Tuna season is almost over but there is still time to catch these amazing fish.
I’ve had quite a few questions on this subject since our last trip on the Sea Devil from people on the boat and others so here you go!
I am not an expert and open to any comments. If you have comments or questions feel free to ask.
Party boat Tuna fishing has been spotty to say the least over the past two years or so but seems to be improving. If you are scheduled to go it makes sense to be prepared if you do hook up. Often you will only get one or two chances and it is over. In some cases the fish may come through in “flurries” and you must be prepared and have a plan of action if you want to catch fish.
I have found that the key to a successful trip is to be organized. Prepare in advance for the trip and have a plan. Before I step foot on the boat, all my reels have been loaded with fresh line, all rigs are tied and all my equipment is organized in one bag. This allows me to find what I need quickly when I need it. By the time the boat leaves the slip, all rigs and jigs are tied on and ready for action. To sum it up, I will have a chunking rod, jigging rod and bait rod ready to go when we reach the destination.
Having said that, I have compiled a post that will provide you with some basic information and tips with regard to Party Boat Tuna Fishing. I have provided a list of equipment and terminal tackle that has worked for me through the years. This post is directed to those who are new to Party Boat Tuna Fishing or to those who want to improve their odds by “simplifying” and being more prepared.
There are so many rods and reel available for this type of fishing. Choose what you like. What I have listed is basic and has worked for me. I have always said, it’s not really how much you spend on equipment, it’s how much time you spend actually fishing.
Tackle (rods reels)
You need not spend a ton of money on equipment. I have been using the following tackle for many years and have caught my fair share of tuna.
Rods
Two 5.6-6.6ft med action rod rated for 30-80lb test. 6/0 Penn Senator loaded with 60lb test mono.
Shorter one for bait and the longer one for jigging. Some anglers prefer a 7ft rod for jigging. Remember, the longer the rod, the harder it is to get the tuna in. Shorter “stand up” rods used the correct way will beat a tuna very quickly and can be used for jigging successfully.
7ft med action rod for 30-50lb test and High Speed Penn Jigmaster 500 or equal. I load it with 50-65lb braid. I use this rod for catching squirrel hake (ling) for bait and possibly Tile fish.
6ft 10-20lb spinning rod with appropriate reel for catching squid or sardines. Fresh bait is key. While the bait provided will work, nothing beats a fresh squid of sardine for tuna.
4/0-6/0 circle hooks on 5-6ft of 60-80 lb leader and 230-330lb spro swivels.
I use Palomar knots for the rigs and tying on jigs. (See link for Palomar in “best of”)http://videofishingknots.com/palomar-knot.html I use triple fish leader or fluorocarbon.
Tie the smaller hooks on the lighter leader and larger hooks on the heavier leader. I will bring 6 each for a trip per person.
Triple fish camo leader or equivalent is fine and I see little difference in the catch, especially at night.
3-10oz egg sinkers. Some times no weight works well(flat lining) when the fish are up high, other times it makes sense to be straight up and down and to use a heavier weight.
I have had great success with hammered jigs with a single hook in the 7-10oz size (pictured below)
We also use Stingo, 150-200 grams and Butterfly jigs in the same size. We have caught fish on both.
Jigging can make the difference between a good trip and a bad trip.
Jigging works best in the bow of the boat. You can jig either side and your line won't rub on the boat.
Use a heavy enough jig to go straight down. 10 oz will be best with the heaver rental rod and larger 6/0 reel. Sharpen the hooks.
The tuna may be at different depths. Generally the Capt. will give you an idea what depth if he sees them on the screen. I usually put the reel in free spool and count slowly to ten or so. This will put you in the zone. A 1/8 to a 1/4 of the line on the spool will be out. Try different depths. We caught most of ours at about 100ft-140ft.
When you reach your depth...Sharply lift the rod up and drop the tip to the water. When you feel the jig come tight on the line lift sharply again. That is how we caught most. Sometimes they hit on the way down, on the lift or reeling it up.
You will out fish bait if they are under the boat!
Don't tire yourself out. When you hear from the Capt. Fish under the boat at 140-150 start jigging.
See photo below. Pliers, Knife for bleeding(mate should do it) Tool for reel and screw driver.
Helpful hints….
Again, the best tip is to be prepared. When the Capt. Yells, “Fish under the boat 150ft” Your bait should be down there or you should just have to grab your Jigging rod and start jigging. If you are not prepared, by the time you get ready the fish may be gone.
Jig in the bow. If you are not getting a hit, reel up a few cranks and Visa Versa.
When fighting the fish keep your knees bent and hands high on the grip for leverage. Pump slowly and reel down.
Try not to be overwhelmed with the fish. If it is hooked well and you have good line, it will not get off. Stand your ground and beat the fish as quickly as possible. I set a relatively heavy drag. The longer you have the fish on the better the chances it has breaking off. Most fish are lost to tangles with other anglers on Party boats.
Hopefully the fishing will continue to improve and you will get your chance. When it comes be prepared!!
Good Luck, Leif
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