Tuna Chunking
The rod we recommend for tuna chunking is a 5’6″ to 6’6″ conventional stand-up rod rated for 30lb mono or higher. Because tuna chunking is used for smaller tunas such as yellowfin tuna and albacore and larger tunas including giant bluefin 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.
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 Chunking Reels
We strongly recommend using only lever drag reels for tuna chunking. 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
There are numerous tips and tricks for tuna chunking rigs. Use at least 6ft of the lightest reasonable f luorocarbon leader. Be prepared to sometimes use leader that is significantly lighter than your main line when the fish are line-shy. We rarely use less than 50lb leader. When targeting giants we use either 130lb or 200lb leader. We connect the leader to the main line using a ball bearing swivel that is rated higher than either the main line or the leader (it just needs to be rated higher than one of them).
Tuna Chunking Hooks
Many anglers use 4x strong ringed live bait hooks for chunking. However, we also recommend using 2x or 3x circle hooks for several reasons:
- These hooks have a smaller visible profile the “J” hooks of the same rating (great for line-shy fish)
- Circle hooks virtually ensure the hook will set on the corner of the mouth reducing the chance that the tuna’s teeth will chafe through the leader
- Circle hooks ensure the least amount of damage to fish that are destined to be released
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 Chunking Checklist
- 5’6″ to 6’6″ conventional rated for 30-50lb mono or higher
- Lever drag conventional reel rated for 30lb mono or higher
- 50lb or higher mono or mono top-shot
- 50lb or higher braid for backing
- 100lb or higher ball bearing swivel
- 4x 5/o and up ringed live bait hooks
- 2x or 3x 5/0 and up circle hooks
Please contact us if you have questions about our recommendations!
Tackle Recommendations
 | 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 |  |  |
 | 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 | | |
 | Mustad 4X Hoodlum Bait Hook 10827NP-BN - Live bait hook, Opti-Angle Needle Point, chemically sharpened, Nor-Tempered, 4X strong, ringed. Learn more and buy on Amazon | |
 | Mustad 2X Demon Circle Hook 39941NP-BN - Opti-angle needle point, chemically sharpened,nor-tempered, kirbed, point curved in, 2X strong, ringed, black nickel- sizes 2/0-9/0 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 | |
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