The Largest Bluefin Tuna Ever Caught in North Carolina Was as Big as a Sea Lion

Tuna is known to be some of the largest non-shark fish, along with the black marlin, blue marlin, and swordfish. However, just how large can these fish grow? Continue reading below to learn about the largest bluefin tuna caught in North Carolina. Hint: it was as big as a sea lion!

Species Profile: Bluefin Tuna

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is also known as the bluefin tuna and the northern bluefin tuna. For exceptionally large individuals (those weighing exceeding 330 pounds), they may also be referred to as giant bluefin tuna. 

Globally, the bluefin tuna is a species of least concern. However, in Europe, they are classified as near-threatened. Bluefin tuna are native to both the eastern and western regions of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. While previously native to the Black Sea, this species is now extinct there.

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is an important game fish across the globe. They are prized in Japan due to their sushi and sashimi usage. They are also prepared and served in various other ways, depending on the region. Commercial fishing has played a significant role in the decline in the bluefin population.

Largest Bluefin Tuna Caught in North Carolina

The largest bluefin tuna caught in North Carolina can be traced back to 2017, off Oregon Inlet. This massive bluefin tuna, caught by Scott Chambers, weighed an impressive 877 pounds, earning it the state record. For reference, adult male sea lions weigh between 600 and 650 pounds. The retired Army General had been able to reel in the record-breaking tuna after a 2.5-hour fight.

Largest Bluefin Tuna Ever Caught in the World

While Chambers’ bluefin tuna catch is certainly impressive, it’s not the largest bluefin tuna to have ever been caught. Instead, the award for the largest bluefin tuna ever caught in the world goes to another individual. This fish, caught by Ken Fraser off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1979, weighed 1,496 pounds. That’s more than 1.5 times the size of the largest bluefin tuna caught in North Carolina!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/DeepAqua