I want to get into tuna fishing. Would anyone advise me as to what would make a good starting package gear wise? Poles , reels , tackle. thanks I am at the Newbie level on this.

South of New England?
50's with 600 yds of 80 or 130lb braid backing (specrta, hollow etc) w/ 60 or 80lb mono topshots (150yd) will get you through a lot of fish.

Lots of decent rods in the 30-80 range that are affordable...

Coxes/inshore bft, 30's are fine, for light sharking and such as well, but nearer the edge, leave the toy sticks at home.

80's and 130's are overkill for 99% of the fish you'll hook.

trolling the usual stuff, chains, green machines, and lots of spreader bars!

ri bi

Tuna will ruin your life.

You have been warned.

Tuna will ruin your life.

You have been warned.

And your wallet...

That's why there are good tuna charter boats! Their hookup ratio is also much higher.

BTW thanks alot for the info. Any thoughts on reels?

I know it is bucks but I went last year and now have the fever..

Get some used Penns or similar if going south of the shipping lanes

for inshore, TLD's and other lighter reels will be fine

80's and 130's are overkill for 99% of the fish you'll hook.


But that other 1% will break your heart. :)

80's and 130's are overkill for 99% of the fish you'll hook.

Define overkill? With the slot limit you want/need to access quickly whether you have a keeper or a C&R, overkill on the reels won't lead to over kill of the fish.

Try eBay for used, I picked up Penn 2 50's and 1 80VSW for approx 50% retail.

I agree with getting them in quickly, however, he asked about for south of New england.
for out east, 50's loaded that way should still suffice. but of course 80's in the rod holder would be faster....

Bryan is spot on. South of the islands 50's are fine. Follow his advice. As for charters having higher hook up ratios or more fish per trip........... well I'd disagree on that. Some recs are pretty good.

But that other 1% will break your heart. :)

Very true, but we've handled good sized eyes on those... my only worry is a big sword at night or blue on the troll..

A Shimano TLD-2 Speed 50LRSA loaded with 80 lb Momoi on a Custum 50-130 lb CMS Rod will be the same price as just one Penn 50 VSW. I think its the best bang for the buck for someone just getting into it, not as pretty as all the gold stuff but it catches none the less.....