Tuna Chunking Seminar with FishTalk's Lenny Rudow

If you want to learn the basics of how to chunk for tuna along the mid-Atlantic coast, check out this video we shot of Angler-in-Chief Lenny Rudow, giving a tuna chunking seminar to fishermen at Alltackle in Annapolis this summer.
You can also check out our seminars on Light Tackle Jigging in the Chesapeake, Part I: www.youtube.co...
and Part II: www.youtube.co... and or see our Offshore Fishing playlist: • Offshore Fishing
FishTalk Magazine and FishTalkMag.com are dedicated to bringing Mid-Atlantic anglers the straight scoop on fishing techniques, tactics, hotspots, and gear. We cover all kinds of fishing, from freshwater lakes to bluewater ocean canyons, in the Mid-Atlantic region.

[@boatsbda]

Lenny, your squid trick was incredible. I tried it in Bermuda on Argus Bank this summer. It the first line first to get hit on the day within a minute by 60lbs yellowfin. The next drift the squid got hit within 30seconds, 75lbs. Missed a few more hits on it and pulled one more in 90lbs on a later drift. 2 others were on chunk using the chunking method, 35lbs and 70lbs. Used it again since and landed a few blackfin and rainbow runners. This video is the first video I’ve ever commented on KZbin. You’re a legend for this video mate!

[@FishTalkMagazine]

Hey Trevor - so glad it worked for ya!!! But heck, a 60, 75, and a 90? Dang, you're making me very jealous!!! Seriously tho, nice work.

[@leandrewwilliams554]

I saw an episode of Reel fishing upstream today. you were on the show. lots of good info put out Thanks

[@MK-ox2sw]

Great info on this seminar!!! Thanks for sharing! How do you determine hook size for this fishery? Is there a size/make/model you suggest?

[@FishTalkMagazine]

It does depend on the size of the fish you're targeting (IE have there been lots of 35-pound yellowfin around, or is the bite on 150-pound bluefin?) but generally speaking, and 8/0 to 10/0 circle hook will be the choice. Brand is a matter of personal preference as much as anything, but i personally do like the Gamakatsu Big Eye.

[@MK-ox2sw]

I appreciate the response! We def agree on our choice of tackle!!!

[@DirtyHdG]

Braid straight to leader? Mono top shot? Swivels? Good info here, thank you.

[@FishTalkMagazine]

Personal opinion to some degree, but I go with 25' wind-on. That gives you enough stretch when the fish is close to absorb a surge. I know guys who are good who add one of the tiny Spro swivels that they say you can wind through guides, but I find them both troublesome and unnecessary. Just be sure your baits aren't spinning!

[@punishthewicked5845]

Wind on leader

[@toddeberspacher5085]

How about leader length?

[@FishTalkMagazine]

Hey Todd - four feet is about average; just make sure not to have it too long to lift the fish to the surface when it's gaffing time without having to high-stick (a real danger when you have a swivel in the connection and put on a long leader).

[@andyvnrn]

Which model Trevala rod is that ? Is the xxh too much rod for this application ?

[@FishTalkMagazine]

Hey Andy - that's the TVC58XH rated for 80 - 200 lb line, MF tip. While we wouldn't say the XXH is "too much" (since personal preference matters and some people just like a stouter rod) the XH is capable of putting out an amazing amount of pressure and unless you're regularly targeting really huge tunas (say, 200+ pounds) to many anglers, the XXH is going to be overkill.

[@AdmiralGlascock]

What size and make of circle hook please

[@FishTalkMagazine]

Hey Fred - there are plenty of good ones out there and everyone has their fav, but I like the Mustad Demon Perfect in 10/0.

[@punishthewicked5845]

Expose the point of your hook use bait needle to feed fluorocarbon through deheaded and tailless cut bait butterfish or whole squid

[@tunatales4309]

What type of Shimano rod is that

[@FishTalkMagazine]

That's a TVC58XH Trevalla.

[@allanjurgens7699]

what size TORSA do you have on that rod

[@FishTalkMagazine]

That's a Torsa 16.

[@allanjurgens7699]

Thanks, that was fast

[@endgamefishing1558]

What size rod was that shimano rod?

[@FishTalkMagazine]

That's a TVC-58XH, rated extra-heavy/medium fast. It has some age on it though, I'm not sure they still make it in the same exact form/model.

[@endgamefishing1558]

@@FishTalkMagazine I just bought the 6’6” heavy so hopefully that works

[@endgamefishing1558]

@@FishTalkMagazine I just got the 6’6” heavy so I hope that works

[@FishTalkMagazine]

@@endgamefishing1558 They are amazing rods, I'd bet you'll love it!!

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Soon as he said that it would handle an tuna in the ocean I caught a 124 inch dressed 880 off Saguin iland so no that won't kill 1/4 of the fish out there ,sorry hard truth

[@FishTalkMagazine]

Congrats on your big catch Maine Arch, thanks for commenting and I agree completely, an 880 would be quite a longshot to say the least!!! That's why I said "just about" before saying "any tuna." Here in the Mid-Atlantic, the area FishTalk covers, we see a mix of yellowfin, bluefin, plus some bigeye and longfin, 90% under the 200 mark and 99% under the 300 mark. (Excepting the late winter/early spring run of big bluefin off the Carolina coast, which does include some bigger fish but is mostly a trolling/jigging bite). So encountering fish you can't handle while chunking with this gear doesn't happen very often at all.