Tuna Jigging
Advances in rod technology and the introduction of braided/fused has completely transformed tuna jigging. Both conventional (casting) and spinning tackle can be used. The spinning tackle is certainly easier to use, but the conventional tackle allows the angler to excerpt more pressure on the fish. The recommended tackle found here is suitable for tuna of 20lbs and up. Lighter tackle can certainly be used for the smaller tuna. The heaviest rods can handle some of the largest yellowfin tuna and most bluefin tuna. Once these fish get over 150lbs, the angler will certainly need every bit of skill to get these fish to the boat.
High-end reels are an absolute must. The high speed runs from big tunas will simply melt the drags on many spinning reels. There are very few “economical” reels that can withstand the punishment. Line capacity is also a major consideration. A big tuna can rip 100yds out of a reel in just a few seconds (and they can still dive deep).
Tuna Jigging Spinning Rods
The rod we recommend for tuna jigging is a 5’6″ to 6’6″ spinning rod rated for 50lb braid or higher. Going to higher rated rods will allow the angler to put more pressure on the fish, but will reduce casting distance and negatively affect the action of lighter jigs.
Tuna Jigging Spinning Reels
The reel must be able to hold at least 300yds of line (400yds+ preferred). We recommend loading the reel with 50-65lb Spiderwire Ultracast Ultimate Braid. This is a very tough coated braided line. It not only casts well, but is resistant to wind knots, and is more durable than any other braid. The breaking strength of this line is typically much greater than the actual rating.
Tuna Jigging Conventional Rods
The rod we recommend for tuna jigging is a 5’6″ to 6’6″ conventional rod rated for 50lb braid or higher. Going to higher rated rods will allow the angler to put more pressure on the fish, but will negatively affect the action of lighter jigs.
Tuna Jigging Conventional Reels
The reel we recommend should have lever drag and at least a 5:1 gear ratio. It must be able to handle 50lb braid or higher. The thin diameter of the braided lines will allow the jig to sink quickly (and maximize line capacity). The lack of stretch will ensure the best possible action for the jig. The breaking strength of these lines are typically much greater than the actual rating.
Leader and Connections
We use a three foot 50lb-80lb fluorocarbon leader. We connect the leader to the braided line using a 100lb barrel swivel. The small profile of the swivel virtually eliminates any chance of picking up debris. Some anglers may want to make a direct connection using an albright knot or a wind-on leader. The leader should be tied directly to the solid ring on the jig.
Butterfly (Knife) Jigs
There are many styles of jigs and colors. We recommend having a selection of 6-8″ flat jigs and 10-12″ knife jigs. We also recommend putting two assist hooks on every jig. The line and the assist hooks should be attached to the solid (or welded) ring. A split-ring is used to attach the jig to the solid ring.
Fighting Belts for Tuna
We recommend the Black Magic Fighting Belt and Harness. This is a uniquely designed belt and harness system that helps prevent side-to side slippage while reducing back strain. It offers true seat conformation, more stability and fighting leverage!
Tuna Jigging Checklist
- 5’6″ to 6’6″ spinning or conventional jigging rod conventional rod rated for 50lb braid or higher
- Spinning or lever drag conventional reel rated for 50lb braid or higher
- 50-80lb braided line
- 50-80lb fluorocarbon leader
- Butterfly (knife jigs)
- 100lb barrel swivel
Please contact us if you have questions about our recommendations!
Tackle Recommendations
 | Penn Carnage Jigging Spinning Spinning butterfly jigging rod - 5'6" to 7' - multiple one-piece models suitable for 20-200lb braid - rated for lure weights from 1oz-14oz or 30-400grams Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon |  |  |
| | Penn Carnage Jigging Casting Conventional butterfly jigging rod - 100% graphite - 5'6" to 7' - multiple models suitable for 20-200lb braid and jigs from 1 to 14oz (30-400gms) Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct | |
 | Shimano Trevala Spinning Spinning butterfly jigging rod - 5'8" to 7' - multiple one-piece models suitable for 10-200lb braid - rated for lure weights from 2oz-10oz or 55-270grams Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Trevala Conventional Conventional butterfly jigging rod - 5'8" to 7' - multiple models (including 2-piece)suitable for 10-200lb braid - rated for lure weights from 2oz-12oz or 55-325grams Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Penn Torque Lever Drag - 2 Speed Lever drag butterfly jigging conventional reel - models rated for 12-50lb mono and 20-100lb braid - 5.1:1 5.5:1, and 6:1 gear ratios - 6 ball bearings Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct learn more and buy at Amazon | | |
 | Penn Torque Spinning Offshore/surf spinning reel - models rated for 12-50lb mono and 20-100lb braid - 5.1:1 and 5.9:1 gear ratios - 7 ball bearings - waterproof drag Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy at Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Saragosa SW Spinning reel - models rated for 6-30lb mono and 10-80lb braid - 4.9:1, 5.2:1, or 6:1 gear ratios - 5 or 6 ball bearings - waterproof drag Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Talica Lever drag conventional reel - models rated for 40-150lb braid - 3.8:1 and 6.2:1 gear ratios - 7 ball bearings - great for butterfly jigging (this reel essentially replaced the Torsa) Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Stella SW Offshore/surf spinning reel - models rated for 10-30lb mono and 20-100lb braid - 4.4:1 to 6.2:1 gear ratios - 14 ball bearings - waterproof drag Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Spiderwire Ultracast Ultimate Braid Casting braided line - designed specifically for casting and to eliminate wind-knots - lo-vis green only - available in 10 to 65lb test and 125, 300, and 1500yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Fireline Braid Braided line - virtually no stretch - moss green color - very thin line diameter - available 6 to 80lb test and 110, 300, and 1500 yard spools Learn more and buy at Berkley Learn more and buy at Amazon |  | |
 | Mustad Rolling Swivel 77900 - Black Rolling Swivel w/round eye - available sizes/rating: 4/144lb, 6/118lb, 8/104lb, 9/77lb, 10/70lb, 12/49lb, and 14/42lb |
 | Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon Leader Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 4-200lb test and 30/100yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Yo-Zuri TopKnot Fluorocarbon Leader Fluorocarbon leader - additional abrassion resistance, lower diameter, invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 8-200lb test and 30/100yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Prospec Leader Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear, blue, pink, brown colors - 20-200lb test and 25/33/75/100yd coils Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Black Magic Belt & Harness Belt and Harness for rods with 15-18" butts - available in 3 different belt sizes (27-48" 34-58" 42-65") and standard 17.25" or XL Wide 19.5" plates Learn more and buy at Capt Harry's |  |
 | Black Magic Fighting Belt Fighting belt (plate) for rods with 15-18" butts - includes strap - available with standard 17.25" or XL Wide 19.5" plate Learn more and buy from Captain Harry's | |
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