Little Tuna Fishing Tips That Make A BIG Difference

Of all tuna species, the yellowfin, bluefin, and albacore are the most popular with the general fishing public.

Be prepared. Tuna get BIG, and if you're not ready for that, you could get a little overwhelmed. Tuna can be smallish, and they can be huge. Know what size are common for the area you're fishing, and gear up accordingly.

Usually a tuna fishing excursion starts about 10 miles offshore. Most people use charter boats (aka cattle boats :) ), and seasoned fishermen use private boats.

Summertime is usually the best time. They'll be feeding closer to the suface in the warmth, and they'll be easier to sight. The best time of day to fish them is early in the morning or late in the evening around dusk.

Here are 3 tips that will help you catch more tuna of any sub-species:

1. "Gear Up" Properly

You need strong gear, bottom line. Even smaller tuna will be a challenge to haul in due to their "fight" and strength. Quality, heavy duty equipment is a must. I recommend #10 hooks (make sure they are sharp!), and a gaff. As always, bring extra line, lures, and other gear.

2. Pick Your Technique Wisely

The 2 most productive tuna fishing technique are trolling and drifting. If you are trolling, keep your speed between 4 and 8 knots. Test lures with a lot of flash and sparkle as well.

3. Use Electronics

If you want to find 'em quickly, get your bait down quickly, and catch 'em quickly, by all means use electronics to help locate them them.

If you don't have any fishing finding gadgets, them pay attention to your surroundings to get some clues as to where they may be hanging out.

For example: watch for birds diving into the water. This will tip you off that there are baitfish feeding in that area, and the tuna will not be far behind. They'll also hang close to sharks and dolphins. So be on the lookout for them as well.

Finally, be ready for a fight.

Tuna is a very powerful species of fish, and when they hit your bait, you'll know it. They also take off very quickly after taking bait, and will peel off line like crazy.

Do your best to wear them down by applying pressure on them when needed, but not too much so your line is in danger of breaking.

And when you get them close to the boat, use that gaff.

Good Tuna Baits

Tuna love to feed on smaller yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, mackerel, pilchards, squid and more.

Artificial baits can also work well if you use the right types, and they are presented properly.

Again, once you catch them, be ready for a fight. It can be daunting to a beginner, so make sure you've got some experienced hands around to help. Have fun!