Virginia Beach Bluefin Tuna: Incredible Potential Record Fish of 2026
In early 2026, a Virginia Beach bluefin tuna landed by a local angler quickly became one of the most talked-about moments in offshore fishing. The 835 pound bluefin tuna was caught in dense fog off the Virginia coast and is now expected to become a Virginia bluefin tuna record, pending final certification. This potential record bluefin tuna has already drawn national attention and highlights the growing reputation of bluefin tuna Virginia Beach waters.
The Catch
The Virginia Beach bluefin tuna was caught by Mike Rogerson, a 23-year-old angler fishing aboard a charter out of Rudee Inlet. What began as a slow morning of offshore fishing Virginia Beach turned into a dramatic encounter when the line suddenly came tight.
After more than an hour without a bite, the strike finally happened. From that moment forward, it was clear this was no ordinary fish. The giant bluefin tuna catch triggered an intense fight that would push both angler and equipment to their limits.
The battle lasted roughly 90 minutes, a testament to the power of a true trophy bluefin tuna. When the fish was finally landed, its size immediately suggested that this could be a record-breaking bluefin tuna for the state of Virginia.
Virginia Bluefin Tuna Record 2026
Back at the dock, the Virginia bluefin tuna record contender was weighed on a certified scale at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center. The official reading confirmed an astonishing 835 pound bluefin tuna, with a length of 108 inches and a massive 95-inch girth.
Representatives from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission documented the catch as part of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. While final paperwork is still being processed, the Virginia fishing record 2026 designation is widely expected to be approved.
If certified, this record bluefin tuna Virginia catch would surpass the previous state benchmark by more than 100 pounds, making it one of the most significant saltwater records ever landed in the region.
Once back at the dock, the giant tuna was weighed on a certified scale at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, where it registered 835.8 pounds. Officials from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission documented the catch as part of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament program.
Local news outlet WAVY-TV also reported on the catch as it unfolded, further confirming the weight and significance of the potential record.
A Monster Bite in Heavy Fog
The monster bluefin tuna was caught aboard High Hopes, a 58-foot charter vessel operating out of Virginia Beach. Due to heavy fog, the crew adjusted plans and focused their efforts near Smith Island Flats fishing grounds closer to shore.
Fishing in shallow water with flat lines, the bite came suddenly and violently. Witnesses described the strike as explosive, with the giant bluefin tuna catch erupting at the surface before tearing off on long, unstoppable runs.
With limited visibility and shallow water offering no place for the fish to dive, the bluefin tuna fishing Virginia challenge became a true test of patience, strength, and boat control.
The Fight & The Finish
Using heavy tackle designed for trophy bluefin tuna, Rogerson battled the fish as it alternated between blistering runs and stubborn stalemates. The sheer endurance of this potential record bluefin tuna was on full display as the fight dragged on.
Eventually, the fish began to tire. The crew maneuvered carefully, keeping steady pressure until the bluefin tuna Virginia Beach giant rolled at the surface. Once secured, the fish was brought aboard through the tuna door.
With a fish of this size on deck, the High Hopes charter Virginia Beach crew made the call to end the trip early and head straight for the scales.
Why This Bluefin Tuna Is So Significant
This catch stands out for several reasons:
- The weight (835.8 lb) dramatically exceeds recent Virginia bluefin records
- The 95-inch girth is exceptionally rare, even among trophy-class bluefin
- The fish was landed on rod and reel during a recreational charter
- It highlights the growing potential of offshore fishing near Virginia Beach
Bluefin tuna of this size are typically associated with legendary fisheries in the Northeast or overseas. Seeing one landed so close to home reinforces Virginia’s reputation as a serious player in bluefin tuna fishing.
The Fish: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Basics
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is one of the most powerful pelagic predators in the ocean. Known for producing giant bluefin tuna catches, the species is capable of exceeding 1,000 pounds under ideal conditions.
These fish are built for speed and endurance, migrate across entire oceans, and sit at the top of the marine food chain. It is these traits that make a trophy bluefin tuna one of the most sought-after prizes in saltwater angling.
For detailed biological information on this species, see the Western Atlantic bluefin tuna profile on the NOAA Fisheries website.
What This Catch Means for Anglers
For offshore anglers, this potential record is a reminder that giant bluefin tuna can appear when conditions align, even during routine charter trips. It underscores the importance of:
- Being prepared with properly rigged tackle
- Staying patient during slow periods
- Trusting experienced captains who adapt to weather and water conditions
It also highlights how quickly a normal day on the water can turn into a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
What We Still Don’t Know
While the catch has already generated widespread attention, several important details are still unfolding. The most immediate unknown is the final certification process, which is currently being completed through Virginia’s official saltwater record program. Although officials were present at the weigh-in and documented the fish, formal confirmation requires a review of measurements, scale calibration, and tournament documentation before the record is officially entered.
Another unanswered question is how long this record will stand. Bluefin tuna fishing off Virginia Beach has been exceptionally strong in recent seasons, and multiple giant fish have been landed within short timeframes. With more anglers targeting bluefin throughout the year, it’s possible — though far from guaranteed — that another massive tuna could challenge or even surpass this mark before the season ends.
There’s also uncertainty surrounding the fish’s recent behavior and feeding history. Bluefin tuna are highly migratory, and it’s unclear whether this fish had been holding near Smith Island Flats for an extended period or had only recently moved into the area. Understanding how long it was feeding locally could offer valuable insight into why such an unusually large tuna appeared so close to shore.
Additionally, while the fish’s weight, length, and girth were documented, there’s limited information about its age, migration route, or spawning history — factors that help scientists better understand bluefin population dynamics. These details often remain unknown in recreational catches, even when the fish itself is historic.
Despite these unanswered questions, one thing is certain: the sheer size of this bluefin tuna and the circumstances surrounding its capture have already secured its place as one of the most remarkable offshore catches ever landed off Virginia.
Final Thoughts
The potential record-breaking Virginia Beach bluefin tuna of 2026 is more than just a massive fish. It represents a landmark moment in regional saltwater fishing. From the fog-covered strike offshore to the scale-crushing weigh-in back at the dock, the catch showcases how skill, preparation, and perfect timing can come together in a single unforgettable event.
Whether or not the record stands for decades, this bluefin tuna will be remembered as one of Virginia’s true offshore giants and a defining catch for anglers along the coast.
Want to see more jaw-dropping catches like this Virginia Beach bluefin tuna? Visit our Slab Shots gallery, where anglers can submit photos of their biggest fish for a chance to be featured and win a prize.
For more major catches, fishing news, and record-setting stories, explore Reel Activities, your source for everything angling-related.
FAQ
How much is a 500 pound bluefin tuna worth?
A 500-pound bluefin tuna can be worth anywhere from $10,000 to over $1 million, depending on market demand, fat content, grade, and where it is sold. Tuna destined for high-end sushi markets, especially in Japan, can command dramatically higher prices than fish sold domestically.
Why is bluefin tuna so rare?
Bluefin tuna are rare due to a combination of slow maturity, long lifespans, heavy commercial demand, and strict fishing regulations. They take many years to reach breeding age, migrate long distances, and are highly sought after for sushi and sashimi, which has historically placed pressure on populations.
Where was the $3 million dollar tuna caught?
The famous multi-million-dollar bluefin tuna was sold at auction in Toyosu Market in Japan. These record-setting fish are typically caught in the Pacific or northern Atlantic and sold during New Year auctions, where prestige and tradition drive prices far beyond normal market value.
How much is 1 lb of bluefin tuna?
The price of bluefin tuna ranges widely. On average, bluefin tuna sells for $20 to $40 per pound wholesale, while premium cuts like otoro can sell for $150 to $300 per pound or more in high-end restaurants.
How old is a 500 lb bluefin tuna?
A 500-pound bluefin tuna is typically 20 to 30 years old. Bluefin tuna grow slowly and can live for several decades, with the largest individuals representing some of the oldest fish in the population.
What fish cost $1 million dollars?
Bluefin tuna are the most well-known fish to sell for over $1 million, particularly at Japanese auction markets. These prices are driven by rarity, size, fat content, and ceremonial value rather than everyday market demand.
💡Takeaways
📌Virginia Beach Bluefin Tuna May Set a New State Record
An 835.8-pound Virginia Beach bluefin tuna caught in 2026 is expected to become the largest bluefin tuna ever recorded in Virginia, pending final certification through the state’s saltwater fishing record program.📌The 835.8-Pound Bluefin Tuna Was Caught During a 90-Minute Battle
The massive bluefin tuna was landed after an intense 90-minute fight that tested both angler endurance and offshore tackle, highlighting the physical demands of trophy bluefin tuna fishing.📌Smith Island Flats Played a Key Role in the Catch
The bluefin tuna was caught offshore near Smith Island Flats, an area that proved productive despite heavy fog and limited visibility, showing how nearshore waters can still hold giant bluefin tuna.📌This Catch Highlights the Growing Potential of Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Virginia
Once associated mainly with northern fisheries, giant bluefin tuna are increasingly being caught off Virginia Beach, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a serious destination for offshore fishing.📌Certified Weigh-In Confirms the Bluefin Tuna’s Historic Size
The tuna was weighed on a certified scale at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, measuring 108 inches long with a 95-inch girth, dimensions that place it firmly among elite trophy bluefin tuna catches.📌The Virginia Beach Bluefin Tuna Will Be Remembered Regardless of Certification
Whether or not the record stands long-term, the sheer size, documented measurements, and circumstances surrounding this catch have already secured its place as one of the most remarkable offshore fishing moments in Virginia history.
Jesse Earl – Author
Jesse Earl is a passionate freshwater angler and the founder of Reel Activities. When he’s not testing gear or writing how-to guides, you’ll find him exploring hidden lakes, chasing walleye, or casting from the shoreline with a cup of gas station coffee in hand.
