Tuna tackle

kenai · 02-04-2003, 07:31 PM

Since the sportsmans show starts tomorrow, I thought I'd get some clarification on rigging. I think I have the handline figured out but onto the feathers and stuff. I remember a double hook setup, What sizes should the hooks be? Was the Mono shock leader really 200# test? Any other tackle tips? terminal tackle etc. I'd guess Englunds will be there. Jeez I think I feel another obsession coming on and I've already been warned about my addictive personality. Thanks

OceanBlue · 02-05-2003, 06:37 AM

Kenai - There's a TON of info on the board. Click on Search type in Tuna and make sure that "Salty Dogs" is selected.

There are posts, pictures, links, etc...

Have fun!

Pilar · 02-05-2003, 08:27 AM

Kenai, 10/0 barbless doubles. Zukers feathers in 6", POEs cedar plugs in 6" or hard to find 4".

Colors are Black/Purple, Chartreuse/Green, Red/White, Mexican flag and Blue/White.

The cedar plugs come plain (you paint) or already colored. They also have a rigged leader which I toss without using. Zukers has tuna clone feathers with moving eyes and reflecting tape in the head. The other Zuker to get is the broom tail. This makes alot of 'smoke' or bubble trail when you drag it.

Yes the leader really is mono at 200#. I have lost many expensive feathers using 150# and less leader. Standard big game feather leaders are 7' long. Ande and Berkely both make it. You can get flourocarbon from MoiMoi but the line visibility is not an issue.

Add a few Yo Zuri K-90 divers or birds and you'll have everything you need. Oh, yeah don't forget canning jars, you'll need them too.

kenai · 02-05-2003, 09:14 AM

Thanks, I'm gonna hit the show Friday and your list will be great help.

crabbait · 02-05-2003, 10:06 PM

Unless something dramatic happens between now and then.....no it won't. I saw virtually no tuna gear at the show. Lots of stuff for those shiny silver pigs that only come with two fillets but no tuna gear.

News Flash: I met Curt England and Jeff Lewis at the Englund shop. Sounds like we may be able to get a great deal on TUNA GEAR if we pool our order and buy in volume! Sounds like Pilar has the right list. We need to get everybody together and figure out how much of what and what we gotta give for 'em!

Same for harppons....we need to find a source for 3/8" stainless and the stock for the tips and have a harpoon building party.

Thoughts?

Popeye · 02-06-2003, 05:35 AM

Crabbait.....Funny you should mention harpoons. I just tasked my machine shop manager with a prototype harpoon for me. It will be thick walled aluminum tube, two piece screw together handle. It will have a knurled handle, and will be anodized. I'd offer them up for sale to anyone interested, but the cost is probably going to be around the 150-175 range (machinist make too much money!). :grin: 'Course they'll last a lifetime.

Hamachi · 02-06-2003, 05:38 AM

I prefer to use barbed double hooks for my trolling feathers. If that jig fish comes unbuttoned, the whole school follows it. Many times I will leave the jig fish about 30' or 40' out and shove the rod in a holder while I throw out some bait or to hook a bait fish.

Also, when rigging a feather I slide a large barrel swivel on the double hook. It acts as a spacer and allows the hook to move freely when there's a fish flopping on it.

As for cedar plugs, which I swear by, I only use unpainted. I believe they outfish painted.

I see no need to use 200# leader unless you're rigging marlin lures. You shouldn't loose any gear if you tie a proper knot or use crimps.
I usually use 100-125# for tuna. Years ago while trolling my way back to Pt. Loma in San Diego in my 15' Bayrunner, I hooked and landed a 125# striped marlin on a Mexican flag tuna feather. It was rigged with 60#, (I was catching small football size YFT). The leader was wrapped around the bill, yet it didn't break.

Note how abraded the 60# leader is.

Needless to say I always used heavier leader after that day..... because you never know!

[ 02-06-2003, 06:41 AM: Message edited by: Hamachi ]

02-06-2003, 05:58 AM

Popeye,
Are the plans available? I have a machinest that I can make do the work for free :smile:

Popeye · 02-06-2003, 06:12 AM

Keta,
The plans are in my head, but when it's finished I'll post pictures

02-06-2003, 06:17 AM

Thanks Popeye. We'll pirate the design from your pictures. :shocked: I still have a few heads left.

corrirod · 02-06-2003, 07:29 AM

Popeye,

You wrote:

Quote:

'Course they'll last a lifetime.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">That's probably true unless you forget to teach the "harpooner" how to use the harpoon! :shocked: Funny story from last summer I'll tell you over a beer the next time I see you! :grin: Just a hint, think of an African tribal spearchucker! D'oh!