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Bigeye Tuna

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

  • Bigeye Tuna can be found in the North Mid Atlantic region of the US waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They are typically found in offshore waters and are known to migrate long distances.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

  • Bigeye Tuna are pelagic fish that can be found in both warm surface waters and deep waters. They are often found around natural structures such as underwater canyons and temperature breaks. They are also known to congregate around man-made structures such as oil rigs, buoys, and floating debris.

  • Bigeye tuna tend to feed at night or in low-light conditions. They are often caught using deep-drop techniques or by chunking with live bait.

PATTERNS

SPRING

  • During the spring, Bigeye Tuna are typically found in the North Mid Atlantic region as they migrate northwards from their wintering grounds in the south.

SUMMER

  • Typically considered the prime season for catching them in the North Mid Atlantic region as the waters are at their warmest and the fish are abundant.


FALL

  • Bigeye Tuna can still be caught in the North Mid Atlantic region as they migrate southwards. As the waters start to cool down, Bigeye Tuna may be found in deeper waters.

WINTER

  • During the winter, Bigeye Tuna are typically not as abundant in the North Mid Atlantic region, but they can still be caught in the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Bait

  • Fresh chunks of oily fish such as mackerel or bonito are commonly used as bait for bigeye tuna. Other effective baits include squid, eels, and live baitfish such as blue runners or herring. It's important to use fresh bait, as tuna can be picky eaters and may not take old or frozen bait.

Techniques

Trolling

  • How: First, choose the area where you want to troll. It's important to look for areas with a lot of baitfish activity and structure where tuna may be feeding. Once you have found the right spot, set up your trolling gear. Baited lines are typically set out at different distances behind the boat, ranging from short to long lines. Once the trolling lines are set, the boat should move slowly through the water, typically at speeds of 6-8 knots. The lines should be monitored constantly, and anglers should be ready to strike when a fish takes the bait.

  • Gear: Anglers should use heavy action rods and conventional reels with a high gear ratio for trolling. A 50-80 lb test monofilament or braided line should be used, along with an 80-100 lb test fluorocarbon or wire leader to reduce visibility and increase abrasion resistance. Hooks should be 6/0 to 9/0, depending on the size of the lure used. Tackle and lures commonly used for trolling include skirted lures, cedar plugs, and diving plugs.

Chunking

  • How: Create a chum slick by throwing chunks of bait into the water or use ground chum in a bucket/bag. Then, use a chunk of bait on a hook to entice the fish to bite. The bait should be drifted in the current, allowing it to flow naturally with the chum slick. When a tuna takes the bait, it's important to let the fish run with the bait before setting the hook. Once the fish has taken the bait, set the hook. For chunking, the best bait is typically fresh chunks of oily fish such as mackerel or bonito. It's important to use fresh bait, as tuna can be picky eaters and may not take old or frozen bait

  • Gear: Rods: For chunking, use a heavy-duty rod with a strong backbone, around 6-7ft in length, and capable of handling a 80-100 lb test line. Reels: Use a conventional or spinning reel with a high line capacity and a strong drag system. Line: Use a braided line with a 80-100 lb test. Braided lines have low stretch, which allows for better hook sets and increased sensitivity. Leaders: Use a fluorocarbon leader with a 80-100 lb test to reduce visibility and increase abrasion resistance. Hooks: Use 6/0 to 9/0 hooks, depending on the size of the bait used.


Jigging

  • How: Jigging for bigeye tuna involves dropping a weighted lure or jig down to depths where the tuna are feeding, then rapidly jerking the rod to mimic the movement of a baitfish. This technique can be done from a drifting boat or anchored boat.

  • Gear: Rods: Jigging rods are typically shorter and more powerful, around 5-6ft in length, with a fast action and heavy power rating. Reels: Use a high-speed spinning or conventional reel with a strong drag system. Line: Use a braided line with a 80-100 lb test for jigging. Braided lines have low stretch, which allows for better hook sets and increased sensitivity. Leaders: Use a fluorocarbon leader with a 80-100 lb test to reduce visibility and increase abrasion resistance. Hooks: Use heavy-duty 6/0 to 9/0 hooks.Tackle/Lures: The most effective lures for jigging are metal jigs in the 6-10oz range, with blue, green, or silver colors. Butterfly jigs are also popular for bigeye tuna, with sizes ranging from 120-300g. It's important to match the size and color of the lure to the depth and water conditions where you are fishing.Note: It's important to check local fishing regulations and size limits before fishing for bigeye tuna. Some areas have strict regulations on the size and number of tuna that can be caught, and fishing for these species without proper permits can result in fines and other penalties.

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