Tuna Fishing Rigs and Baits: What the Pros Use

Introduction

For successful tuna fishing, using the right rigs and baits is as crucial as knowing where to fish. Tuna are powerful and discerning fish, often requiring specific techniques and setups to catch. This guide will explore some of the preferred rigs and baits that professional anglers use to target various species of tuna, providing insights into how to enhance your chances of a successful catch.

1. Tuna Fishing Rigs

A. The Spreader Bar Rig

Description:

A spreader bar is designed to simulate a school of baitfish on the surface. It consists of a metal or plastic bar to which several teaser lures are attached, trailing one or more hooked baits.

When to Use:

This rig is effective for catching bluefin and yellowfin tuna, especially when they are feeding on the surface.

B. The Daisy Chain Rig

Description:

A daisy chain is a string of lures connected in line, ending in a single hooked bait. The unhooked lures (teasers) create a visual disturbance and mimic a small school of fleeing baitfish.

When to Use:

Ideal for a variety of tuna species, this rig works well when tuna are active and chasing bait near the surface.

C. The Cedar Plug Rig

Description:

The cedar plug, a simple piece of turned wood, is one of the oldest and most effective tuna lures. It is usually trolled naked or dressed with colored skirts.

When to Use:

Extremely effective for albacore tuna, cedar plugs also catch yellowfin and bluefin tuna.

D. The Butterfly Jigging Rig

Description:

This rig involves a heavy, symmetrical jig that flutters as it falls through the water. Anglers use a specific technique of jerking the rod tip to make the jig "dance" enticingly.

When to Use:

Best used in deeper water or when fish are marked at specific depths. It is particularly effective for bigeye tuna.

2. Tuna Baits

A. Live Bait

Types:

• Mackerel
• Sardines
• Herring

Benefits:

Live bait is incredibly effective because it behaves naturally and releases distress signals that attract predatory fish.

B. Chunk Bait

Description:

Chunking involves cutting baitfish into pieces and using them to create a chum slick that keeps tuna interested and in the area.

Types of Fish Used:

• Butterfish
• Squid
• Menhaden

When to Use:

Chunking is particularly effective when tuna are feeding deep or are hesitant to strike surface lures or baits.

C. Artificial Lures

Types:

• Skirted Trolling Lures: Mimic the appearance and motion of small pelagic fish.
• Poppers and Stickbaits: Effective on surface-feeding tuna, creating a splash that mimics wounded prey.

When to Use:

Artificial lures are versatile and can be used in various conditions, particularly when live bait is not available or practical.

3. Tips from the Pros

A. Match the Hatch

Observing and matching the size and type of baitfish that tuna are naturally feeding on can dramatically increase your chances of success.

B. Use the Right Gear

Ensure your rods, reels, and line are capable of handling the size and fight of tuna, especially the larger species like bluefin.

C. Experiment with Depth

Tuna can vary their feeding depth based on conditions like light and water temperature. Experimenting with different depths can help locate active fish.

Conclusion

Selecting the right rig and bait is a significant part of the strategy for successful tuna fishing. By understanding what the professionals use and adapting these techniques to the local conditions and available tuna species, anglers can greatly improve their chances of landing these formidable opponents. Whether you choose to go with live bait, lures, or specialized rigs, the key is to remain adaptable and responsive to the tuna's behavior on any given day.