Tuna on the fly? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Travis · 03-11-2009, 08:09 AM

Curious if any of you guys have been targeting the 100-200lb tuna with the fly rod? If so, what is your rod/reel setup?

fish4striper · 03-11-2009, 10:06 AM

I'd suggest checking out reeltime or Jeff Smith's site for some of the sticks they use

Travis · 03-11-2009, 10:36 AM

Yes, I have read some of their threads on custom rods they have made. Just posting the question over here. I am not a member on RT. I am more interested on the reels than anything. What are you using? How are they holding up? etc etc. I have not broken the 100lb mark witrh the tuna on the fly rod, and I know I don't have the money to purchase the gear at this time, I am just looking for information and first hand experiences with the different reels out there...they are all big bucks.

clcharette · 03-23-2009, 08:04 AM

I imagine it would be quite an investment purchasing gear capable of successfully capturing one of this years beast. I would probably try hiring an expert like Jeff Smith and use his gear. Either way its going to require some green.

Does your dad have any sponsors? You need to get the old man on board.

Travis · 03-23-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clcharette

I imagine it would be quite an investment purchasing gear capable of successfully capturing one of this years beast. I would probably try hiring an expert like Jeff Smith and use his gear. Either way its going to require some green.

Does your dad have any sponsors? You need to get the old man on board.

Yes, he is sponsored by Tibor, Lamson, Scott, and TFO...the rod would need to be a 16-18 wt...I have a few reel possibilities I was looking for feedback on, but I guess there are not many people who do this on the site...

My father has done it all Chris, and you know how he feels about targeting tuna with "light" tackle. He is old school when it comes to that sort of thing, and I can't argue with him considering his background...

Pete_G · 03-23-2009, 02:40 PM

I'm sure there's a bunch that can do it (Nautilus, Charlton, and more) but the only two I've seen do it repeatedly on actual over 100 pound fish with my own eyes are Tibor and Abel.

The Pacific is my favorite due to the diameter and relative light weight.

keeperreaper · 03-23-2009, 02:49 PM

Billy Pate has a reel that can handle this I believe.

likwid · 04-27-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_G

I'm sure there's a bunch that can do it (Nautilus, Charlton, and more) but the only two I've seen do it repeatedly on actual over 100 pound fish with my own eyes are Tibor and Abel.

Jake Jordan + Charlton Mako
Nuff said.

CaptMike · 03-23-2009, 12:48 PM

Some guys do it. I don't know what rod but the big Tibor reel and 600 grain line and you're good to go. 40 lbs fluro for the leader. I've seen it on tv and it looks awesome. I would guess a stiff 14 weight rod, the kind you use for HUGE tarpon might work.

buckman · 03-23-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis

Curious if any of you guys have been targeting the 100-200lb tuna with the fly rod? If so, what is your rod/reel setup?

Catch one on a spinning rod first

Travis · 03-24-2009, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckman

Catch one on a spinning rod first

Maybe Matt will put me on fish this year and I can take the credit and become tuna gurus like you and Jeff...

buckman · 03-24-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis

Maybe Matt will put me on fish this year and I can take the credit and become tuna gurus like you and Jeff...

It's works.

CaptMike · 04-15-2009, 11:34 AM

how do you guys do with smaller tuna, say 25-50 pounds? I'd love to give this a try this season. I'm guess you look for breaking fish and cast at them like blues? blind casting would probably be a waste of time I assume

Travis · 04-16-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptMike

how do you guys do with smaller tuna, say 25-50 pounds? I'd love to give this a try this season. I'm guess you look for breaking fish and cast at them like blues? blind casting would probably be a waste of time I assume

We usually found the smaller tuna anywhere from 1 mi ou of sakonnet out to the claw and points south. Most of the fish were 30-60lbs. Usually the fish were breaking and caught by drifting into the schools...it suckled when the fish were in tight to Sakonnet because alot of knuckleheads would drive right into the fish and pu them down. Too much boat pressure around there. Tuna are often much more skiddish than blues, but there are exceptions. I use a 12 wt and do fine, a 70 lber can make you think you are under gunned in the first run or two! I haven't seen fish that small in a few years though...I haven't been targeting the tuna down there.

clcharette · 04-16-2009, 06:32 AM

Two years ago we were catching fish that size in the Mudhole. They never showed on the surface but if you dropped a 5 oz. Butterfly jig to them on a spinning rod with 50lb braid the fight was on.

I haven't seen fish in the bay that size since 04 and 05.

CaptMike · 04-17-2009, 07:43 AM

Cool I might have to give it a shot. That'd be a lot of fun.