Tuna Trolling
The rods we recommend for tuna trolling is a 5’6″ to 6’6″ conventional stand-up rod or a 6’6″ to 8′ chair rod rated for 30lb mono or higher. Because tuna trolling is used for smaller tunas such as yellowfin tuna and albacore and larger tunas including giant bluefin (slow trolling) which can go over 1000lbs, a broad range of rods and reels are recommended. Going to higher rated rods will allow the angler to put more pressure on bigger fish and shorten the fight time, but may take some of the sport out of fighting smaller fish. Heavier line can also be a handicap when the fish are line-shy.
The stand-up tackle is exactly the same that is used for tuna chunking.
A reasonable guide for rod and reel ratings are as follows:
| Fish Size | Tackle |
| 50lbs or less | 30-50lb mono |
| 50-100lbs | 50-80lb mono |
| 100-250lbs | 80lb mono |
| 250lbs or larger | 80-130lb or higher |
Tuna Trolling Reels
We strongly recommend using only lever drag reels for tuna trolling. Two-speed reels provide an added advantage. Tuna can be notoriously line-shy and for this reason all chunking is done with mono. For even larger fish and added line capacity anglers can use a mono top shot of 100-200ft backed with braid of equal or higher rating. The thinner diameter of the braid provides significant additional line capacity.
Lever drag reels are a must for circle hook fishing (also recommended – see below). The lever drag allows the angler to slowly increase the drag pressure to ensure the proper hook set.
Leader and Connections
We always use short bimini twist should tied into the main line. The double line created by the bimini must is then tied using a simple a clinch knot to a 300lb (or larger) ball bearing swivel with a snap. The snap is attached to the much heavier leaders (used for wiring the fish) that are part of the lure or spreader bar rigging.
We recommend rigging lures using 80lb or higher fluorocarbon leader. When targeting giants we use either 130lb or 200lb leader.
If you prefer a wind-on leader, the bimni is simply hitched to the loop in the wind-on. Be sure that there is a barrel swivel somewhere in the rig to avoid twist from a fouled lure.
Tuna Trolling Lures
As for lures they are a lot of choices. There are dozens of effective spreader bars and daisy chains made by numerous manufacturers. However, most of our favorites spreader bars are custom built using components from Olde Salt Tackle. Our favorite daisy chains and feathers are also from Olde Salt Tackle.
When it comes to single lures nothing beats the versatility of the Iland Lures. These are a well kept secret in the Northeast and are effective for yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, wahoo, mahi, white marlin, and blue marlin. These are very tough lures that come in a wide variety of head shapes and colors. They can be fished alone, however some of the smaller sizes are simply deadly for tuna with small ballyhoo rigged behind them. The most effective colors are either black/red or green/yellow though on certain days other colors have also been very effective. When the big marlin are around make sure to have at least one 10 1/2″ Iland Express in the spread (typically in dark colors).
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 Trolling Checklist
- 5’6″ to 6’6″ stand-up or 6’6″ to 8′ conventional rod rated for 30-50lb mono or higher
- Lever drag conventional reel rated for 30lb mono or higher
- 50lb or higher mono
- 300lb or higher ball bearing snap swivel
- Tuna trolling lures
Please contact us if you have questions about our recommendations!
Tackle Recommendations
 | Penn International VI IGFA Offshore trolling rod - 6'10" to 7'8" - multiple one-piece models rated for 20-130lb mono -Aftco roller guides - EVA foregrip - Stuart aluminum reel seat Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon |  |  |
| | Penn International V ARA Stand-up Offshore stand-up rod - 5'6" - 6'0" - multiple one-piece models rated for 30-130lb mono - Aftco rollers - EVA foam foregrip - aluminum reel seat and gimbal Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Tallus Trolling Slick Butt Ring Guided Rods Conventional rod - 5'9" to 7'6" - multiple models suitable for 20-100lb mono or braid - fast action only - medium to extra extra heavy power Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Penn International VS Offshore lever drag 2-speed conventional reel - models rated for 12-130lb mono and 20-200lb braid - 1.4/3.0:1, 1.6/3.8:1, 2.0/5.3:1, and 3.3/5.3:1 gear ratios - 4 ball bearings Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy at Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Tiagra Offshore lever drag 2-speed conventional reel - models rated for 12-130lb mono and 40-250lb braid - 1.2/2.2:1 and 1.7/3.9:1 gear ratios - 4-6 ball bearings Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct | |
 | Shimano TLD II Offshore lever drag 2-speed conventional reel - models rated for 20-80lb mono and 50-100lb braid - 1.4/3.5:1 and 1.7/4.0:1 gear ratios - 4 ball bearings Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Tyronos II Offshore lever drag 2-speed conventional reel - models rated for 20-50lb mono and 50-150lb braid - 2.1/5.0:1 and 1.5/4.0:1 gear ratios - 4 ball bearings Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Big Game Mono Trilene monofilament line - shock and abrasion resistant - clear, green, and solar collector colors - available in 8 to 130lb test and 1/4, 1, 3 and 5lb spools - exceptional knot strength Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy direct from Amazon | | |
 | Ilander Trolling lure - 8 inch - finest all-purpose offshore trolling lure for tuna, marlin, sailfish, and more - weighted bullet head allows lure to be pulled at high speeds - works well at 6 to 8.5 knots Learn more and buy direct from MirrOlure |  |
 | Iland Cruiser Trolling lure - 10 inch - red concave mouth makes large disturbance in the water - popping and smoking - weighted head ensures lure swims true - rig with natural bait or fish naked Learn more and buy direct from MirrOLure | |
 | Iland Express Trolling lure - 10 inch - jet design that combines jet action with ultra-light hollow-head construction - exceptional bubble stream - works on outriggers and as teaser - works great even at 8-10 knots Learn more and buy direct from MirrOlure | |
 | Yo-Zuri Sashimi 3D Magnum Deep Diver Floating slow trolling deep diver available in 7inch 3.125oz with through-wire construction Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Laern more and buy direct from Yo-Zuri Amazon store | | |
 | Yo-Zuri Sashimi Bonita High speed trolling lure available in 6.75inch-4.625oz and 8.75inch-10oz sizes with through wire construction - ball bearing swivels and flat forged stainless steel hooks Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Mustad Ball Bearing Swivel 77250-BN - Black Ball bearing Swivel, two welded rings Learn more and buy on Amazon | |
 | 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 | |
 | | | |
