Harness question

[MO1]

I keep reading that a good harness is a must for
tuna fishing. Then I look at a lot of the reels recommended for topwater and jigging, and they have no harness lugs. Comments anyone ?

Thanks
MO

[jedi243]

For conventional chunking or live bait style tuna fishing a harness can be nice but is not a must. For tuna under 100 lbs a belt to put the gimbal in is usefull. When Jigging or throwing poppers for tuna and the reel doesn't have lugs you can either add a "get strapped" bracket effectively giving it lugs or enjoy the fight with just a belt. Additionally, though non IGFA allowable using the rail(if allowed by the boat) is another way of putting big fish in the boat rather quickly.

[Minnow]

Mo1, welcom to 360tuna.

Harness is not a must for tuna fishing, but it will help a lot.
Another methode will be using the rail, most efficient way in my opinion, but less sporty than of harness. JMO

for reel that doesn't have harness lugs, i use "Get Strapped Bracket"
or rod rings for spinner.

Sorry Jedi243, you post while i was typing.
Good advice, thanks

[MO1]

Thanks for info, I have caught blackfin and small yf with just a belt, I should
have stated " for Big Tuna " in my first post. I will look in to the bracket for
my Avet LX.. but I will be using it for jigging, and don't expect any
monsters doing that. I am still undecided on a chunking rig and topwater rig.

good luck
Mo

[Minnow]

Mo,

For big tuna, using harness, or rail is a must in my opinion. Especially IF you are small guy like my self. Using harness and short stroke style can subdue big fish in the mather of minutes. Fighting big tuna with out harness and rail can be done, but too much work and wasted too much energy.

Let us know which gear you decided to go with for your chunking and top water rig.

[ksong]

You can handle any tuna under 100 lbs using rod huki.
The rod huki is especially convenient to move around the boat to fight the fish.



120 lbs bluefin tuna

[mcgolfer]

the rod huki is a great invention and works great on a party boat as you have to unharness your rig most of the time when a tuna runs you around the boat. one thing about the rod huki make sure you buy the proper huki that fits the gimble snug. if it is not on snug then it can fall overboard or off very easily. i use my huki's mainly for jigging. another advantage of a huki is when you rest your rod against the rail or gunnel it doesn't fall over when the boat rocks....ric

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

Welcome MO1

You have gotten some excellent advice. When you do have that big fish on and wish to wear a plate and harness, I reccomend that you use a Smiity's Spyder harness and an extra large long range plate if you are over about 5'8" tall. A smaller plate is ok if you are not this tall. You want a plate that will spread the load accross your thighs with your feet at shoulder width apart. A too narrow plate will be a pain and tend to slip off a leg. Especially on a rocking deck.
A Black Magic plate and harness would be my second reccomendation.

[Gunsmoke]

I agree about the rod huki. It's great. I like drilling a hole on the round end and attaching a layard to hang off your belt. That way you don't have to look for it in a hurry. Make sure yours shorts aren't to loose or you will expose yourself to everyone on board. They are a little heavy for hanging off your shorts. I also like the Black Magic plate and harness. I just got another one in the mail yesterday. Capt. Harry's sells the set with a carrying bag for 249. 00

I am in the process of making the ultimate milk crate. It's going to be real nice and real heavy. All the parts are in the mail and I should have it ready in a couple of weeks. I hate those one pound plastic milk crates. This one will not slide or move in 8-10 foot seas. If it does, I'll be in shock.

[bellyup]

Gunsmoke, I can't wait to see that new ultimate crate. Post pics when you finish.