Although I have never fought a truly large specimen of either, I have done a lot of research on the gear required, and the best baits and how to hook them. I also understand the general principle that they will run to structure and you have to stop them fast. This topic addresses the best way to begin the fight on a headboat (i.e., where you cannot use the boat to pull them out of structure):
OK, so with tuna, I am either feeding line out with the rod tucked under my arm OR sitting in the rod holder. In either case, the reel is in freespool. When the fish begins to run, I slowly bring the lever up to some pre-determined point--let's say strike.
But what is the preferred technique when you are standing at the rail, dropping, let's say, 300 feet, with a 4-pound live bait on an 11/0 circle hook with 2 or 3 pounds of lead and a 400 pound leader?
1. Do you start with the reel in freespool as you would with a tuna?
2. Do you hold the rod under your arm or place it in the holder?
3. What would be the ideal drag settings at (a) just past free spool, (b) strike, and (c) full? My thinking on this has been, to the extent possible, something like (a) = 20#, (b) = 35#, and (c) = 45#.
4. When the fish begins to run with the bait, what do you do with the lever? (a) gradually increase drag until he slows, (b) ram it up to a high but not brutal setting (say, for example 35#), or (c) ramp it up immediately to the unbearable 45# or whatever, to stop him NOW?
Thanks for you your help.
Russ
OK, so with tuna, I am either feeding line out with the rod tucked under my arm OR sitting in the rod holder. In either case, the reel is in freespool. When the fish begins to run, I slowly bring the lever up to some pre-determined point--let's say strike.
But what is the preferred technique when you are standing at the rail, dropping, let's say, 300 feet, with a 4-pound live bait on an 11/0 circle hook with 2 or 3 pounds of lead and a 400 pound leader?
1. Do you start with the reel in freespool as you would with a tuna?
2. Do you hold the rod under your arm or place it in the holder?
3. What would be the ideal drag settings at (a) just past free spool, (b) strike, and (c) full? My thinking on this has been, to the extent possible, something like (a) = 20#, (b) = 35#, and (c) = 45#.
4. When the fish begins to run with the bait, what do you do with the lever? (a) gradually increase drag until he slows, (b) ram it up to a high but not brutal setting (say, for example 35#), or (c) ramp it up immediately to the unbearable 45# or whatever, to stop him NOW?
Thanks for you your help.
Russ