Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Lures: Top Picks for UK Waters in 2025
The Atlantic Bluefin tuna is tearing up UK waters in 2025, and if you’re one of the lucky 180 anglers with a Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) permit, you’re in for a wild ride. These speed demons—hitting 40mph and tipping 500lbs—flood in from mid-August through autumn, chasing baitfish with relentless hunger. Lures are your ticket to trigger those explosive strikes, but with catch-and-release rules in full force, your setup needs to hook hard and release clean. Here’s your guide to the best Atlantic Bluefin tuna lures for UK waters in 2025—tailored to their habits and the CRRF’s vibe.
Why Lures Rule for Bluefin
Bluefin are apex predators with a nose for baitfish chaos—sardines, mackerel, you name it. In UK waters, warming currents and rich feeding grounds like the Celtic Deeps make them surface hunters, perfect for lure action. The CRRF’s rod-and-reel-only mandate (no chumming allowed) puts lures front and center—mimicking prey, sparking strikes, and keeping fights fun and fast.
2025 CRRF Quick Recap
Permits: 180 vessels, 13-tonne quota for mortalities.
Season: July–Dec 2025 (likely starting early August).
Rules: Catch-and-release only. All fish released alive, circle hooks recommended. Dead? Report to MMO within 24 hours.
Source: MMO updates (April 2025).
Check MMO’s Bluefin page for the latest.
Top Lures for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
These picks are built for UK Bluefin—big, bold, and irresistible. Pair them with 50lb-class rods, 50-80lb line, and 150-200lb leaders for the win.
Spreader Bars
What: A rig with multiple teasers (soft plastics or squids) trailing a hooked lure, mimicking a baitfish school.
Why: Bluefin can’t resist the chaos—think a mackerel swarm on the run. Perfect for trolling at 6-8 knots.
UK Twist: Andy’s custom bars from tunagear.co.uk shine here—tuned for local waters.
Tip: Use a 10/0 circle hook on the trailing lure for a jaw snag and easy release.
Topwater Poppers
What: Big, loud surface lures (e.g., Williamson Popper Pro, 6-8 inches).
Why: Splashes and pops mimic panicked prey, triggering savage topwater hits—Bluefin go nuts for it near surface-feeding blitzes.
UK Play: Cast near Cornwall’s feeding zones; work it fast with sharp jerks.
Tip: Beefy hooks and split rings—stock ones snap under Bluefin power.
Stickbaits
What: Sleek, sinking lures (e.g., Shimano Orca, 7-9 inches) with a darting action.
Why: Their erratic “wounded fish” vibe pulls Bluefin from mid-depths—ideal when they’re cruising below.
UK Edge: Deadly off Devon in late summer—sink it, twitch it, hold on.
Tip: Rig with a single circle hook to keep releases smooth.
Heavy Jigs
What: Vertical jigs (e.g., Nomad Buffalo, 200-400g) for deep action.
Why: When Bluefin sulk 50-100 feet down—common in cooler autumn waters—these drop fast and flutter like fleeing bait.
UK Hotspot: Celtic Deeps wrecks—drop it, jig it up, brace yourself.
Tip: Assist hooks beat trebles for CRRF compliance and fish safety.
Soft Plastics
What: Large paddle-tails or shads (e.g., Storm Wildeye, 8-10 inches).
Why: Subtle tail kicks mimic injured fish—irresistible to cruising Bluefin. Great for slower trolling or casting.
UK Spin: Match local bait—silver for mackerel, green for sardines.
Tip: Weedless rigging with a circle hook keeps it snag-free and fish-friendly.
Lure Tactics for UK Waters
Trolling: Spreader bars and soft plastics at 6-8 knots—scan for birds or surface splashes.
Casting: Poppers and stickbaits near feeding schools—work fast, pause, strike.
Jigging: Heavy jigs off deep marks—drop to depth, rip it up, repeat.
CRRF Must: Pair with circle hooks (10/0-12/0)—jaw hits mean quick fights and clean releases.
Why It’s Worth It
In 2024, CRRF anglers hooked 3,359 Bluefin with a 0.21% mortality rate—proof these fish thrive post-release with the right approach. Lures amp up the thrill, turning every strike into a story. That moment a Bluefin smashes your popper and cartwheels across the surface? Pure UK fishing gold.
Gear Up & Cast Off
Stock your tackle box and hit the water. Curious about more? Peek at ukbfta.co.uk or atlanticbluefintuna.co.uk. Got a lure trick that slays Bluefin? Spill it below or tag #AtlanticBluefinTuna on X. Tight lines—make 2025 your tuna year!
