Non-Fly My tuna jigging setup(s)

[Evan B]

Been asked by a few folks what I use for jigging tuna. I have stated a few times that it's my favorite way to fish for them on my boat, specifically on stops or when we spot jumpers/feeding activity.

I'll also tag in @Tuna Ball as he's the guy who first turned me onto this back in I think 2019.

The main setup:

• Shimano Trevala M action rod (I think they're 6'6", but they only come in one length)
• Shimano Spheros Reels (I have a couple setups with a Saragosa reel as well)
• My baitcaster setup uses a GoMexus jigging reel.
• Line is typically 30lb Power Pro Metered (helps a bit when doing drops to get an approximation of how deep you're going down).

Jigs:

• Coltsniper: I typically get the "knock-offs" made by FishWOW! on Amazon. I go through enough of them that it makes it more do-able for me. I usually take the crappy treble hook off and put Butterfly assist hooks on - still experimenting with tail hooks or nose hooks. both seem to work fine on this style.
• Mustad Zippy: Excellent alternative to the Coltsniper. Much like the Coltsniper, it's very versatile and can be cast a long ways and retreived horizontally, or run as a vertical presentation.
• Mustad Daggerman: More suited to deep/vertical presentations. Gets down fast.

Mustad Zippy with my GoMexus reel




"Knock-off" Coltsnipers

 

[PhilR]

Possible dumb question, but how do you go through jigs? Are they hitting so hard that they break off, or are they getting chewed up, or something else? Sounds like one of those good problems to have, either way.

 

[Brute]

Try putting an unweighted large curly tail two feet above the jig...I know someone who was doing an ahi tagging project in Hawaii and used this setup jigging tunas on the FAD bouys...nearly half of his hookups were on the curly tail...

 

[Evan B]

Possible dumb question, but how do you go through jigs? Are they hitting so hard that they break off, or are they getting chewed up, or something else? Sounds like one of those good problems to have, either way.

You do lose a few, yeah. As much as you test your knots and keep things fresh, things happen. I also tend to grab coltsnipers when I'm on the bottomfish reefs as well, so that eats a few.

I did forget to mention the connection of the main line to the leader. I use 30lb fluorocarbon as my leader, about 4-5' of it. I use a Crazy Alberto knot to connect the main line to the leader. Some, like @Tuna Ball prefer the FG - something I don't have the patience for.