Tuna Fishing On a Budget

[Meat Hunter]

Looking at doing one or two tuna trips a year, don't want to put up a lot just to do that many trips.

Any thoughts on chunking rods, best bang for the buck? Ugly Sticks maybe?

Can I get away with a Squall 40 lever drag for bait fishing?

Any thoughts on a jigging setup?

Thanks guys.

Meat Hunter

[billfish16]

Budget reel that has been doing the job for decades is the Penn 6/0 Senator 114h. New around $130, used from $50.

Budget rod-Tsumani.

[Pennsy Guy]

Don't know your location but it's always safe to go to one of your Shore Tackle stores--Sponsor especially. I would suggest braid backing with 150-200 yds mono top shot(60-80#)--depending on reel capacity... Squall 40 probably OK for jigging--don't really need that much top shot as deepest jigging would be around 100-150'. I'd go with a Senator 115 for the chunk-you'll feed a lot more line out & then get a run-off. I was almost spooled twice with a 115w & 18-20# drag...just sayin.....get advise on the rod and please don't chintz on the line-it's the only thing between you and the tuna!!!!!
Have fun out there and we'll be waiting for your report--Tight lines...

[Jigman13]

For the amount of money it costs to target tuna offshore I think it's a worthy investment to acquire gear that'll help you land fish confidently. Cutting corners on cost may bite you in the rear end once out in the deep blue yonder. Additionally, mid to high level/priced gear with last a lifetime if cared for appropriately. Internationals, tiagras and talicas are worth the expense... As are the smaller jigging reels. Some fisheries are worth cutting corners but I don't think offshore pelagics are ideal for corner-cutting. And def don't skimp on the line!!!

[CancunPete]

Meat Hunter ...stop in at Atlantic Bait and Tackle....I will rent you a rod that will do the trick on your Tuna. If you like it , you can apply it towards a purchase ....Does not get any better than that...Pete....Give me a call at 732-787-2248.......

[billfish16]

Originally Posted by CancunPete

Meat Hunter ...stop in at Atlantic Bait and Tackle....I will rent you a rod that will do the trick on your Tuna. If you like it , you can apply it towards a purchase ....Does not get any better than that...Pete....Give me a call at 732-787-2248.......

Awesome Pete! Problem solved. It does NOT get any better than that!!!!

[Pennsy Guy]

Originally Posted by CancunPete

Meat Hunter ...stop in at Atlantic Bait and Tackle....I will rent you a rod that will do the trick on your Tuna. If you like it , you can apply it towards a purchase ....Does not get any better than that...Pete....Give me a call at 732-787-2248.......

Times 2

[BugEye Chris]

If it doesn't work out shoot me a pm if I am not fishing the same day I can lend out a chunking rod and a jigging rid

[Meat Hunter]

Thanks!!! I'll stop by the Atlantic for sure......

And thanks for the offer of the loaner rod.....


Meat Hunter

[RATS]

Just this week saw the rods Pete is talking about at his shop, nice setups.