Tuna jigging is a technique of catching tuna using a specific type of lure called a jig. Jigs are made of metal and mimic prey fish. Jigging involves sinking the jig to the ocean floor and reeling it in with jerky motions to mimic an injured prey fish. This technique is cleaner and more selective than bait fishing and allows for greater control and distance in casting. Experienced anglers can learn by watching others and should keep their lines from getting tangled. Fighting a tuna involves pointing the rod in the direction of the fish and keeping the line taut. Landing a big tuna can take a few minutes or several hours.
Tuna jigging is a technique of catching tuna with a specific type of lure known as a jig. Jigs are made of long, thin pieces of metal resembling a prey fish. A shiny or diamond-shaped jig will sparkle in the water and attract the attention of fish. Special rods and reels are also available for tuna jigging which are lighter than most boat rods and reels and allow for greater accuracy in casting.
The term “jigging” also refers to the style of retrieve used by anglers. The jig will be able to sink deeply, almost to the bottom of the ocean floor, to attract the bigger tuna that stay well below the surface. Once the proper depth is reached, the angler begins reeling in the jig in a series of jerky motions.
This erratic motion fools the tuna into thinking the jig is an injured or panicked prey fish. They will chase the jig as it swims erratically on the surface. The chances of catching tuna with artificial lure are much better than with bait.
While many tuna are caught successfully with baited hooks, professional and experienced anglers enjoy the challenge and extra control of tuna jigging. With a jig rod and reel, you can cast a greater distance and be more selective about where the jig will land. Jig fishing is also cleaner as there is no need to keep baiting a hook.
The best way to learn how to jig for tuna is to watch an experienced tuna jigging fisherman. His rod tip will bow and dance as the jig is reeled in. If a tuna grabs the bait, the attraction is unmistakable. Don’t give in to the instinct to retreat immediately. We recommend waiting about five seconds before setting the hook.
When fighting a tuna, the rod should be pointed in the direction the fish is headed. The drag on the reel should be set to keep the line taut, but not so tight that it snaps if the fish casts or jumps. You should coil up any slack line to prevent it from snagging on rocks, posts or other obstacles.
If there are others fishing on the boat, steps should be taken to keep your lines from getting tangled. Catching a big tuna involves following it as it swims. The chase will often see the fisherman or fisherwoman clambering all around the boat. Landing a big jigged tuna can take a few minutes or several hours, but fans say the process makes each fish exciting to catch.
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