BLUEFIN POPPING

Just got back from a tuna popping trip, i fished with Capt Terry
from Riptide charters out of Cape Cod. The crew was Randy,Sami from
Anglers-proshop and myself. I went 2 for 3 on very nice bluefins.
1st fish 70lb 2nd fish 90lb gear used Smith popping stick coupled with
a stella 8000. 3rd fish around 40-45lb on a light popping stick coupled with
a stella 5000 unfortunately the fish broke off at color. The hot lure for
the day was a tunapen 100g

 

Jflores,

Nice fish. How far of a run offshore to find the tuna? What depth of water?
What do you think is the largest tuna a Stella 8000 can handle? I've never caught a tuna on a 8000. Thanks.


Hi MrBill, the run is very close we caught fish 1 mile from shore.
If you look at the picture you could see the tip of Cape Cod Bay.
They catch giant bft right in the bay all summer long.The water depth
on that trip was 130-180 feet deep.I think in a drifting boat you can very easly land fish up to 150-160lb class with a stella 8000, i have 300yrd of
60lb zenaq braid and you could aways chase the fish. From a anchored
boat is a different ball game.

 

Since the last two trips have been tuna popping in Cape Cod,Tuesday im
going down south to Cape May and try jigging. The jig bite is really awesome
right now.

 

jflores: What Smith rods were you using? Was one of them the 80P/35 by any chance, and, if so, how far are you able to cast with it? Thanks.

Russ

Yes thats the rod very light and just the right backbone for those
fish With the wind on my back i was able to cast around 80 yrds with
no problem. Into the wind maybe 50-60 yrds. Also the weight of the plug
is a big factor i was using a 100g stickbait.

 

Hi Paul708,

What boat are you going on. Im going on the primetime with Capt Bob Drake.
Also yes, maybe we could meet up. I have my crew, but maybe in the future
if you are looking for one we could hook up.