Bluefin Tuna Fishing

Bluefin tuna are one of the greatest challenges to anglers off the coast of New England, and Massachusetts continues to be a center of activity for giant bluefin tuna.Most tuna are caught chunking or trolling. I will describe the techniques used by top crews to catch these giants.

Chunking for Bluefin involves archoring on a good fishing spot known to hold bluefin. Once anchored, top crews deploy chunks, stick baits and live baits suspended on ballons at different depths. Most captains have their crew position the baits where at the depth they mark tuna fish on their fish finder.

Many top captains use Gamahastu Live Bait hooks. In determining the hook size, it is important to match the hook to the size bait that you are using. You shouldn't use a hook that is too large, because it will detract from the presentation of the bait.

All top crews use fluorocaron leader. Leader varies from 150-lb to 220lb, with many crews fishing light gear (150-180) to get bites when they are hard to come by. Most crews start off with a long leader (say 15 feet), so they can cut back and recimpt the hook on if their leader gets nicked up by dogfish or other pests.

Many crews using light fluorocarbon also use H crimps instead of G crimps for their 150 or 180 fluoro. The lower profile H crimp must be done carefullly, preferably using the Jinkai crimping tool listed on this page.

They also use these crimps to attach a small wind on swivel. This way, the leader can be wound all the way on the spool, protecting the flurocarbon during storage, ensuring clean decks, and allowing the angler to reel the fish as close as needed to harpoon it.

All crews attach the sinkers and ballons using rubber bands. Sinker weight is selcted based on the spped of the current and the desired depth that you are trying to fish.

Most crews that troll bluefin fish spreader bars from their outriggers at about 3-4 knots. Most crews fish three to four spreader bars, two from the outriggers and one or two flat lines. Outriggers are rigged with roller trollers so that the line can be reeled through the clip to tease the fish into striking again if he misses the first time. The clip is set tight so that the outrigger sets the hook on the fish.

Fisherman use different spreader bar sizes and colors in their trolling spread based on experience and conditions. Snap swivels are used so that rigs can be swapped out easily. Thimbles and heavy chafe gear protect the mono where it connects to the hook and swivel. Most crews use the Mustad or VMC southern tuna hook style on their trolling rigs.

Fishermans Outfitter

---

Surf Fishing The Outer Banks of North Carolina

My first experience surf fishing was with my father on... Read More

Three Main Trout Senses

An angler should therefore become familiar with the three main... Read More

Further North to Alaska

With the excitement of my first trip to Alaska still... Read More

Pitchin For Large Mouth Bass

Well, we have talked about flippin and now we'll mention... Read More

Night Fishing Preparation

I have to admit this subject bores me to tears.... Read More

Trout Species ? Brook Trout

Brook Trout: Frequently gullible, yet extremely tasty, Brook Trout are... Read More

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Paradox (PB&JP)

I started keeping a fishing calendar this past year. My... Read More

Fishing Team Gear Helps Teams Market To Sponsors

Competition between offshore and inshore anglers has skyrocketed within the... Read More

Erie Steelhead Flies

As we stated in our article on Pacific Steelhead flies,... Read More

Reviewing the New Berkley Vanish Transition Fluorocarbon Line

The visibility of the line was good. As we were... Read More

Are You Holding Your Mouth Right To Catch More Fish?

My young stepson and I was fishing at Rush Creek... Read More

How to Fish Spring Trout Streams

Fishing spring creeks isn't easy. Don't expect large quantities of... Read More

Fort Lauderdale Swordfishing - The Perfect Fix for the Experienced Angler

If you are looking to do battle with the toughest... Read More

Do You Make Your Kids Fishing Experience Enjoyable?

If you take your children fishing with you, they can... Read More

Fly Fishing Journals ? Keep Track of Your Trips

Fly fishing is addictive. Once you start, you'll never stop.... Read More

The Fishing Mark of Mablethorpe on the East Coast of England

MABLETHORPE, is a beach resort on the East coast of... Read More

Photographing Your Trophy Fish

When it comes to catch and release lakes, it is... Read More

North to Alaska

For many fishermen Alaska is the ultimate "mecca" of fishing.... Read More

The Major Benefit Of Night Fishing

Number One Benefit to Night FishingI think the best thing... Read More

Swordfishing Fort lauderdale Style

I was laying down on the bow of the boat... Read More

Catch Your Limit With These Fishing Supplies

Great fishing supplies are an essential when it comes to... Read More

Do You Know How to Fillet a Fish?

Finally you've caught the perfect fish. Now, do you know... Read More

Why The Moon Is Your Key To Night Fishing Success

Want To Catch More Fish At Night, Watch the Moon!Sounds... Read More

Lake Trout On The Fly

The name Lake Trout lends a slight misnomer to the... Read More

Swordfish and Swordfishing

Generally an oceanic species, the swordfish is primarily a midwater... Read More

Communications Equipment in the Wilderness

For Hunting, fishing, hiking, boating or cycling in all kinds... Read More

Find and Catch More Fish, Quickly and Easily, with the FISHIN BUDDY 2255

"Wherever you like to fish-lakes, reservoirs, rivers or streams, you'll... Read More

The Truth About Night Fishing

Why Night Fishing Beats Day Fishing Any Day of the... Read More

Concentrate on Your Fishing

I was watching a TV Show with Bill Dance and... Read More

Bass Fishing Tips

3 Lures You Must HaveDo you know what the top... Read More

Fishing Alaska: The Alaskan Sampler Plate...Part I

I just recently returned from my first fishing trip to... Read More

Teaching a Kid to Fish

Teaching a kid to fish does not have to be... Read More

Find and Catch Those Pesky Fish with a Garmin 240 Fish Finder

Garmin 240 Fish Finder Depthfinder with Transducer - a reviewThe... Read More