Tuna Fishing Basics for the Private Boater

Josh Dunlap

Do Your Homework!
Some of the most important things you can do to insure successful tuna trips are done before you hit the water. Homework includes gathering recent fish counts, fishing locations, taking a look at the current surface temperatures and checking the weather. You can get a general idea of areas that are producing by calling sportfishing landings but they aren't going to give you any GPS numbers. The internet is an unlimited, much quicker source of information. As you become more experienced your network of sources will grow as well. A good SST (Sea Surface Temperature) map can really narrow down your search area or at least give you a place to start and/or fall back on. Current and temperature breaks are like walls that baitfish tend to stack up against which in turn attracts game fish. Kelp paddies collect in these areas also, which are very attractive to baitfish, predators and fisherman. Always keep an eye on the weather before heading out, nobody likes to get pumped up for a trip then have to turn around empty handed or beat up. Compare notes with fellow crewmembers then establish a float plan. Create and constantly ammend a checklist of all the necessities to eliminate mistakes. Once on the water what you brought is all you have.

Pay Attention:
On the way out it's important to keep an eye on the water temperature to give you an idea of the "lay of the land". Make a note of breaks or warm/cool areas worth checking out on the way back in. Remind everyone aboard to keep an eye out for jumpers, kelp, stopped boats or baitfish. One good stop can make the day so you don't want to miss any opportunities. Once you're in the desired area it's time to put the troll gear out & get ready for the much anticipated bait stop.

Trolling:
There are many different techniques and patterns that can be used while trolling and they will vary from boat to boat - Captain to Captain. We usually troll the W pattern - 2 long on each outrigger, 2 short on the flat lines and the longest line down the center. This works on boats without outriggers minus the center line. Use 2 long lines in the front holders and 2 short lines in the rear holders. I like a diving plug such as a Rapala or Yo-Zuri on at least one of the short lines - preferably in a flatline clip. A cedar plug or swimbait work well on the long center line and the rest of the lines will be rigged with various feathers.