Lures for Light Tackle Tuna

[chris]

The small tuna are notorious for their selective feeding habits. With the season ramping up, what lures have you found to be effective for these fast movers in years past?

[Pete_G]

I'm probably split on which is better. You ALWAYS should have both. Usually when they're eating metal they'll eat a topwater, but sometimes when they're eating topwaters they won't necessarily eat metal.

I think it's the noise and visibility of topwaters that makes them work so well. Bone Jumpin Minnows and Yozuri Hydro pencils are my favorites. You have to change the hooks though. For metal various Pt. Jude tins as well as the Deadly Dick. Although they're tougher to cast Yozuri Crystal Minnows can be very effective as well.

I like single hooks on everything. They're stronger and safer for you and the fish. Gamakatsu Live Baits are perfect, just size them accordingly. 4/0, 5/0 or even bigger. It makes for a much easier release and probably a higher landing percentage. Most importantly it doesn't hurt the fish as much. A face full of trebles sometimes just makes them explode when you bring them onboard.

[arden]

topwater only, hell 90% of the fun is seeing them hit...should i be making a trip north?

[Pete_G]

I would...

[Rob]

Topwater is a blast, there isnt anything like seeing a bluefin come out of the water with your jumpin minnow in its mouth sideways

[Striper134]

Yozuri Mag Darters in Orange Back/Silver Belly

[swanny]

Corey, does it only work if it's attached to a shimano corvalus baitcaster with 60lb leader? That was a good trip!

[SageBoy]

I've done well with small Storm Shads or small Deadly Dicks. I can usually get them to take by changing retrieves or tactics for either one.

Fly-sand eel, Bonito Bandits, small clousers, small mushy's.

[Earl]

It's tough to beat a quality piece of metal. Accuracy and distance is most imperitive in the tuna game so a tin as heavy as your rod can handle (but not too large) is always a safe bet. The Point Jude Sandeel can be casted quickly and accurately beyond the raging school and ripped through the center of the bait ball along the surface making for some enthusiastic strikes. This metal does its job because it's thin and penetrates the wind....... in the heat of the moment, the rest is up to you.