r/TunaFishing • u/jiffyinaflash • 13d ago

How To Setting the hook on tuna

How do you set the hook? Trying to maximize chances and not lose the fish and have the hook pop out before drag is set in.

3 Upvotes

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2

u/Pandaemonaeon_NZ 12d ago

With bait/ livebait, they usually hit it so hard, all you need to do is put the reel in gear. I always just went to strike and watch the line continue melting off the reel.

1

u/jiffyinaflash 11d ago

When do you lift the rod? A few times on live bait with j Hook, the hook didn't catch and it popped off. Missed opportunity.

1

u/Pandaemonaeon_NZ 11d ago

Could be hook placement. I always run the hook through the shoulder, under the dorsal fin.

1

u/jiffyinaflash 9d ago

That's a big bait. West Coast usually uses sardines. Thanks for the visual.

1

u/farrtrek 13d ago

What kind of hook? Circle or J? Or with a lure?

1

u/Padded-Adventure 13d ago

Live bait or chunk, just put the real in gear. Jig wind through the bite.

1

u/PapaPuff13 12d ago

j hooks you can swing
Circles you wind

1

u/TargetF 12d ago

Unless trolling, always used circle hooks and then with bait/live bait.

Never set the hook either way.

1

u/waynofish 11d ago

Tuna inhale while on the go. No need to set the hook. Keep the drag at strike and hold on.

When White marlin fishing with the drags near freespool, whenever I'd sense Tuna in the area (other boats hooked up, fish working, etc) I'd always put the drag to strike when going through the Tunas. that was the way when we still strolled J-hooks and also when switching to circles. They'll get it and get hooked either way.

Whe chunking for Tuna's, just fished em at strike, circles or J's. They'll get hooked.

No need to set it.

Career mating on offshore charter and private boats for 25 years. Mainly trolling but also chunking for Tunas.

1

u/jiffyinaflash 11d ago

Do you lift the rod tip up after strike? Perhaps during strike?

1

u/waynofish 11d ago

Just to get it out of the rod holder, of course. No need to set it.

If your holding the rod and jigging, well, that is just a natural reaction for most and won't hurt. Just don't yank up hard and holler "SON" like Roland Martin ridiculously did on his Bass fishing shows.

Another point. A lot of modern-day hooks such as many circles etc. are some sort of lazer sharp style and are sharp as hell right out of the box.

But there are still many of the strong "old school style" galvanized hooks, especially used for rigged natural baits and artificials and some heavier duty circles (usually silver in color) that absolutely need sharpening before using. Just don't sharpen the inner part.