Learning the Basics of Tuna Fishing

 If you already love to fish or you think fishing is a hobby worth exploring in greater depth, consider making tuna fishing your next big angling challenge. Yes, there may be an initial financial outlay as your spring for tuna fishing gear – that is, if you are not otherwise equipped for catching the big ones. And you may have to learn a few tuna fishing techniques if your angling experience has been heretofore limited to casting off the beach. But overall, if you have any fishing experience whatsoever, it’s a lot of fun to get out on the water and pretend you’re the newest member of the Wicked Tuna cast.

But where to begin… When it comes to reeling in tuna as a beginner, our Gloucester fishing gurus have a few recommendations to get you started.

Try a tuna fishing charter. A charter fishing outing is probably the cheapest way to dive into the world of tuna fishing, as it lets you experience the thrill of the catch without having to invest in a lot of tuna fishing gear you may not use again. Plus, when you go out on the water with an expert, you can pick up all kinds of tuna fishing techniques while you’re actually fishing – as opposed to learning the sport by the book.

Know your tuna fishing gear. The first step may just be putting your credit card away because you need to research before you buy. Eventually, you’ll be investing in lures, rods, bait, and other specific equipment like Shimano reels, but you shouldn’t do any of that until you know what type of tuna you’re going after and where you’ll be fishing. On a budget? Then do yourself a favor and set a spending cap before hitting Checkout.

Know your tuna. Tuna fishing techniques change depending on what type of tuna you’re going after, so know whether you’re fishing for bluefin, yellowfin, longfin, bigeye, skipjack, or little tunny. Every type of tuna is going to require a different technique (not to mention different baits) so don’t risk reading up on the wrong kind of fish.

Map your territory. Where are you going to live out your Wicked Tuna dreams, anyway? First, decide where you’ll be fishing, then dig deeper. What’s the temperature of the water at this point in the year? How about the depth? Ask locals where the tuna fish can usually be found – and when the best times of day for reeling them in are.

Consult the experts. That crusty old guy selling you your squid, butterfish, or sardines may have some amazing tuna fishing tips and tricks up his sleeve, but you won’t know until you ask. Likewise, there are thousands of amazing tuna hunters online on message boards who’d be more than willing to answer your tuna fishing questions – but only if you ask. Find the experts, then put your questions out there. Everyone was a newb once, so don’t let your inexperience stop you from getting answers.

The long and the short of it is that tuna fishing is a lot more fun – and more rewarding – when you know what you’re doing and you’re doing things right. The time and effort you spending preparing to catch the big tuna will pay off in the end. Happy fishing!