Introduction
Brief Overview
Captain Mike from Salty Cape presents a tutorial on Bluefin Tuna Jigging near Block Island. The fishing conditions were challenging, with strong winds and fast drifts, making it necessary to adapt techniques and gear to target tuna near the ocean floor.
Approach
Positioning Strategy
To effectively fish for bluefin tuna, Captain Mike emphasizes the importance of positioning the boat correctly relative to the wind and tide. The strategy involves drifting over schools of fish and using electronics to keep the jig within the bottom 20 feet of the water column, where the tuna are holding. Careful boat positioning ensures the jig remains in the strike zone for the maximum time.
Gear
Rod and Reel Setup
Captain Mike recommends a short 5’9″ jigging rod paired with a spinning reel, specifically the Hogy Tuna Jigging Spinning Rod with a Stella 20,000 reel and 100-pound Jerry Brown braid. This setup is designed for vertical jigging, providing the power and control needed to handle large bluefin tuna in deep water.
Line Selection
A strong braided line is essential for deep jigging, offering low stretch and high sensitivity to detect subtle bites. The video highlights the use of 100-pound test hollow-core braid, which helps maintain control over the jig in fast drifts and challenging conditions.
Lure and Bait Choices
The lure of choice is the 12-ounce Hogy Sand Eel Jig, selected for its ability to sink quickly and stay in the strike zone. The bright green Albie Crack color is emphasized for its high visibility in rough conditions, making it easier for the tuna to spot the lure.
Technique
Casting and Retrieving
The technique demonstrated is speed jigging, where the jig is worked rapidly through the water column with short, quick jigs. The key to success is keeping the jig close to the bottom, where the tuna are most likely to strike. After a few jigs, the lure is allowed to fall back down, and the process is repeated. Attention to detail is crucial, especially during the descent, as many strikes occur on the drop.
Hook Setting and Playing the Fish
When a fish strikes, it’s essential to set the hook quickly and maintain pressure throughout the fight. Captain Mike advises being ready to reel rapidly if the line stops unexpectedly, which could indicate a fish has taken the lure on the drop. Proper hook setting is crucial to successfully landing the fish, especially in rough conditions.
Environmental Factors
Wind Conditions
The strong winds significantly affect the boat’s drift, making it necessary to adjust the jigging technique to maintain control. Captain Mike demonstrates how to counteract the effects of wind by selecting a heavier jig and adjusting the boat’s position to keep the lure in the strike zone.
Tide and Water Conditions
The tide moving in the same direction as the wind creates fast drifts, making it challenging to keep the jig near the bottom. Captain Mike adapts to these conditions by using a 12-ounce jig, which helps maintain contact with the bottom and ensures the lure stays in the target area.
Weather Considerations
Although not explicitly discussed in the video, the rough weather conditions underscore the importance of considering factors like wind speed and direction, which can impact both the fishing experience and the success of the technique.
Situational Factors
Using Electronics
Using electronics, Captain Mike identifies the bottom 20 feet as the critical zone where the tuna are holding. The video emphasizes the importance of reading the water and using tools like a fish finder to locate fish and plan drifts effectively.
Fish Care and Conservation
Handling and Release Tips
Captain Mike demonstrates the correct technique for gaffing and handling tuna to minimize stress and injury. For catch-and-release practices, it is essential to handle the fish with care, use gloves, and release them quickly to ensure their survival.
Conservation Practices
The video briefly touches on conservation practices, emphasizing the importance of responsible fishing and the benefits of catch-and-release to protect bluefin tuna populations for future generations.
Summary
Key Takeaways
- Deep Jigging: Speed jigging with heavy jigs in challenging conditions is effective for targeting bluefin tuna near the ocean floor.
- Gear and Technique: Using the right gear, such as a short jigging rod and heavy braided line, is crucial for maintaining control and success in deep jigging.
- Handling and Conservation: Proper handling techniques and conservation practices, including catch-and-release, are vital for sustaining bluefin tuna populations.
Insights and Observations
Captain Mike notes that the jig’s design, with its fast sink rate and high flutter factor, played a significant role in attracting tuna during the fast drifts. Additionally, using a brighter lure color, such as the Albie Crack, can make a difference in rough conditions by improving visibility and triggering reaction strikes.