Bluefin Tuna Spearfishing Gear: What You Need to Land the Biggest Fish in the Ocean

Bluefin tuna are the ultimate test of spearfishing gear. These fish are incredibly powerful, blindingly fast, and can weigh hundreds of pounds. If your equipment isn't built to handle the fight, you'll lose the fish, your shaft, and possibly your entire rig. There's no room for weak links when you're targeting bluefin — every component from your speargun to your floatline needs to be up to the challenge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpt0LWHI0So

Nick Garcia from Nitro Gun Co. shares his personal gear recommendations for targeting bluefin tuna in the video above. Nick has been chasing bluefin for years and knows exactly what works when you're face to face with one of the ocean's most powerful gamefish. Here's a breakdown of the essential spearfishing gear you need to consistently shoot and land bluefin tuna.

Spearguns Built for Bluefin Power

When it comes to bluefin tuna spearfishing, your speargun needs to deliver serious penetration and holding power. Most experienced bluefin divers use guns in the 55 to 63 inch range with multiple bands for maximum shaft speed and punch. A single-band setup won't cut it against a fish that can weigh 100 to 300 pounds. You need enough power to drive the shaft through thick muscle and secure a solid hold that won't pull free during the fight.

Shaft selection is equally important. Heavy, stiff shafts with strong slip tips are the standard for bluefin. Slip tips allow the shaft to pass through the fish while the tip toggles and locks on the other side, creating a mechanical hold that's nearly impossible for the fish to shake. Always carry extra shafts rigged and ready — opportunities on bluefin can be rare and you don't want to miss a second chance because your only shaft is embedded in a fish on the run.

Floatlines, Floats, and Bungee Systems

Your float and floatline system is what tires the fish out and keeps you connected to your catch. Bluefin tuna will make explosive runs that can strip hundreds of feet of line in seconds. A bungee floatline absorbs the initial shock of the run, reducing the chance of pulled tips or snapped hardware. Pair your bungee line with a standard floatline for overall length, and attach everything to a high-visibility inflatable float that provides enough drag to wear the fish down over time.

Many bluefin hunters run multiple floats in series to increase drag and buoyancy. The more resistance the fish has to pull against, the faster it tires. Make sure every connection point in your rigging — from the speargun to the terminal float — is rated for the forces a bluefin generates. This is not the time for cheap hardware or untested knots.

Wetsuits, Fins, and Personal Gear for Bluewater Hunting

Bluefin tuna hunting typically happens in open bluewater, which means you need gear designed for long surface waits and potentially cold water. A quality wetsuit matched to the water temperature keeps you comfortable during extended sessions. Long carbon fiber or fiberglass fins maximize your efficiency on the dive and help you close distance quickly when a school passes through. A low-volume mask, comfortable snorkel, and a reliable weight belt round out your personal setup.

Gear Up Right and Give Yourself the Best Shot

Bluefin tuna spearfishing demands the best from both the diver and the equipment. Invest in a powerful multi-band speargun with heavy shafts and slip tips, build a reliable float and bungee system that can handle explosive runs, and make sure every connection point in your rig is bombproof. Check the video above for Nick Garcia's specific recommendations, and visit SpearFactor.com for more bluefin tuna tips and spearfishing gear guides.