Questions on making bait for tuna.

[Chum Bucket]

I'm losing (or already lost) my sanity and am considering just one more tuna run next weekend. Well, that's what I said that on the last tuna run too!

I'm launching at Ilwaco and wanted to know if anyone would reveal their secrets for getting live bait. Having never fished with live bait, I'm looking forward to expanding my arsenal of fishing tactics.

Some of you have mentioned jigging in the marina? I guess the lights attract baitfish. I can rig up a spotlight off the side of the boat. When I read that you are making bait at the South jetty, are you fishing inside, just at the end or outside? Does the North jetty hold bait as well? Can you make bait offshore? I see the tuna boils chasing bait. Anyone try to jig for 'em offshore? I don;'t know if I would have the discipline to jig foir bait with fish boiling around me.

I don't own a cast net so that's not an option. If you are catching bait, how much is enough for 4 guys?

If there's someone willing to let me ride their coat tails and follow them and show me the ropes, I'll be there either Sat or Sun depending on my crew's wishes.

Thanks in advance. Yes, this will absolutely be my last tuna run.........I think!

[pijon]

Sabiki rigs. Look for schools on your fishfinder. On laborday the schools of anchovies at the A jetty were so thick the sonar couldn't see the bottom.

[wdlfbio]

When you get around to using live bait, match the bait size with hook size. Think sizes 1 to 1/0. Also, think lighter line, 15-20# test. Then, don't resume into most folk's regular habit of horsing fish in, it will likely result in pulling the hook or popping the line. Keep your bait swimming frrely, but the line tight. NEVER, NEVER recycle bait. If your's isn't swimming, rip it's lips off and get a fresh one. Just make sure you have plenty of live bait.

I like to allow a fish to take the bait for about 4 seconds. This often results in getting a hok onto the corner of the mouth instead of down in the gut. Problem with letting them swallow the bait too long is their teeth often fray the line. Make sure you get a good hook set. Those lips can be boney.

[Marlin Mike]

the sabiki rigs work well for us just remember too, handle the biat as LITTLE as possible use a dehooker if needed they stay much longer in the live well with minimal handling.

Marlin Mike

[CATCH AND EAT]

I will disagree with the poster above on the hookset deal. No need to do this as when you tighten down the drag a tuna going 15mph will set the hook himself. Especially if you are using light line. 25 to 30# flurocarban line will do the drill for ya. For what it is worth anyways.

[BaitStop]

The hooks should go with the bait size. Small anchovies(pinheads) can be fished with #6 & #4 bait hooks. You can't horse fish with these hooks but talented light line fishermen land albies when they are touchy. In general average size anchovies are best suited for #2-#1/0 bait hooks. I don't think the NW fish get the pressure they do down south so being line shy & hook shy are probably non issues.