Light-tackle Bluefin discussion

[Raider Ronnie]

Also on the topic of tuna,
With the explosion of rec boats fishing for footballs the last 4-5 years, I wonder how many recs call in with any catch info (as should be done) so they can collect the necessary data of how many of these fish are being caught and killed as to set future catch limits so this fishery can be sustainable in the future ! I would bet very few !!!
I get weekly to bi weekly calls for catch reports.

[pa59]

Pete, When you say 13# to 17# of drag for 50# braid, do you mean the weight that will pull line directly off the reel, or with the reel mounted on a rod and the rod bent? Do you think the very light jigging rods like the shimano Trevala series have enough backbone to fight these fish?

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by pa59

Pete, When you say 13# to 17# of drag for 50# braid, do you mean the weight that will pull line directly off the reel, or with the reel mounted on a rod and the rod bent? Do you think the very light jigging rods like the shimano Trevala series have enough backbone to fight these fish?

Reel on the rod bent. I usually just use a Boga Grip for testing, otherwise it's more by feel then anything else. Great way to get a feel for various drag settings and finding out what your gear is really capable of before you go out. That that 17#'s is imho the upper limit for 50. Without perfect rigging and a perfect drag that number isn't really doable. I'd guess I'm usually around 14 pounds and palm the spool to put more pressure on boatside.

Haven't played with the Trevala series, but I know a few guys using them, just not sure which models.