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trolling for tuna
Trolling for Tuna Tips and Techniques

Trolling for Tuna Tips and Techniques

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trolling for tuna

Discover everything you need to know about trolling for tuna. Learn the best gear, techniques, lures, and tips to catch more tuna. Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish are drawn through the water behind a moving boat. Trolling combines strategy, skill, and patience, but is one of the most thrilling ways to fish for tuna. This guide will walk you through the essentials, from selecting the best equipment to mastering trolling techniques that work.

Trolling How To

Trolling involves pulling lures or baited lines behind a moving boat at various depths and distances. This technique helps anglers cover large areas of ocean, increasing the chances of encountering schools of tuna. Tuna are fast, agile, and constantly on the move, which makes trolling ideal. Trolling lets you mimic the natural speed and movement of baitfish that tuna love to chase. By presenting multiple lures at once trolling can also mimic a small school of fish, drawing tuna in from greater distances and prompting strikes.

Trolling Advantages Over Other Fishing Methods

Trolling offers several advantages over other fishing methods, making it a top choice for targeting tuna.

  • Covering Greater Distance Tuna are highly migratory and often found in open waters far from shore. By trolling you can cover vast areas quickly in which improves your chances of finding active schools. Other methods like chumming or live baiting,, you are usually stationary which may limiting your reach.
  • Covering Various Depths Tuna can be at different depths depending on factors like water temperature, time of day, and feeding habits. Trolling allows you to present lures at various depths simultaneously, making it easier to reach tuna.
  • Attracting Tuna with Movement Tuna are visual predators, drawn to fast erratic movements. Trolling creates a lifelike action in your lures mimicking the behavior of struggling or fleeing baitfish. By varying your trolling speed and patterns, you can create an enticing presentation that is difficult for tuna to resist.

Trolling for Tuna Essential Gear

Tuna Fishing Rod and Reel

When it comes to gear for tuna trolling your rod and reel are like Batman and Robin….one’s gotta back up the other. You will want a rod that’s about 5.5 to 7 feet long. Too short and you won’t get the power you need, too long and you are just making life harder for yourself. Tuna fishing rods have to be heavy duty with enough backbone to handle a 100 pounder, but still flexible enough to let you feel the fight. Pair it up with a saltwater reel thats got some serious line capacity. Tuna are known for their endless runs, so make sure your reel is smooth and won’t burn up on you halfway through the battle. Look for a reel with at least a two-speed setting. Trust me, your arms will thank you!

Fishing Line for Catching Tuna

Tuna trolling ain’t the place for bargain bin spools of line. You need to look at 50 to 80 lb test as a good starting point, maybe even heavier if you are chasing bigger fish like bluefin. Most folks go with braided line because it’s strong without taking up as much space on the spool. Braided line also gives you that all important sensitivity. You will feel every wiggle, bite, and run. Just keep in mind that tuna have great eyes, so consider using a fluorocarbon leader at the end to keep things stealthy.

Trolling Lures for Tuna

Alright, let’s talk lures. Tuna love their fast food so you want something that looks like a quick snack but doesn’t give them too much time to think. Feather jigs are a classic, bright colors and flashy, they are like the disco ball of lures and tuna can’t resist them. Then you have got cedar plugs. They don’t look like much but they mimic injured baitfish .. easy prey. Soft plastics are also a great option, they have got that realistic swim action that works wonders, especially on slower days. Most tuna lures have a Kona head, but they come in many shapes, sizes, colors and are sold under many names. The Kona head creates an ideal bubble trail and surface action for attracting tuna.

Generally the larger the lure, the larger the fish you will catch, but of course there are always exceptions to the rules. You never know what size and type of fish will hit your next lure. For smaller tuna species such as Albacore and Striped Tuna, 6 inch lures of any type in green/yellow, blue/silver and red/white I have found to be most successful. The next step up would include 8-10 inch lures aimed at catching Bluefin, Yellowfin and Albacore Tuna.

Mix things up, toss a few types in the water and let the tuna decide what’s on the menu.

Fishing Spreader Bars

Spreader bars are like the tuna buffet you are laying out behind the boat. They let you mimic a small school of baitfish, making it look like a feeding frenzy from below. Picture a main line with a whole string of teaser baits rigged on it, all splashing around in the water to grab the tuna’s attention. At the end of the spreader bar you have got the real bait or lure which looks like the one fish that didn’t quite keep up with the school. And tuna? They love a straggler 🙂

You can rig your spreader bars with all kinds of teasers from squids, little soft plastics, even flashy feathers if you are feeling fancy. Pro tip – Don’t go too big on the teasers as you don’t want the tuna chomping down on the teaser instead of your bait. And keep a few extra spreader bars on deck, just in case your rig turns into a tangled mess.

Trolling Spreader Bars for Tuna is another page we have. Please view full page here.

Leaders and rigging is the part of your setup that can make or break your whole trip. As mentioned, tuna have good eyes and won’t hesitate to ditch anything that looks off. Go with a fluorocarbon leader this is around 10 feet long, this will make your setup invisible in the water. And remember that your knots and crimps need to be top notch. Nothing is worse than watching a trophy tuna swim off because of a sloppy knot.

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Tuna Fishing Lures36″ Skipjack Hybrid UV 8″ Blue & Pink Mackerel Baits
Tuna Fishing LuresMini Spreader Bar
Tuna Fishing LuresCedar Plugs Tuna Fishing Lures
Tuna Fishing LuresBlue Fly Fish Saltwater Trolling Fishing Lures
Tuna Fishing LuresSaltwater Trolling Lure for Tuna

Trolling Techniques for Tuna Fishing

Typically, anglers prefer to troll using a “W Pattern”. This simple pattern consists of 2 long lines attached to each outrigger, 2 lines held relatively flat and out to the side and one line that goes straight down the middle just below the surface. The goal is to present a bold presentation of varying lures. Try and create the illusion of panic stricken schools of bait fish. Best color lures for tuna? Green lures are particularly alluring to yellow fin tuna for some reason.

Trolling Spread for Tuna

A good trolling spread for tuna is all about variety. Mix up the distances, depths, and lure types behind the boat to create a lifelike school of baitfish. You want a few lures running close, some staggered further back, and maybe a deep diver or two for any tuna lurking below. Some of the named configurations are below.

  • Basic Staggered Spread is simple but effective. Set one lure close to the boat, two at mid distance and one or two further back. The staggered positions help cover more water and give tuna multiple “baitfish” targets.
  • V-Pattern Spread Place the closest lures on either side of the boat, with each lure staggered further back in a “V” shape as they trail behind. This spread creates a natural look of a fleeing school of fish and works well in rougher water, giving each lure space to swim effectively.
  • Widespread or Outrigger Spread Use outriggers to set lines far out to each side, with lures at various distances behind the boat. This setup creates a wide footprint in the water, covering a larger area and mimicking a broader school of baitfish, perfect for attracting curious tuna from farther out.
  • Center and Wing Spread Position a larger flashier lure directly in the center further back and place smaller teasers or feather jigs on each side at mid range. This arrangement mimics a bait ball with a trailing “injured” fish, which tuna can’t resist.
  • Zigzag Spread Troll in a zigzag pattern while using a staggered spread. As the boat changes direction, lures on the inside of the turn slow down, while lures on the outside speed up, giving them a more erratic and realistic baitfish movement that often triggers bites.

These spread patterns give you the flexibility to adapt based on water conditions, tuna behavior, and your gear setup.

Trolling Motor Tips

If you are using a trolling motor for tuna remember that steady doesn’t always win the race. Keep your motor quiet and smooth to avoid spooking fish, but be ready to make adjustments. Quick speed changes or small course corrections can make your lures look like nervous baitfish which gets tuna excited. And always check your motor’s battery, no one wants to be dead in the water when the fish start biting.

Best Trolling Speed for Tuna

Try trolling at slow speeds (5-9 knots) using either live bait or artificial lures, such as strip baits, large spoons, skirted lures, and plugs. Don’t worry, the tuna are more than fast enough to keep up with the boat. It pays to experiment. Faster speeds work well with cedar plugs and lures that can handle some drag, while slightly slower speeds (around 4-6 knots) give soft plastics a more lifelike action.

Distance wise, start with some lures around 20 to 30 feet behind the boat and others a bit further maybe up to 100 feet. The variation gives tuna a range of targets and helps figure out where they are hitting that day.

When tuna hit, they hit hard, usually hooking themselves with no help from you, and yanking the line off the reel at a rapid rate. If the line becomes slack, the fish is probably swimming toward the boat, you need to reel in the slack rapidly and make sure the hook is set. Always keep the line tight. A truly large fish might give you the fight of your life, battling for as long as several hours. It may win by snapping the line or leader, or you do by getting it up to the boat.

As with all fish there are no hard and fast rules. If you are not succeeding, change your lure position, and color, or alter your speed until you find the right mix. Undoubtedly you will discover the joys of game fishing.

Trolling Tactics Looking for Birds

When fishing for tuna always be on the lookout for birds. When fish are near the surface they are visible, especially in a feeding frenzy. Spot the tuna schools by looking into the sky and seeing where birds are flocking, they are usually above the schools picking off baitfish. When the water’s surface is breaking with activity, tuna are feeding. Get your boat as close to the school and troll your lines through it.

Tuna tend to travel near pods of dolphins or sharks. If you see either birds, dolphins or sharks try and determine if any bait fish are in the area.

Tuna Fishing LuresCedar Plugs Tuna Fishing Lures
Tuna Fishing LuresBlue Fly Fish Saltwater Trolling Fishing Lures
Tuna Fishing LuresSaltwater Trolling Lure for Tuna

Trolling for Tuna Season and Species Info

Searching for tuna can be an exciting adventure. It can also be extremely frustrating unless you know what you are looking for. In the summer months you will have an easier time finding schools of tuna. Typically, they will stay near the surface of the water while hunting for schools of bait fish. In the winter months, tuna tend to hunt deeper and rarely venture up to the surface. Additionally, tuna fishing is usually better in low light conditions, such as those in the late afternoon or early mornings.

Several species of tuna can be caught while trolling, each offering their own unique challenge and reward.

Trolling for Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna family, reaching sizes of over 1,000 pounds. They are typically found in cooler, deeper waters and are known for their intense strength and endurance. Trolling for bluefin is challenging but incredibly rewarding, as their size and speed make them formidable opponents.

Bluefin are readily caught on pink, brown and purple colour combination’s.

Trolling for Yellowfin Tuna

Known for their bright yellow dorsal and tail fins, yellowfin tuna are prized for their strength and delicious meat. They are highly migratory and often found in warm waters, making them a popular target for offshore trolling.

One popular Yellowfin lure that catches well is the Pakula Lumo Small Spocket. If you are after large Yellowfin Tuna or Striped Marlin in particular, people have reported darker lures in combinations of blue, black and purple, but they tend to go for pink as well.

Check out other species of tuna.

Trolling for tuna is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. With the right setup, timing, and technique, you are well on your way to landing one of these powerful fish. It is all about preparation and patience. For beginners or seasoned anglers, trolling offers the excitement of the chase and the thrill of a hard fought catch. Now that you know the essentials, grab your gear and head out. Start trolling for tuna!

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on How To Catch Tuna.

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yellowfin-tuna
Yellowfin Tuna Ahi Fishing Guide

Yellowfin Tuna Ahi Fishing Guide

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Discover everything you need to know about Yellowfin Tuna or Ahi Tuna.

Yellowfin Tuna is often called Ahi in Hawaii. It is one of the most popular and versatile fish you can find in kitchens worldwide. You may be searing it, grilling it, or eating it raw in sushi, it’s known for its mild flavor and firm texture. Did you know that Yellowfin Tuna can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour? That’s faster than most fish, and why they are so exciting to catch! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Yellowfin or Ahi Tuna.

What Is Yellowfin Tuna Ahi?

Yellowfin Tuna (also known as Thunnus albacares or “Ahi” in Hawaiia) is a species of tuna that is deep blue on top with a shallow yellow line in the middle of their body going to the tail. Their fins are also yellowish in color. Yellowfin is one of the larger tuna species and very tasty.

yellowfin ahi tuna
yellowfin ahi tuna

Yellowfin tuna have the potential of reaching up to a weight of 400lbs or 180kg. They are mainly found in the warmer offshore waters such as Gulf of Meixco, Hawaii, Caribbean, Eastern and Western Pacific.

Yellowfin tuna group together in enormous schools and can be seen feeding as they break the surface chasing after bait. Like other Tuna species they eat a large number of different bait fish like sardines and mackerel, squid, and even small pelagic crabs. 

Yellowfin tuna are strong fighters. Like all tuna they pull hard for their size, and as mentioned above, they can get quite large.  They almost never jump when hooked, instead swim in large circles making it a long process to get them in the boat.  They are a great gamefish and a pleasure to catch. As a bonus, they are also great to eat. 

  • Overview of Yellowfin Tuna (size, where it’s found, other names like Ahi).
  • Difference between .
  • Cultural significance, especially in Hawaii and Japan.

Yellowfin vs Yellowtail Tuna

Yellowfin tuna and Yellowtail tuna are both species of fish that belong to the same family, Scombridae, but they are different species. Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares or Ahi) is a species of tuna that is found in the open waters of the tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, while yellowtail tuna is a species of tuna that is found primarily in the waters off the coast of Japan and Australia.

yellowfin vs yellow tail tuna
yellowfin vs yellow tail tuna

The two species can be distinguished by the size, color, and location of the yellow fins.

Yellowfin tuna is a large fish that can grow up to 6.5 feet in length and weigh up to 440 pounds. It has a metallic blue-black back and upper sides with a silver belly and bright longer yellow fins. Yellowtail tuna, on the other hand, is a medium-sized fish that can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh up to 110 pounds. It has a dark blue back and upper sides with a silver belly and smaller yellow fins. Yellowfin tuna has yellow fins that are located at the top of its body and are longer, while yellowtail tuna has yellow fins that are located at the bottom of its body and are smaller.

Yellowfin tuna is considered to have a stronger flavor and firmer texture than yellowtail tuna. Yellowfin tuna is often used for sashimi and sushi, while yellowtail tuna is often grilled or served as sashimi. Yellowtail tuna is considered to be a good choice for grilling or cooking because of its milder flavor and softer texture. It is also considered to be a good choice for raw fish dishes because of its softer texture and milder flavor.

Yellowfin Ahi vs Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna grows larger than yellowfin and ofcourse does not have the distinctive yellow fins. Some Bluefin tuna reach over 1,000 pounds, while yellowfin usually max out around 400 pounds.

Yellowfin tuna (Ahi) is known for its mild flavor and firm texture, making it perfect for grilling and searing, while bluefin tuna has a richer, more buttery taste, ideal for high-end sushi and sashimi.When it comes to color, yellowfin tuna has a bright red flesh that lightens when cooked, while bluefin tuna’s flesh is a deeper red and prized for its melt in your mouth texture when served raw.

While both species are prized in culinary circles, yellowfin is often favored for its sustainability, as bluefin tuna populations have been overfished and are more critically endangered.

How to Catch Ahi Tuna

yellowfin-tuna

 Yellowfin Tuna can be caught via trolling, chunking, jigging, and live baiting. There are many techniques and it’s good to be familiar with them, fish can be tricky to catch some days. These fish are often found in deep, open waters, so anglers typically use heavy tackle and large lures or live bait to target them.

The easiest way to catch yellowfin tuna is when they are breaking the surface feeding. They usually in a feeding frenzy and throwing your lure amongst the bait fish is sure to produce results. Spot the tuna schools by looking into the sky and seeing where birds are flocking, they are usually above the schools picking off baitfish. When the water’s surface is breaking with activity, tuna are feeding. Get your boat as close to the school and throw your lures into the feed zone.

Trolling is a tried and traditional technique for tuna. Visit this post for detailed Tuna Trolling Info

Another techniques is to lure the yellowfin to you. Whether you are fishing with lures or bait, chum is effective on tuna of all sorts, and Yellowfin are no exception.  You can either chum with live bait or chunks of cut bait.  That helps keep the fish around the boat.

Best Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Locations

 Yellowfin tuna are found in warm offshore waters around the world. Some of the best locations for targeting them include.

Gulf of Mexico particularly around the oil rigs and other structures where baitfish congregate. Hawaii as the waters around the islands are rich in marine life, providing plenty of food for yellowfin tuna to thrive.Caribbean Sea particularly around the islands and along the continental shelf. Eastern Pacific waters off the coast of Central and South America are also known for their yellowfin tuna populations year round. Western Pacific particularly around Japan and the Philippines, is another hotspot for yellowfin tuna. The area is known for producing some of the largest yellowfin tuna in the world.

Yellowfin tuna are typically caught year round, but the best time to fish for them varies by location. In the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, the peak season is from late spring to early fall. In Hawaii Ahi as the local call them can be caught year round, with the best fishing from May to September. The Eastern and Western Pacific also offer year round fishing opportunities, with peak seasons varying by region.

Yellowfin Ahi Fishing Equipment

Fishing for yellowfin tuna or ahi requires the right tackle and gear to handle these powerful and large fish.

  • Rods and Reels Heavy-duty rods and reels are essential for yellowfin tuna fishing. A rod with a high line rating (50-100 lbs) and a strong reel with a high line capacity (500+ yards) are recommended.
  • Line Braided line is commonly used for yellowfin tuna fishing because of its strength and low stretch. A line with a test strength of 50 to 100 pounds is recommended. Some anglers also use fluorocarbon leaders to increase their chances of a bite as these are less visible in the water.
  • Hooks and Lures Circle hooks are often used for yellowfin tuna fishing because they are less likely to be swallowed by the fish, resulting in a higher chance of a successful catch and release. Live bait such as sardines or mackerel is commonly used. Artificial lures such as jigs and trolling lures can also be effective.
  • Gaff A strong gaff is essential for landing large yellowfin tuna. A gaff with a long handle and a sharp hook will help you secure the fish and bring it on board.
Tuna Fishing Rod & ReelShimano Trinidad Reels
Tuna Fishing TackleFishing Reels
Tuna Fishing TackleBraided Fishing Line

How to Cook Yellowfin Tuna Ahi

See below for some recommendations on how to cook Yellowfin or Ahi Tuna.

Seared Ahi Tuna

To achieve the perfect crust on seared ahi tuna, pat the tuna steaks dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, and sesame seeds before searing. Preheat your pan to high heat with a bit of oil, and sear the tuna for about 1-2 minutes on each side…just enough to form a golden brown crust while keeping the center rare. Make sure your tuna is sushi grade if you plan to serve it rare or medium rare, and let it rest for a minute before slicing for that perfect presentation.

Grilled Yellowfin Ahi Tuna with a Citrus Marinade

For a flavorful grilled yellowfin tuna, marinate the fish in a citrus blend of lemon, lime, garlic, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. Grill the tuna over medium to high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring you don’t overcook it. The goal is a tender, flaky inside with a slightly charred exterior. Serve the grilled yellowfin tuna with a fresh squeeze of citrus on top to really bring out the bright, zesty flavors of the marinade.

Ahi Poke Bowls

Start by sourcing the freshest sushi grade ahi tuna you can find, and dice it into small, even cubes for the perfect poke texture. Mix the tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and a bit of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick, letting it marinate for at least 15 minutes. Assemble your poke bowl by layering rice, avocado, cucumber, and seaweed salad, then top it off with your marinated ahi and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Yellowfin Ahi Sushi and Sashimi Preparations

For sushi, slice your ahi tuna into thin, even pieces to lay atop seasoned sushi rice, making sure the fish is fresh and chilled before serving.

When preparing sashimi, use a sharp knife to cut the tuna into thicker, clean slices, and serve it simply with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Ensure your tuna is sushi grade and free from any veins or imperfections, as sushi and sashimi rely on the highest quality, freshest fish for the best flavor.

Visit our post on How to Clean Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna Ahi Nutritional Benefits

Yellowfin tuna is packed with high quality protein, providing around 24 grams per 3 ounce serving. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making ahi tuna an excellent choice for athletes or anyone looking to build and maintain lean muscle mass. With only about 110 calories per 3-ounce serving, yellowfin tuna is a fantastic low-calorie option for those on a lean diet. Its high protein content keeps you full, while the low calorie count helps support weight management and fat loss goals.

Yellowfin tuna is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, which supports energy production and nerve health, and vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. It also contains selenium and potassium, key for metabolic and heart health.

Yellowfin tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering triglyceride levels, and promoting overall cardiovascular function. Regular consumption of omega-3s can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Yellowfin Tuna Ahi FAQs

What is the best bait for yellowfin tuna?

The best bait for yellowfin tuna depends on the fishing method. Live bait such as sardines, mackerel, and squid are highly effective. For trolling, lures like cedar plugs and skirted lures work well. Matching the hatch, using bait that mimics the local prey species is key to success.

What is the best time of year to catch yellowfin tuna?

Yellowfin tuna can be caught year-round, but the best time varies by location. In the Gulf of Mexico, the peak season is from late spring to early fall. In Hawaii, the best fishing is from May to September. Check local fishing reports for the most accurate timing in your area.

How do I distinguish between yellowfin and yellowtail tuna?

Yellowfin tuna have long, bright yellow dorsal and anal fins, a metallic blue black back, and a silver belly. They are larger and more robust. Yellowtail tuna have shorter yellow fins located closer to the belly and a prominent yellow stripe running along their sides. They are generally smaller and have a more slender body.

Biggest yellowfin tuna ever caught?

The largest yellowfin tuna on record weighed 427 pounds and was caught off the coast of Mexico in 2012. This record setting fish was caught by angler Guy Yocom using a live bait rig.

Is yellowfin tuna good to eat?

Yes, yellowfin tuna is highly prized for its taste and texture. It is commonly used in sushi, sashimi, poke, and grilled dishes. The meat is firm, flavorful, and rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Where are the best places to fish for yellowfin tuna?

Top locations for yellowfin tuna fishing include the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Eastern Pacific, and the Western Pacific. These regions offer warm, offshore waters rich in marine life, providing ideal conditions for yellowfin tuna.

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How to Get Started in Tuna Fishing

How to Get Started in Tuna Fishing

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If you have been successful in fishing in small rivers, you may be interested in going for a bigger challenge with tuna fishing. Since tuna is a big fish, you can expect a lot of splashing of water when it struggles on your fishing rod. Angling on the sea for tuna will be a completely different experience than your usual fishing hobby in the nearby stream. It is important to do it the right way if you want to be successful and catch lots of tunas when you set out on the ocean in your fishing charter.

 

Locating the Tuna

Tuna likes to live in the part of the ocean with warm water currents. Therefore, if you want to find tuna, you will need to look for temperature gradients on ocean maps. Usually, tuna can be easily found within 5 mi or more than 100 mi offshore. Some people also use electronic fish finder to find out the tuna fish’s location and depth.  You can follow a fishing charter if you don’t want to bother about locating the tuna yourself. The fishing charters will leave from popular piers or wharfs.

Different types of tuna can be caught in the waters including bluefin, yellowfin, and bigeye. Bluefin can be found in the waters around 8 miles off the coast from May to October. Bluefin likes to swim 60 – 100 feet below the ocean. If you want to catch bluefin, you should use yoyo fishing style, which requires you to drop the jig in the water and then retrieve it back quickly.

Yellowfin tuna likes to swim in the warmer areas of the sea, and the northern part of Islands. You can catch as much as 400 pounds of yellowfin tuna on a fishing charter. The best time to catch yellowfin tuna is from 3 AM to 8 AM. Yellowfin tuna does not spawn in local waters but in the waters located south to the eastern Pacific. Bigeyes usually appear in the waters from June to November. They can weigh in between 50 – 100 pounds.

Live Chumming

You can start live chumming as soon as you have located the tuna’s whereabout. Live chumming involves using a dip net to pick up small live baits and toss them to the surface of the water near the boat. It aims to attract the tuna fishes near to your boat. Live chumming technique can be used along with trolling.

Prepare Your Hook

You will want to make sure that you have already prepared your hook with the bait of your choice. Various types of baits can be used including anchovies, squids, and sardines. You can twist an egg sinker in the 1/4 – 5/8 range to enable the fishing bait to sink to at least 10 feet below the water. The bait should not stay on the surface as it can get eaten by the bird.

Feather jig is commonly attached to the hook as it resembles the fins and tails of a fish. For tuna fishing, you will need a 7 – 8 foot long rod that has a rating in between 12 – 25. Longer rod is easier to maneuver around the boat. In addition, you should get a saltwater spinning reel as it offers a stronger resistance against big fishes.

Once the hook is prepared, you can drop it in the depth of water dictated by your tuna locator. At this point, you need to be patient and wait for the tuna to strike your hook. You should pull in your reel every 10 minutes to see if it has gotten a bite. Sometimes, you don’t get a bite on the hook because the bait has accidentally detached and drop in the ocean water.

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Tuna Fishing LuresView Best Tuna Fishing Lures

Getting the Fish Into Your Boat

Once you get a bite, you can count to three and let the line peel off your reel. There is no need to set the hook as the tuna mouth will automatically hook itself when it bites. When the tuna is hooked, you will feel tension as it struggles to escape. Tuna is a hard fighter that can swim fast. It will try to run circles around your boat to get the line to snap so that it can get away. It will circle below the boat if it can’t snap the line by circling around the boat.

You must be very patient when trying to retrieve the fish into your boat. You can try pulling the line up and down slowly. Your persistence will eventually wear down the fish and you will eventually be able to reel the fish into your boat. One thing to keep in mind when reeling in the fish is to maintain the proper tension to prevent the line from breaking.

Good Luck and let us know how you go 🙂

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