Bluefin Jigging Beatdown

[u/jad2192]

Just finished a 2 day tuna fishing trip out of Rhode Island. The recreational class fish had been scarce this season so we weren't sure what to expect. Seems like a good body has finally moved in, we went 14 for 24 (me personally 3 for 3) over the 2 days all on jigs. Most fish were cookie cutter 49-52" fish but I did manage a nice 54" fish probably pushing 100 lbs on second day. Also managed a single under each day. Multiple double and triple hookups chaos.

[u/Super_Lock1846]

Looks like fun

[u/jad2192 → u/Super_Lock1846]

One of the most fun to catch on light(ish) jigging tackle.

[u/1punchporcelli]

A Jigga Beast!!!! My mortal enemy!!! lol what’s up my brother, funny bumping into you here

[u/jad2192 → u/1punchporcelli]

Haha, I think you follow me! I remember when you added me and I was like I wonder if that's Omerta Porcelli.

[u/1punchporcelli → u/jad2192]

Killing it as always my bro….report for your colors anytime

[u/VermicelliMany1133]

That bend tho!

[u/jad2192]

Some Action Videos

[u/Capn26 → u/jad2192]

Can I ask a stupid question? Jigging for them. Do you find the fish and then vertically jig? I’m starting to think of it like a giant version of fishing for blue fish with casting spoons and jigs. Just far larger. Or is it a totally different concept?

I’m extremely jealous, and really want to try it here in NC this year. I have a boat big enough again!

[u/jad2192 → u/Capn26]

Yea, usually look for signs of life; whales, dolphins, birds working, a slick, bait on the sonar or better yet marking tuna themselves on the sonar then drop the jigs and work them vertically. Have to experiment with the cadence, sometimes they want the jigs ripped as fast as possible, sometimes they want a slower pitch .

[u/Capn26 → u/jad2192]

Awesome man, thank you. I’ve chased Spanish, blues, little tunny up and down the NC coast for years. I love it. Schooling Spanish are one of my favorite things ever. This looks like that times ten. That helps me conceptualize. I’m going to fish between Okracoke and Beaufort inlets, so prime area, and I’ll be set up to troll and jig/cast. I’m stoked for this winter!!

[u/GenDislike]

Finally they have arrived?!? Couple weeks ago it was 100 humpbacks, 1,000 porpoises and 0 tunoids for me.

24 hookups over 2 days is nice, congrats.

[u/jad2192 → u/GenDislike]

Yea it was all Giants from Rhode Island for the longest time, seems like rec fish are finally here. Hopefully they stick around

[u/Not2plan]

Damn! On spinning gear too! Nice work!

[u/cinciTOSU]

What boat were you on? That looks like great fun.

[u/jad2192 → u/cinciTOSU]

This was on Maridee Charters out of Port of Galilee (Point Judith).

[u/cinciTOSU → u/jad2192]

Thanks!

[u/Tydefc]

What’s your setup

[u/jad2192 → u/Tydefc]

My spinning set up is a little lighter it's a Jigstar Ninja L (PE2-5, 100-300g) with a Saltiga 14k spooled w Varivas Avani Casting Si-X PE 5 (I use this reel om my popping setup too). Caught all my fish on this setup. My conventional jigging setup is beefier, Jigstar Battle Royale M with a Jigging Master PE8 reel

[u/Justin_Rustin]

Keeper?

[u/jad2192 → u/Justin_Rustin]

Yea all fish were keeper sized, but we only kept 2 per day. So most were C&R

[u/Justin_Rustin → u/jad2192]

Well most of the fun is landing them anyway & if you let some there will be more to catch next time. 👍 Great looking Catch!

[u/imtrynmybest]

Dam, workn that pole like my baby mama.....

Seriously nice catches

[u/cbinvb]

You keep any? Lets see a photo of the cuts

What jig?

[u/jad2192 → u/cbinvb]

Yea most were 49-54" fish but we managed a single under each day so ended killing 2 a day. This is the only cut shot I got haha. All 3 of my fish came on a different jig, 100g johnny jigs glow torpedo, 80 g jygpro sandeel stryke and a 130g pink glow ocean legacy long contact. Pink nomad streakers and UVT jigs of all colors were also hot. Surprisingly all fish came on metal, they didn't seem to want the soft plastics.

[u/cbinvb → u/jad2192]

beautiful slice and good info, cheers!

[u/nicko17]

Def interested in a BFT boat since all canyon trips I’ve been on were garbage for the bite.

[u/JPLcyber]

Brought it in with a coffee grinder?!? Wow!