Tuna fishing advice

[Gremlin2009]

Plan on my very first tuna trip next year. I have two questions. First would I be better off on a six pack or head boat ? My other question is should I buy a new or used set up ? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[Skolmann]

Personally, I prefer going on a 6-pack trip on a reputable boat (especially for tuna).

As far as buying new or used, ask yourself how often are you actually going to go tuna fishing. If you’re only going to go once a year than ask yourself is it worth the invest in buying new gear.

I recently bought myself a chunking setup and a jigging setup. Both are new but also decided to go with more economical (yet quality) setups as opposed to top end. I only anticipate making any most 3 tuna trips a year. So the $$ I saved on the setups can now be applied to paying for the cost of the trips.

Just my opinion.

[Jigman13]

First would I be better off on a six pack or head boat ? My other question is should I buy a new or used set up ?

1st question--you'll get varying answers here. 6-packs start earlier, trolling, jigging, etc. Party boats dont really go out until the chunk bite picks up late summer/early fall. Two very different types of fishing. Depending on what you are looking to learn will help dictate what you decide. Personally, I prefer the private boat but that's only bc I've never done party boat tuna fishing lol.

2nd question--you'll also get varying answers here, too. Tuna fishing is expensive. I'm a gear/tackle whore so I buy the best I can afford. I've also been doing it 25 years and LOVE it so I'm spending on a passion, and getting the value out of my gear. Charters provide gear--typically mid to top level quality like Penn, Shimano and Okuma (Makairas specifically). I'm not certain you get that quality with a party boat rental but someone else can speak to that I'm sure. However, if you opt to go on a party boat, I'd buy new. If investing the money to go offshore and try something new, I'd prefer to be equipped with something that hasnt been used by others. I'm just a HUGE pain in the ass when it comes to that. I'd also invest in something you can reasonably afford--both rod and reel. If you dont like the experience, you can sell the outfit quickly at a minimal loss. To me, thats worth the overall investment--having peace of mind and confidence in your gear regardless of liking the experience or not...

[Fishermancraig]

Especially for your very first Tuna trip. I suggest a 6 pack. It's more intimate, they hold your hands, the instructions are direct. You also are more likely to actually land your fish. The level of instruction is something you probably prefer initially.

But if you prefer to try to do everything on your own and learn everything the hard way, then go on a head boat.

I initially started with 6 packs on the fall chunk, then after a couple of trips wanted the challenge of trying to land my own personal Tuna on the head boats. It's definitely alot more challenging. I pretty much exclusively fish on head boats now since I enjoy the challenge. But consider that there is alot more variability in landing your own fish on a head boat given how many more passengers there are to tangle with you.

As previously mentioned, also consider the fishing season. Most 6 packs early in the season target the troll, which i find immensely boring (but still some skills to learn from that). Generally the head boats focus on the fall chunk. So if you start in June or July for Tuna, it will likely be on a 6 pack and largely trolling.

By Sept/Oct, it will be the chunk on either boat type (which is more entertaining for me). So ask yourself which type of fishing you might prefer.

Another option which i why i usually go on head boats, is i thoroughly enjoy the 2-3 day Tuna and tile trips.

[AndyS]

1st trip I would definitely go with a head boat. If you want to feel like a dot in a huge ocean go 6 pack. Head boats are nice and roomy, less expensive, plenty of people to talk to and learn from. You feel a safer platform for fishing.
You may enjoy the had boats so much that you may never feel the need to go an a charter boat. I've seen the canyon waters go from calm to a twisted turmoil of white water in a matter of just a few hours, food for thought.
I would possibly consider a charter for a trolling trip in July or August.

[Pennsy Guy]

During summer months 6-packs are on the troll--tuna eat plastic then, real bait in the fall with exceptions, of course. Much earlier in life I mated on a private boat---troll, troll, troll(with exceptions). Trolling: hours of boredom punctuated by minutes of frantic activity. Personally, i dislike dragging plastic.. Now, I'm a party boat guy, exclusively, chunking. It's more you against the fish.
Question #2: I'd use rental gear for the first trip--boat gear has landed some big, big tuna with no trouble and had tons of coaching from mates and anglers. Captains want you to catch with their gear, you'll probably be back. My first tuna was on a rental, next trip i had my own and then expanded as my knowledge grew.
Question #1: All responses are valid but i feel "hands on" experience is much better than being told, yes, it's important-if you can remember it all in the heat of the battle. Plus, how much you want to spend for the trip might come into play... My thoughts...
Oh, went on the private boat after my PB tuna experience...

[Ol Pedro]

Q#1, there are advantages to both options. 6 pacs have a longer season, they generally supply everything. They also get to the grounds/home sooner. They do well trolling. But they are more weather dependent. October can be stormy keeping the smaller boats in port during the peak of the chunk bite. The price can be prohibitive.
Head boats offer a more stable fishing platform, they have more room, they can stay out longer, anchor up in deeper water, I think that they do better chunking as they can chum in volume, and I would rather be on a big boat at night. Pricing is more affordable. Fishing with people like Chuck and Shorts year after year is an added bonus.
Q#2, 6 pacs supply gear as a rule. You can rent gear on head boats. Don't spend money until your sure if you like it. If you do decide to buy get stuff that you can multi purpose. Used tackle is fine as long as you know what you need and what you are looking at. The winter fishing tackle flea markets are a good source of quality tackle.
As far as crew's are concerned most are good. You have to be good to still be around. Please feel free to pm me with any questions.

[Blind Archer]

No need to go Overboard on tackle if you're not planning on a lot of trips. I landed many yellow fins to 70# and bluefin to 200 # on a Shimano 50 -80 # stand up rod (about $60) and a penn 6/0 senator($125) spooled with 80# mono. I replaced the drag with smoothies and it pulls off nicely. New a little north of $200. Used ..probably much less. This would be a chunking outfit.

[CODCHALY]

Head Boat:::::Rent Equipment.
You may never return, OR become Addicted !!!

[Pennsy Guy]

Head Boat:::::Rent Equipment.
You may never return, OR become Addicted !!!

I'll drink to that...hic, hic :D

[Pennsy Guy]

Q#1, there are advantages to both options. 6 pacs have a longer season, they generally supply everything. They also get to the grounds/home sooner. They do well trolling. But they are more weather dependent. October can be stormy keeping the smaller boats in port during the peak of the chunk bite. The price can be prohibitive.
Head boats offer a more stable fishing platform, they have more room, they can stay out longer, anchor up in deeper water, I think that they do better chunking as they can chum in volume, and I would rather be on a big boat at night. Pricing is more affordable. Fishing with people like Chuck and Shorts year after year is an added bonus.
Q#2, 6 pacs supply gear as a rule. You can rent gear on head boats. Don't spend money until your sure if you like it. If you do decide to buy get stuff that you can multi purpose. Used tackle is fine as long as you know what you need and what you are looking at. The winter fishing tackle flea markets are a good source of quality tackle.
As far as crew's are concerned most are good. You have to be good to still be around. Please feel free to pm me with any questions.

^^^^^^^ 100%

[capt74]

Great, advise Pete.

[2na]

I prefer a hands on experience that I didn’t feel I got on a six pack. Like Chuck said, the 6 pack crew decides what type of plastic to pull and where to put it and you just sit and wait for a bite.
The party boat platform allows you to try different things. When we’re on The Gambler, everyone works together to put tuna in the boat. Part of the fun for me is helping a first-timer get his/her first hookup. It’s a feeling that is hard to forget and is often addictive. We enjoy sharing our passion (makes us feel a little less silly sometimes).

SHORTS

[Meat Hunter]

Don't buy stand up gear for a 6 pack boat if you're going to be doing party boat fishing. Use the rail to your advantage on a party boat.

Meat Hunter

[Ol Pedro]

Head Boat:::::Rent Equipment.
You may never return, OR become Addicted !!!

My first Tuna fix was when I was 11. Spent my paper route money to get a ticket on the New Seaforth (head boat) out of San Diego. Got two Albacore (Longfin) and a Jack Mackerel. 56 years later and I'm still addicted. The rush that I get when I have a runoff is better than any drug.

[Pennsy Guy]

My first Tuna fix was when I was 11. Spent my paper route money to get a ticket on the New Seaforth (head boat) out of San Diego. Got two Albacore (Longfin) and a Jack Mackerel. 56 years later and I'm still addicted. The rush that I get when I have a runoff is better than any drug.

Pete, when that line takes off and you get sprayed in the face by water coming off the reel---that is a drug :):):) Then you're living!!!;)
Gremlin, sorry for the hi-jack but when addicted, couldn't help it...

[PortlyRedhead]

Plan on my very first tuna trip next year. I have two questions. First would I be better off on a six pack or head boat ? My other question is should I buy a new or used set up ? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Invest your 2023 fishing budget in experience over gear.
Book your first tuna trip on a 6 passenger 24 hour trip during which you can pepper the crew with 1000 questions, let the mate handle all
of your tackle needs, and experience offshore fishing for what it is.

If you like it, grab a fall party boat tuna trip and experience 15 hours at the rail, a coffee pot, and a sleeping bag. Borrow a rod and reel from the boat or a fellow NJFishing member. Spend less than $100 on hooks, flourocarbon, etc.

Now if you REALLY like it, invest in your own tuna rod and reel for your 2024 season and join these die hards in the canyon.

[CODCHALY]

My first two TUNA trips were six-pack Charter. My BEST, for the next 50 years
were on Party Boats. I've caught Tuna on my 17' WHALER. But way more
Comfortable and more fun on Boats like The GAMBLER. I use same Equipment either way. The Fish don't know the difference. U can take WAY more Equipment on a Head Boat.
The Water on Tuna Grounds gets BIG, RIDE a BIGGER BOAT !!!

[2na]

Grem, Tell you what...if you can get away during the week and decide to try a party boat, book a 36hr trip on The Gambler. I'll gladly bring you a fun setup to use. Their canyon schedule comes out in March. PM me.

SHORTS

[capt74]

SHORTS WILL YOU BRING ONE FOR ME TO !

[Ol Pedro]

Grem, Tell you what...if you can get away during the week and decide to try a party boat, book a 36hr trip on The Gambler. I'll gladly bring you a fun setup to use. Their canyon schedule comes out in March. PM me.

SHORTS

Grem, It will be the best possible experience you could have. Shorts and Chuck are two of the best bait fishermen that I know. I couldn't think of two better teachers. Just do what they do and listen to their advice. Please pm me if you decide to jump on one of the Gambler Friday 24's . You can use my favorite chunking stick.

[2na]

SHORTS WILL YOU BRING ONE FOR ME TO !

Whatever you need, Tonk

[Gremlin2009]

Thank you to everyone for their advice. Great fully appreciated