MEVAGISSEY FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Aquila’s Bluefin Hunt: Ten hours chasing giants off Cornwall

A licensed charter out of Mevagissey offering catch-and-release Blue Fin Tuna trips aboard Aquila — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring and how small-group big-game fishing works.

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Aquila’s Bluefin Hunt: Ten hours chasing giants off Cornwall.

Duration

Contact operator

Location

Mevagissey

Operator

Aquila Charters

Outing Highlights

THE SPECIES

Blue Fin Tuna tagging for science

These trips are part of a catch‑and‑release programme: Aquila has been tagging and releasing Bluefin for years and was selected as a tagging boat for the Thunnas programme and later CHART, contributing measurement and tagging data to scientific research.

THE BOAT

A licensed, small‑group charter

Aquila is one of the UK’s licensed charter boats for Bluefin work; trips run with a maximum of four anglers so the captain can focus on tagging, measuring and safely recovering any animals brought alongside the boat.

THE ANGLING

True big‑game opportunities close to shore

Bluefin have returned in numbers to UK waters, with many seen between Mevagissey and Falmouth and elsewhere between Brixham and Penzance; Aquila has invested in heavy‑tackle to maximise anglers’ chances of encountering fish that have been recorded up to the heaviest examples landed and released from UK boats.

What the day feels like

You’ll head offshore from the Cornish coast aboard Aquila for a focused day hunting Bluefin: with just four anglers aboard the captain runs a targeted search of local tuna grounds and, when a fish is hooked, the team measures and photographs it at the side of the boat before towing and releasing it as part of the tagging programme.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.

Experienced anglers & big‑game seekersWell suited — the charter runs heavy gear and a focused programme aimed at hooking and tagging large Bluefin; anglers looking for serious big‑game action will find this appropriate.

Older teens & families with teenagersSuitable for families with teens: participants must be age 14 or older, making this a good option for older children gaining experience.

Small groups or solo anglers wanting instructionAn excellent match: with a maximum of four anglers the trip is personalized, offering learning opportunities and hands‑on experience.

Very young children & those with limited mobilityNot ideal: the trip’s offshore nature, physical demands of big‑game fishing and age restriction (14+) make it unsuitable for young children and those unable to cope with open‑sea conditions.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to bring

If you have a flotation suit, bring it; otherwise come layered with warm clothing and a waterproof set. A hat is strongly recommended because you lose a large portion of body heat through your head.

Clothing notes

Even in summer conditions it will feel colder offshore—waterproofs and multiple warm layers are advised.

On‑board kit

The operator has invested in heavy gear to pursue Bluefin and maximise anglers’ opportunities; expect big‑game tackle and rigging appropriate to large tuna.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How many anglers are allowed per trip?

Trips are limited to a maximum of four anglers owing to the nature of the fishing.

What ages can participate?

Participants must be at least 14 years old.

Will I be able to boat a tuna?

It is not possible to boat these fish; they are measured at the side of the boat for photographs and then recovered by towing alongside until they can swim off.

Is lunch provided?

A Mary’s Pasty lunch may be provided — call to book to confirm.

Should I bring a flotation suit?

If you own or can borrow a flotation suit you are advised to wear it; otherwise bring warm clothing and waterproofs as it will be colder offshore.