Getting the Right Tackle for Tuna Trolling

Choosing the right tackle is crucial for a successful tuna trolling trip. Follow these TackleDirect staff recommendations to get the right tackle and gear so you can be prepared for the fight.

Tuna Trolling

The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon as we set out on our boat, ready for a day of tuna fishing. We had been planning this trip for weeks and had all the gear we needed - or so we thought. As we headed out to sea and started dropping lines, we quickly realized that our tackle wasn't quite up to the task.

Has this ever happened to you?

If you're going to catch the big tuna you're seeking, make sure you have the right tackle before you go. Getting the right  tackle for tuna fishing is essential if you want to have a successful day on the water. Consider the size of the fish you're targeting, the type of fishing you'll be doing, and the strength and sensitivity of your gear. And don't forget about terminal tackle - strong hooks, swivels, and rigs are all key components of a successful tuna fishing rig.

What Type of Tuna are You Targeting?

First and foremost, you need to consider the size of the tuna you're targeting. Tuna can range in size from a few pounds to several hundred pounds, so you need to choose tackle that's appropriate for the size of fish you're after. The most commonly targeted species of tuna in recreational fishing are bluefin, yellowfin, and albacore tuna. Bluefin tuna is the largest and can weigh over 1000 pounds. Yellowfin tuna is smaller, typically ranging from 40-400 pounds, while albacore tuna is smaller still, usually weighing between 10-60 pounds.

If you're targeting bluefin tuna, you'll need heavy-duty gear rated for at least 80-100 pounds. You'll want a strong rod with a sensitive tip and a powerful backbone, as well as a reel with a high line capacity and a strong drag system. For yellowfin tuna, a rod rated for 50-80 pounds and a reel with a line capacity of at least 300 yards will be sufficient. For albacore tuna, a rod rated for 20-40 pounds and a reel with a line capacity of at least 200 yards should do the trick. Look for a rod that's rated for at least 80-100 pounds, and a reel with a line capacity of at least 400 yards.

Tackle for Your Technique

Next, consider the type of fishing you'll be doing. Will you be trolling, jigging, or casting? Each method requires different types of tackle. For trolling, you'll want a rod with a sensitive tip and a strong backbone, as well as a heavy-duty reel with a high gear ratio. For jigging, you'll want a shorter, more flexible rod with a strong backbone, as well as a reel with a high gear ratio and a strong drag system. And for casting, you'll want a longer, more flexible rod with a fast action and a light, responsive reel.

Choose the Right Rod

You'll want a strong, heavy-duty fishing rod rated for the weight and power of the tuna you're targeting. Look for a rod that's rated for at least 20-100 pounds, depending on the size of the tuna. Some of our favorite  tuna rods are:

Choose the Right Reel

You'll need a large, high-capacity spinning or conventional reel that can hold enough line to handle the long runs and powerful fights of tuna. Look for a reel that's rated for at least 300 yards of line or more and has a strong drag system. Here are some  tuna reel recommendations:

Consider Line Strength and Type

When it comes to line, braid is generally the best choice for tuna fishing. You want a line strong enough to handle the weight of a large tuna, but also thin enough to not spook the fish. Braid has a smaller diameter than monofilament, which allows you to pack more line onto your reel. It's also more abrasion-resistant, which is important when you're battling a strong fish like tuna. Look for braid that's rated for at least 80 pounds. Some recommended  lines for tuna fishing include:

Include a Strong Leader

You'll need a strong leader material to connect your main line to your hook or lure and help provide additional strength and abrasion resistance. Fluorocarbon or monofilament leaders rated for at least 100 pounds are ideal for tuna fishing. Here is one of the top  leaders for tuna fishing:

Use the Right Lures and Bait

Tuna are attracted to fast-moving lures and bait, and are often caught using lures such as skirts,  poppers, and jigs. These lures can mimic the natural prey of tuna, such as squid or mackerel, and entice them to strike. Skirted lures with bright colors and patterns are also effective at attracting tuna. Below are our recommendations for the best lures for tuna:

Have the Right Terminal Tackle

For tuna fishing, you'll need strong terminal tackle, including hooks and  swivels. You'll want hooks that are sharp and strong enough to penetrate the tough, bony mouths of tuna. Swivels prevent line twist, so you'll need some that can handle the twisting and turning of a big fish. Check out these top terminal tackle items:

Other Gear & Accessories

In addition to these basic items, you may also want to consider additional trolling  accessories such as a rod holder, fighting belt, gaff, etc. to make the fishing experience more comfortable and successful. Fighting belts and harnesses distribute the weight of the fish across the angler's body, while gaffs are used to land the fish once it's hooked. Outriggers, downriggers, and planers are used to separate trolling lines, get bait or lures deeper in the water column, and increase their spread. Tuna tubes keep live baitfish healthy, and fish finders and GPS help locate schools of tuna and navigate to the best spots. Safety equipment is also crucial for any fishing trip.

Be Prepared for the Fight

Once you hook a tuna, be prepared for a long and challenging fight. Tuna are powerful swimmers and can easily strip your line if you're not careful. Use your rod and reel to tire out the fish before attempting to reel it in. And always have a gaff or net ready to land the fish once it's close enough to the boat.

Choosing the right tackle is crucial for a successful tuna trolling trip. Consider the rod and reel, line strength and type, lures and bait, terminal tackle, and be prepared for the fight. With the right gear and a bit of luck, you could land the tuna of a lifetime on your next trip.