You're such a help ... Took a look at my gear and I think I'm good. AVET JX2 Raptor, Daiwa Proteus H rated for 55-100lb braid, 60# 8 strand braid, 5/0-6/0 offset circle hooks.. Bringing a medium spinner with me for Mahi too. I also have a Daiwa Seagate 60H with a tackle world power handle of course. Spooled with 60lb Hercules 8 strand braid on my PHENIX AXIS 7ft MH rated for 40lb mono and higher for braid. This is my reserve rod just in case things go sideways with the AVET/Daiwa combo. Watching YouTube videos of the tuna fishing and it looks like a real fight for every crank. Kinda like Bluefishing on steroids.
That Avet should be fine..... bring a couple of jigs and poppers.. I love the topwater bite This guy on ebay always seems to have some sweet deals (I just had a box of plugs arrive at the front door ) https://www.ebay.com/sch/7300/i.html?_oaa=1&_dcat=7300&_fsrp=1&_ssn=simmons_sporting_goods-alabama&_ipg=240&Brand=SPRO|Williamson|Yo%2DZuri&_sacat=7300&store_name=simmonssportinggoodsofalabama&_oac=1&_sop=1 Or get a Yo-zuri "bull popper"... I have the small one and got some tunas and bonitos on li last time
My lil Seigler SGN just came.... it's a badass little reel. Can't wait to use it. Debating on 30 or 40lb J-braid 8x Grand
Trying to get out on a Blackfish trip but waiting on a weather window. Got 4 preplanned trips scheduled for '23 including another trip to Gloucester, MA. for some deeper water SPJ action on Pollock, Haddock and Cod.
Well, began training for the Tuna trip. Just got a fighting belt. I also joined Planet Fitness and will work back/arms and legs to build up strength and stamina. Seen plenty vids and it looks like its all about endurance and being able to crank when the fish lets you. I'll be ready by Sept.!
So, you don't lock the drag down? Why do all the vids show guys getting dragged from one end of the boat to another and back again?
What size tuna could you possibly catch? Are we talking giant tuna in the 600+ pound range? I couldn't imagine standing up and reeling in something that big. The one my dad caught in the late 70's was close to 700 and he fought it from a chair. Took almost 3 hours and he couldn't get out of bed the next day.
From all the vids on the Voyager NJ, they look small by comparison. 50-150lbs. Average looks like the mid 60's. Usually takes two guys to gaff the thing onboard.
Ah, gotcha. 150 would be a hell of a fight standing up and I'm sure you would feel it for few days Sounds like a lot of fun!
Its a challenge for sure. I've pretty much mastered NE bottomfishing so its time to step up in class a bit. I definetly will not lock the drag down and plan to have plenty line on the spool so I don't have to horse the fish in. Hence the trips to PF now to slowly work up to being in shape for the fight I hope happens.
Ha... not sure; all the fish I've caught that size have been trolling The blue marlin I caught was on 40# mono (mahi tackle lol)... it also took over 2hrs, so that wont fly on a headboat (we had to chase him down quite a bit as I was down to the backing) I guess on a headboat it's definitely a different deal...as you can't use the boat / captain to finesse the fish (and opportunity for cluster F*cks with other anglers) and you definitely have to put more heat on 'em but I'd like to see you fighting a fish with over 30# of drag locked up
I'm sure the boat will target yellowfins at the canyons, vs trophy bluefins nearshore for multiple reasons..... we usually use a 2nd gaff on fish over 50-60lbs, so I'm sure you'd definitely want one on a bigger boat where youre alot higher above the water line..... 65-80# braid, with 20-25# drag and you'll be fine . Hoping to get up there this summer to get my cousin on some offshore fish this summer (and some nearshore fish on my brother's boat... would love to stick a big bluefin on a 17' boat)
Came on Friday! Has a back brace too. Good for us older guys out there tangling with Tuna! Got my Gloucester trips settled as well. 6 trips planned this summer along with a healthy amount of freshwater fishing too. Looking at things differently now. Getting all the expensive trips I can in before I submit my retirement papers. June - Gloucester, MA: Cod, Pollock, Haddock, Rosie Reds.. (two trips back to back) July - Canyon Trip 1: Tilefish (2-day) Sept. - Canyon Trip 2: Tuna & Mahi Nov. - Block Is. : Jumbo SeaBass and Porgys Nov. - Offshore: Jumbo Seabass, Porgy, Pollock, Cod
Getting it done man! Things are gonna be different in '24 so I had better do as much as I can now while I have the bucks..
