looking for info on inshore tuna gear

[atlantic28]

Looking for a decent rod reel set up for trolling and jigging tuna. I have a few penn Squalls for bass, wondering how they would hold up for tuna. If not what would be some good set ups

[Hotrod]

Would this be for your boat or another?

[atlantic28]

My boat 28 cc

[Reel Time]

 I have seen post's of Capt.'s saying they have been using the squall reels for inshore and doing good with them.

 It will really depend on which models you have. Common belief is you need 15lbs of drag at a minimum and that is what I have all my reels set for on strike if lever drag, and 15-17lbs if star drag.

 Line capacity is another. I would shoot for no less than 350 yards of line. A nice 35'ish inch BFT almost spooled a tld20 (just shy of 300 yards) and had to max the drag out to 23lbs or lose the fish. For me maxing the drag was not an issue as I used good quality line (mamoi) that actually breaks higher than rated.

 You just have to go into it prepared with the best line and knots you can do, never know whats swimming around out there. The larger fish tend to hit the smaller reel out of your set up,, never fails.

[atlantic28]

I have squall 40s and 50s. I would use the 50s. It has 320yds of #50 mono. How about a rod i feel like my tsumani rods might be a bit light

[Reel Time]

Sticking with a budget, Tsunami rods I think are a darn good rod for the money, and I have plenty of them. My striper trolling rods have done the job on our inshore tuna's.

 Tsunami does make a stand up rod that can be had for 40-50 dollars, non roller type, although with rollers are listed.  Clicky -->Tsunami ,,, scroll down to tuff tip. I haven't seen these in person and only going by their quality in what i have used.

 You may be able to shop around and find some steals. Two years ago I found bottom of the line Penn trolling rods for 20 bucks each. Used them for half a year and sold them for what I paid and moved up to something better.

[atlantic28]

Ok thanks for your help. I'm going to check  the exact model after work and post it. Do you think my line n capacity is good enough?

[Reel Time]

 Your line capacity can be iffy. For small bft's it'll be fine upto mid 30" fish if you can rely on your line and knot strength's to hold the higher drag, if you should have to turn it up mid fight.

 You shouldn't have to touch the drag, and alot of people refuse to touch it mid fight, but the one time i had to do it, it was turn it up or watch my reel get spooled.


 Momoi diamond 50lb has an average breaking strength of 83.59lbs, which is what I use. It cost more, but I think it's worth it since I'm not wanting to use braid for trolling.


 "Paulus Just Fishing" is considered by many to be the guru on line strengths and testing. Link to his site is here --> Paulus Just Fishing where you can look up different lines to see where your favorite sits and come to a conclusion that makes you comfortable.


 Tuna fishing expert I am not, just learning as I go along with hours of reading and searching as I go . Although I believe I have helped at least one boat on this forums with improvements and turned their few tackle failures to nil and not even a thought any more.

 Quality line with a bimini twist and offshore swivel knot for your terminal connection is a pretty reliable set up thats easy to tie or retie under way, since knots should be retied after being stressed for maximum reliability.

[atlantic28]

I will check that out thanks for all your help. I am a tuna rookie trying to learn.

[Hotrod]

 

Been there.. 

I would start slow and on the jigging season ( Mid August) and pick up a jigging rod and reel.. and maybe one trolling rod and reel for chunking and dead sticking.

Then over the winter work on a 5 rod spread for trolling. And www.sterlingtackle.com spreader bars.. best bang for your buck..

One must have is the RonZ  10"  can be found here.
http://www.njsaltwatertackle.com/saltwater-fishing-tackle/saltwater-jigs-baits-and-lures?page=shop.product_details&flypage=yagendoo_VaMazing_zoom2.tpl&product_id=80&category_id=4   These can be Dead sticked at 50'

And for Jigging.. here. http://www.njsaltwatertackle.com/saltwater-fishing-tackle/saltwater-jigs-baits-and-lures?page=shop.product_details&flypage=yagendoo_VaMazing_zoom2.tpl&product_id=98&category_id=4   

[atlantic28]

i already have 3 squall 50s with tsunami rods I can do two more. For a 5 rod set up would I do three spreader bars and two cedar plugs? thanks for the links

[fellinger]

i already have 3 squall 50s with tsunami rods I can do two more. For a 5 rod set up would I do three spreader bars and two cedar plugs? thanks for the links

I'm right there with you. Like Rod said, slow and steady. When I first started I was using Okuma CR-603's. I need to use my stuff for both inshore BFT and sharks and standup and trolling. I have had no problem with the Okumas but have since picked up nicely priced Penn International 30TW and a 50TW so, I think my spread is covered. I would really like Saragossa 10,000 for jigging and you can troll with them as well.

The spread you mentioned is a good start too. I would by some Joe Schute's for ballyhoo and have a variety of other feathers/squid depending on what they're feeding on.

I bought a huge lot of offshore stuff. I will be going through it at some point. If I have anything I can't use I will post it here first.

Good luck!

Fred

[atlantic28]

sounds good thanks for the info. would I b able to use my squalls for jigging as well?? I have a few 40s not sure if they are too small or not. thanks for all the good info. now I have to do is find the fish haha

[Hotrod]

i already have 3 squall 50s with tsunami rods I can do two more. For a 5 rod set up would I do three spreader bars and two cedar plugs? thanks for the links

5 Rod =
2 36' Bars off out riggers Right Left maybe 30- 40' Back Same Color
2 "cedars or Daisey Chains"off flat clips in the wash
One way Back Joe Shuts about 400'

[atlantic28]

thanks great info guys!!

[Reel Time]

sounds good thanks for the info. would I b able to use my squalls for jigging as well?? I have a few 40s not sure if they are too small or not. thanks for all the good info. now I have to do is find the fish haha

 Spool them 40's up with some braid and jig away. If you go with 60lb braid, you can comfortably max the drag out if need be at 18lbs, and be under the 1/3 rule.(don't have drag set more than 1/3 of line strength) Just don't worry about filling the spool with braid. Throw some mono underneath it with 300yards braid ontop.

 You'll also need a topshot of mono or flouro, your choice. Braid isn't abrasion resistant enough to take the rubbing along the tuna's body. Plus it gives you something alot safer to hand line when it gets to the end of the fight. Make your topshot atleast twice the length of the tuna's body you are shooting for at a minimum,, or just say 10'.

 Jigging rod may be the pricey part. For those, I would go with Shimano Trevala or Stingo jigging rods at a good price for starters, and you can sell them for a decent price later if you want to upgrade, or just retire them for fluking, and trolling. Jigging rods are awesome deep fluking and handle some weight.

[fellinger]

I just looked at my squall 40ld's today. They have something like 560yd capacity for 65# braid.

[atlantic28]

great info thanks guys