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F

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hey guys,

What are the best topwater lures to use when tuna fishing on the Big E? I've heard about the Yo-Zuri Surface Bull GT models but was wondering if there where any other lures that work as well and are a little lighter on the wallet? What is the best size: 3 oz, 4oz, 6oz?

Also, where do you guys purchase your supplies? I'm in the Dallas area so I usually go to either Bass Pro or Cabelas which are kind of limited on options. Any other suggestions?

Thanks.
 
Bazztex

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#3 ·
Feeder

Try the Frenzy Ballistic Flyers and Angry Popper www.FrenzyTackle.com

Both have caught many nice YFT and BFT intheTexas Gulf.

As far as the Lure Weights goes you'll need several sizes to match the size of the baitfish the Tuna are feeding on...They can be picky at times.

If the Topwater Bite goes wide open it wont matter as long as you can chunk your lure past the bright light circle or about 80yds.

Bazz
 
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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
Feeder

Try the Frenzy Ballistic Flyers and Angry Popper www.FrenzyTackle.com

Both have caught many nice YFT and BFT intheTexas Gulf.

As far as the Lure Weights goes you'll need several sizes to match the size of the baitfish the Tuna are feeding on...They can be picky at times.

If the Topwater Bite goes wide open it wont matter as long as you can chunk your lure past the bright light circle or about 80yds.

Bazz

Bazz what rod and reel are you using to chuck your lure 80 yards? Does anyone have any suggestions as well?

BTW, thanks for the quick replies guys.
 
txseadog

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#9 ·
Bazz what rod and reel are you using to chuck your lure 80 yards? Does anyone have any suggestions as well?

BTW, thanks for the quick replies guys.

It's not that hard to get 75+ yard casts with a big spinning combo and a heavy popper.
 
Bazztex

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#10 ·
Feeder

I was using a Penn Formula IST 7ft 30-80# Torium 30 with 65# Power pro 100yds 50# Sufix Superior topshot and a 60# Ande Florocarbon leader. I just got a custom Shikira 7ft 50# rod that ought to launch them 80yds with ease.

Just make sure the rod you get will fish 50# line and cast 2-6oz lures. You have to be able to load the rod tip on the back swing to get good distance on your casts.

The Calstar 700H or Graphite USA Monster Mag are great casting blanks for Topwater Tuna with some back bone for fishing 80# braid. A lot of folks like the Calstar 700M for Spinning reels and 60-65# Braid.

I have'nt ever weighed a Ballistic Flyer but they will chunk a good distance 3-4oz I'd guess.. I'd swear the MEGA Hook it comes pre rigged with weighs an ounce by it's self...LoL . Most of the Tuna Poppers we use weigh 2 1/2-4oz.

Bazz
 
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#12 ·
I'd swear the MEGA Hook it comes pre rigged with weighs an ounce by it's self...LoL . Most of the Tuna Poppers we use weigh 2 1/2-4oz.

Bazz

LOL. That hook is a beast. The hook, along with that heavy mono leader it comes with, puts a YFT in trouble.
 
Bazztex

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#13 ·
Tom

I dont have any pictures of the new Black Back/ Purple belly yet but here's some shots of last years Sardine pattern. 6 3/4" X 3 oz on the smaller size and 7" X 4 oz on the larger size. These were custom finished by Rick Bedford of www.PersuaderLures.com in Florida. Rick at Persuader sells some of the finest hand made wood Feshwater Bass Crankbaits you'll ever use.

I only had two left for myself after giving them away and since we filled the boxes with large Tuna on the first night I never got to throw on the second night. I had two "GOM Cows" hit the large size at the same time and broke my leader the first night. I used the Frenzy Ballistic Flyer to get my 3 YFT Limit after that so I never got to hook up on my custom popper. Willie / TOO caught a very nice 90# YFT on the smaller sized popper.


Bazz
 
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#16 ·
WOW, nice looking poppers.
You must really love tuna fishing to spend so much afford to make your own poppers.
Do you mind me asking, what kind of material you made of?
how long does it take you to make one?

thanks,
 
Bazztex

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#17 ·
TJ

They are made from common Bass Wood 1X2 trim lumber ...Yellow pine will work if you can find some that's not too knotty. White pine is a little too soft and Cedar though very tough is harder to work with for carving.

I Thru Wired them with .060 Piano Wire but will most likely get some 1/16" stainless tig welding rod for the next batch to keep the rust off the hook hangers.

All you have to do is trace the basic pattern onto the wood and then cut it out with a band or jig saw after gluing two pices together with a water proof glue. Hand carve the basic shape with a razor/box knife.. then use a belt /drum sander to shape / round the lure body. a lathe would work on the smaller diameter version.

I use a rounded rotary file and 35,000 RPM ,90deg air Die grinder to cup the mouth so it will spit water like a Giant Pop "R" for you Bass fishing people.

I have them custom finished at www.PersuaderLures.com , it takes me about an hour apiece to form the body and rig the wire/ hook hangers.

I added a 3/0 black swivel at the center hook hanger and up front for the line tie. The 3D eyes are available on Ebay or a crafts store. They have a plastic stud that can be pressed into a hole previously drilled in the bait. It's best to drill the hole thru the body for the eyes while you have a flat surface before you round the body so they are straight across.

They aint cheap to make but what is for offshore Tuna fishing. LoL

It's still fun to trick a 100+ YFT with one of your own creations!

Bazz
 
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