Hunting the Giant Bluefin Tuna

Atlantic bluefin tuna, one of the largest fish in the sea, are making a surprise comeback off Northern Ireland’s coast, sparking an ambitious new vision for local fishing. Davy Frayne and Jonny Thursby, two anglers from the town of Ballycastle, have been fishing for giant bluefin tuna in the area for six years. Now they are attempting to establish a bluefin fishery, boasting catches of up to 1,000 pounds in weight.

The stretch between Ballycastle and Rathlin is an unforgiving one, so Davy and Jonny are tested to their limits, fishing in waters where bad weather, strong currents and deep waters can create treacherous conditions. They are on the water at every opportunity, starting at the break of dawn and fishing until the light fades over the water to the west.

Ballycastle is a town steeped in fishing history, where the people have longstanding connections with the waters. But in recent years, fleets have diminished and fish stocks have been low. Davy and Jonny are attempting to bring a new form of fishing to this coastline, one never seen before in these waters and many sceptics doubt the viability of the project.