium. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus. Hawaii Bigeye Tuna is a good source of iodine and magnesium. Hawaii Bigeye Tuna also provides about 500 mg of omega-3’s (DHA and EPA) per 4 ounce serving of fresh fish.


Custom Charters To Fit Your Hawaiian Holiday

Kona Blue Fishing will customize your Kona fishing trip to fit within your vacation schedule. Whether you’re interested in fishing a Billfish Tournament or just spending a few hours on the water catching some dinner for the grill, David will work with you to make your Kona fishing trip the best big game fishing experience possible. The Kona Blue holds up to 6 passengers.

The Kona Blue is a completely refitted 1971, 53 foot Hatteras yacht