New to Tuna fishing

turbinedoctor · #1 03-10-2009, 08:55 PM

I am thinking about doing some tuna fishing this year and was looking at putting together a couple of rods.

What do you guys think about the choice between Offshore Angler captains choice 6/0, Penn Senator special 114H or the Shimano TLD 25.

I am also thinking about a 30-80 lb rod or a 50-100 lb rod, and 65 # braid with a topshot of 100 yards of 80 # mono.

Any input is welcome.

spareparts · #2 03-10-2009, 09:21 PM

I can't speak for my self, I've never caught a tuna, but the smallest thing you see used around here for tuna a tiagra 30w, or penn int 30w, with most people stepping up to a 50 class. I've seen a tld's bring them in, but they usually 50's. Once apon a time, people used to use 9/0's, but you don't see that too often. I've been told a senators drag won't hold up with a big tuna. As far as line goes, you are starting to see lots of flouro leader, and I mean lots. Some of the big guys are using 50-100 yards of it. I don't see teh use in running that much, but they are the ones winning the big money

turbinedoctor · #3 03-10-2009, 09:29 PM

These are some of the reels I am thinking about. As you can see I am staying under the $200 range.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...001000_151-1-3

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...001000_151-1-3

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...ems#itemDetail

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...001000_151-1-3

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...001000_151-1-3

cterrebonne · #4 03-11-2009, 01:31 PM

tuna fishing and cheap are never in the same sentence.
im not too familiar with either coast for tuna fishing, only in the gulf.
if you want to get some gear as inexpensive as possible go with TLD 25's on some 5'6" tidewaters. 50-130. like you said 65braid with a top shot of mono will be the ticket. also the tuna could care less if you have fluoro carbon or mono, especially if trolling, when chunking its all about the bait behaving in the water like all of them other pieces of chum the tuna arent looking to see if there are strings attatched. right there you talking about 125 or so for the reel and another 70 for the rod. you can always upgrade the rod later on but its hard to find another soild glass blank rod for under 200 even the penn tuna sticks are a graphite glass mix. Another reel choice would be Avet's i have seen those reels at really good prices plus they are american made.

Airslot · #5 03-11-2009, 02:44 PM

Turbo,

Give me some more info. Where you fishin...how deep....troll or chunk....anchor or drift?

We've whooped on tuna to 200 on TLD 25's. Sure, 50's are nice, but if you gots one small one out, thats the one getting bit. Penn 114's will work, but I really think I'd rather have the TLD 25's. Also think I'd stick with mono. You can get enough 40# mono on a TLD 25 that line capacity isn't usually a problem unless you chunk from an anchored boat and cant get off the ball quick enough on a BFT over 200. I'm hoping to get back in the game this year. Got rid of all the 50's, but still have enough 30# gear to put out a good spread.

turbinedoctor · #6 03-11-2009, 08:33 PM

Thanks guys for the replies and input. I now remember from a while back about Air doing some tuna fishing. How far from here do we need to go and what size fish are we talking about, You mentioned 50 - 200#.

I am leaning towards the TLD 25 or the Ocean Master OML 25. I think the ocean master is made by Shimano because they look the same to me.

As to the rods which do you prefer, Graphite or fibreglass. Is E glass the same as fibre glass?

What kind of rigs do you use?

If you pick your days and have another boat go with you, would you go 30 miles offshore?

I have a million questions????????

turbinedoctor · #7 03-11-2009, 08:37 PM

Air I was thinking about a little trolling depending on how far we have to go, Fuel wise, and probably drifting while chuncking.

Did you say you took a 200 # with the TLD, how long did it take and how much drag did you have on it.

spareparts · #8 03-11-2009, 09:05 PM

check this site from time to time, there are some good deals on there
http://www.charlestonfishing.com/for...ds.asp?catID=8

turbinedoctor · #9 03-11-2009, 09:21 PM

Thanks Spare, they have some nice stuff now but I am still learning what what it is that I want. I did save the site to favorites.

Blue_Runner · #10 03-12-2009, 08:34 AM

Our crew is thinking about going after some y-fins too. We have 6 or 8 TLD 25's between us and my buddy has a couple of 2-speed beastmasters which is just like the TLD 25 but with a big cranking handle, same line cap.

I'm thinking a 50 lber would take a while to crank in! But it sure would be a lot of fun.