When live bait isn't an option, how do the small boat fishermen (no outriggers) target tuna? Here are some options, but certainly not limited to.

Spreaderbars - with or without bird

green machines - with or without bird

Rapala/Yozuri deep divers

Trolling big rubber

run and gun



Saturday was very humbling, one pollock had a whole livewell to himself for the sloppy ride out only to be devoured by something other than a tuna. The only fish we saw was 3 miles off marshfield. A great whale show saved the day, hopefully that means bait is returning to the bank.

Some days you get out there, see nothing and wonder why you even went out. Other days you see tons of fish.

Live bait in the southern area is real tough thru the summer. The bank has been tough lately also with picky fish for trolling.

I have a small boat but have outriggers off the gunnels. I run bars, bally skirted with seawitches, deep divers and also slow it down and troll plastics.

Without outriggers I'd look to run bally skirted or naked long off a your ttop if you have it, especially now thru fall as half beaks are showing up. Run bars or deep divers in tight.

run and gun if you have spinning gear