Tuna are large and tasty saltwater game fish. There are several species of tuna including the albacore, blackfin, skipjack and the potentially gigantic bluefin. You can catch skipjack tuna in coastal waters, but most anglers pursue tuna offshore by chumming or trolling. When chumming you fish with bait and place additional bait in the water to attract fish. Trolling is done by pulling lures behind a slow-moving boat. Read on to learn catch tuna.
Instructions
Trolling
1. Pick a lure. Most tuna lures have a Kona head, but they come in many shapes, sizes and colors and under many names. The Kona head creates an ideal bubble trail and surface action for attracting tuna.
2. Set the outriggers. With outriggers, or arms that stretch from the side of the boat, you can troll additional lines without getting tangled. Tuna anglers usually troll with four lines, although with the right equipment it is possible to set more.
3. Troll until a fish strikes. If it is set correctly, the outrigger will release the line when a fish hits.
4. Land the tuna. Take pictures and measurements. If you are keeping the fish, put it on ice right away.
Chumming
5. Prepare chum. Cut up bait, keeping all the blood and entrails.
6. Start pouring chum overboard in regular intervals once you have reached a potential fishing area.
7. Cast your baited line into the trail of chum behind the boat. Once tuna begin to feed on the chum, it is easy to catch them if they think your bait is just another piece of chum.
8. Set the hook when a fish strikes. Land it and treat the fish appropriately depending on whether you will release it or eat it.
Tags: fish strikes, Kona head, when fish, will release