Tuna Clone Rigging Instruction

Megabites · 07-11-2005, 11:41 PM

I just got done rigging a bunch of clones and thought I would share with you how I was taught to do these. There have been alot of rigging question lately so I figured it would be good timing.

First is the line of choice. I prefer the Jinkai Line over the Ande. It seems to hold up better and I like the smoke blue color. I use 250# line as we prefer to grab the leader and pull our tuna in instead of gaffing them. This works well on tuna under 30#. Much less blood in the boat.

I prefer to crimp my tuna gear. Jinkai provides crimps for their line. There is a chart to match the size of crimp to the line and also show you what notch on your crimpers should be used. Sizes G&H for the 250# Line. One is long and the other is short.

I use a long crimp between the hook and the tuna clone. I like the hook placement better with the long crimp. The hook is attached using these cool little gimbles. Not cheap about $.95 each but a very cool way to attach the hooks. The hooks are Mustand barbless twin tuna hooks size #22. Again I like the placement with this size of hook. The top swivle is a brass swivle attached by a short crimp. Again not cheap. The swivles are $.95 each as well. I should mention that the line and all these parts are availible at Englunds. I have not found this stuff anywhere else as of yet.

The long crimps are crimped three times. Look closely at the picture and you can see them. This also shows how the gimble and hook are attached. Note the tag end of the crimp is cut flush to the crimp. This avoides line from catching under it during a tangle.

Another note on crimps they should be crimped as in the picture below. Wide side of the oval crimped inward. Also notice the size listed on the crimper notch is in the range of the crimps size from the chart. It is hard to see in the pic so you will have to take my word for it.

The next pic show the other end of the leader. Leader length is up to you. I use 4' others I know use up to 6'. The swivle is crimped on using a small crimp. Leave the loop lose enough so the swivel has enough play but not to lose as to allow it to tangle. Use two crimps on the small crimps. Basically crimp end to end on these.

Here is hte finished rig. Another nice thing about this rig is the hook can be quickly changed if needed. Be careful not to over expand the hooks when slipping them on and off the ring. The Mustad hooks are very srtong however so this would be a tough thing to actually do.

They go quick once you do a few. Oh one other tip is to cut the line at a 45 degree angle before sliding through the crimps. It helps them go in easier. Run the line through the crimp and then trim it off at 90 degrees. Slide crimp even to the end of line.

Hit me with any questions and have fun.

lor · 07-11-2005, 11:53 PM

Thanx, I wish you had posted this two weeks ago when I was learning by trial and error.
I think I did it right. My hooks sit about as far back as yours, so I must be going in the right direction.
I'll find out when I hit the high seas.

Beer Waggin · 07-12-2005, 04:00 AM

Or you can skip all the fancy stuff and simply use a perfect loop at each end. Makes changing colors a snap and keeps your costs down.

I don't have a single lure rigged as I prefer to do it based on weather conditions on the trip out.

These fish aren't hard to catch, you just have to get out there. Keep it simple.

PeterMac · 07-12-2005, 06:53 AM

Dave,

Your right, it was very east that day to put together what we needed in your boat. One question - you had the hooks tied to leaders so we didn't have to do that - was that just a perfect loop that was big enough to put through the eye and then slip over the hook?

PeterMac

FASTWATER · 07-12-2005, 07:23 AM

I also like to use a figure eight loop knot for quick easy leaders and have never had leader problems I also usually just rig as I go quick easy for color changes and no kinks inleaders and easy to store I think the hardware cost you more breakage than not, bad crimp over crimped bad etc.,

lor · 07-12-2005, 08:46 AM

Being the tuna virgin that I am.
I tried the loops, but tieing a knot in 150-200lb mono seemed like alot of work.
I rigged up about 18 using crimpers.
I have another 10-12 to go before I'm done.

Dan9113 · 07-12-2005, 10:18 AM

I started out crimping my leaders but have found that using 150#-200# line I can tie a standard knot like you would use for 40# leader and only go thru the 1st loop you created with the twists and not back up through the other loop. I use this for tuna and halibut and have never had a knot issue. Makes it very quick and simply to change jigs.

Maybe not the best or hitech way but has worked good for me.

Dan

oregonoutdoors · 07-12-2005, 10:35 AM

Great tutorial, one other thing that I do is to singe the tag end of the leader with a lighter before you crimp it. This causes it to flare and avoid a possible slip. Thanks for spending the time, and great pictures.

fishboys · 07-12-2005, 10:48 AM

do you ever use stacker beads to drop the hook back a bit??

CATCH AND EAT · 07-12-2005, 11:39 AM

Perhaps I have been doing this wrong but I have just a simple loop crimpped at each end of a 9 foot leader. Seems to hold great and have not lost a fish "yet".

I suppose if Mr Big ever came along I would wish I had set up something different. Anyways, works for me and lots less pieces to deal with.

Smily · 07-12-2005, 12:16 PM

We used a flemish eye

and crimped on ours and seemed to work great for us. Rather if you use crimps or Perfect loop I think the main thing is to get the hook to sit at the bottom of the jig like the picture

for best hook ups.

Pilar · 07-12-2005, 12:31 PM

Nice post with good photos and clear instructions. I hate crimps personally but they work if you are willing to take the time to do it right with the right ferrule for line size and the right tools as you show here.

One tip for those of you that experience drive by hookups. Move the hook back until the point of the hook is even with the tips of the plastic skirt or feathers. About 3/4 inch back from where shown here. You don't have to hide that big freakin hook cause charlie don't care. Also sharpen the hooks. They will work anyway even dull but sharp hooks work better. Oh and if you use plastic tubing to keep the hook points from punching holes in your plastic leader bags ... remove the tubing before tuna-cidical deployment or you will experience less than ideal results.

Dont ask me how I kow this.

I have reduced the number of drive by TUNA! drastically since I started watching out for hook placement.

One other question, Megabites .. do you prefer the TC (TUNA! Clones) over the TCF's (TUNA! Clone Feather)?

Megabites · 07-12-2005, 06:12 PM

Pilar - we use both but personally I prefer the clones over the feathers. I have no reason other than that they have allways worked and I bought them in the 10 packs. We do have one absolutly ulgy green head with white feathers that always produces. To look at it you would never think it would catch squat but it does.

Fishboys - No I don't use beads. I like the setup as is. Not saying that wouldn't work just fine. In fact it would be a great way to move the hooks back as Pilar mentioned.

I didn't really want this to turn into a crimp vs. knot thread. I just like them.

07-13-2005, 04:11 PM

One sugestion,

Quote:

Note the tag end of the crimp is cut flush to the crimp. This avoides line from catching under it during a tangle.

Melt a small ball on the end of the mono with a lighter and pull it to the sleve.

Chinook Nut · 07-13-2005, 06:30 PM

How long are you making your leaders? And are the better clones to use the 2 1/2 ouncers?

Megabites · 07-13-2005, 08:06 PM

Quote:

How long are you making your leaders? And are the better clones to use the 2 1/2 ouncers?

As mentioned I use 4' Leaders. Others use up to 6'. As for the second part of the question I am not quite sure what you are asking.

Could you give me more detail?

Salty Walty · 07-13-2005, 09:21 PM

Megabites, CN was asking about your preference of TC100s or TC200s. I use both.

Megabites · 07-13-2005, 09:37 PM

I use the TC200 however I am thinking about rigging a full set of TC100's for late season on 80#. Just haven't decided for sure yet. We normally go to fish traps when they get picky or line shy. Still up in the air on this one.

Big Dog · 07-14-2005, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Oh and if you use plastic tubing to keep the hook points from punching holes in your plastic leader bags ... remove the tubing before tuna-cidical deployment or you will experience less than ideal results.

Glade to see it is not just me that does stuff like this. :shocked:

Great post thanks for the pics.

Chinook Nut · 07-14-2005, 01:38 PM

What I was asking is what weight of clone tends to work the best? There is the 1 1/2 oz or the 2 1/2 oz. and other bigger ones.

Hanapa'a Time · 07-14-2005, 01:45 PM

Depends, like last Saturday the TC/TCF's in 100 did better in the morning and the 200's were the ticket in the afternoon.

Zodiac-Fisherman · 07-17-2005, 12:45 AM

Megabites,

Sampo ball bearing swivels..

Gotta have those..

San Anita · 07-17-2005, 06:40 AM

Thanks for the rigging tips. I had a OK year last year but did have a few "drive buys"and tied them all directly to the bumper and a uni to the tough line, no swivel. This work good until you have a tangle and you reel in a different poles line on top of another. What a mess!
I like to be able to do the perfect loop, uni or whatever and set up by the seat of your pants on blue but its also nice to have several sets ready to run like this.
Good Info,
Thanks Again,
Bill

San Anita · 07-19-2005, 07:34 AM

In addition to this great rigging thread, what are you all using on the reel above your swivel? Do you still use a bumber mono of 50 feet or so to your tough line or do you have tough line right at your leader connect?
Bill

Sturgeon Tom · 06-20-2006, 01:46 AM

What king of hooks are you using on your fish traps and what weight are you using?
Thanks

Megabites · 06-20-2006, 02:51 PM

Quote:

What king of hooks are you using on your fish traps and what weight are you using?
Thanks

Here is how I rig my swim baits. The head weights vary but I generally lean twords the heavier ones. I also try to get the ones with the Tuna Tuff hooks. THey can be a bit hard to find however. The line and springs are Jinkai 100# and the swivle is a 4/0.

ron m · 07-02-2007, 02:50 PM

Another thing that can help is to melt the end of the mono before you pull it to the crimp. That helps keep it from sliding thru the crimp.
ron m

Megabites · 07-02-2007, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron m

Another thing that can help is to melt the end of the mono before you pull it to the crimp. That helps keep it from sliding thru the crimp.
ron m

You are exactly right - this came up when I posted this origonally. I do do that when I rig my clones now. Great catch!