How to FLYLINE for Bluefin Tuna Fishing [FULL BREAKDOWN]

In this video we do a full breakdown on how to flyline for bluefin tuna. From line, knots, hooks, rigging live bait, and more, hopefully this video can fully equip you to catch your first bluefin tuna!
Huge thank you to Anthony for sharing his expertise. Also huge thanks to my friends Kris and Alan for taking time out of their busy schedules to help make this video happen. I am beyond grateful for your behind the scenes help and support. Thank you.
Sav-On Tackle
9917 Orr and Day Rd
Santa Fe Springs, 90670
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Please note that this video is NOT sponsored by Sav On Tackle, this is simply a shop I support and have a positive relationship with.
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00:00 - Introduction
00:54 - Choosing your line
02:22 - Soft vs Stiff line
04:48 - Recommended Connection Knot
05:51 - Choosing your hooks
09:47 - How to tie the San Diego Jam Knot
11:03 - Nose Hook vs Belly Hook explained
11:47 - How to nose hook your bait
12:29 - How to belly hook your bait
13:48 - Tips for getting bit
16:08 - Do you set the hook??
#bluefintuna #bluefintunafishing #benjiekimfishing

[@bryan34wable]

It’s easy to visualize hook size if you think of it as a number scale. 0 being center line so: -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0

[@Max-kl7qh]

I was just at SavOn to prep for my first 3day trip. Funny I came across this video. Staff was so knowledgeable and helpful in sorting out the setup I need to target BFT.

[@therealtruth2324]

If any one cares, the San Diego Jam knot is absolutely amazing. Just keep practicing it. I hit a triple digit tuna and the knot held through a 30 minute flight. Tight lines 🤙🏼.

[@jamesdubela4605]

Good information! I fish for BT in New England waters and am often puzzled why we never broaden our horizons by looking at techniques from other regions.

[@besearchingforwisdom6267]

I'm learning to not squeeze the brains out of the bait, I even had one start swimming... it was crazy. Ok, it was more of a fluttering spasm, but he was moving! Lol!

[@Tametheelephant]

These videos are so helpful!

[@arisespeleta9194]

Great informative video. Lots of topics covered

[@joshuakinkead9755]

Absolutely amazing job guys! Strong work

[@SolheimVikings]

Can’t thank you enough for covering these topics!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you brotha, the goal is to always help. I always learn so much along the way myself.

[@jlperez1234]

Great video thank you!!

[@williambregon7914]

You guys are awesome! Covered all the right subjects and great explanations.

[@fishphenixrods]

one of my favorite couples, Great Video😁

[@lv702huntingfishing4]

Great video! Guys 😎🤙🏼

[@danielbermudez1235]

Shout out to “Sav on tackle” it is my favorite spot to get my gear 🤙

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Heck yea Daniel, Sav On is legit man!

[@dewaynemeyer2404]

Grate Grate information thanks

[@gregburlile1757]

Love these types of videos you’ve been doing, really helpful for someone getting back into saltwater fishing after being out of it for 15+ years

[@tomcali494]

I love it the way to show how to do so Keep post more clip Thank you so much for sharing experience about fishing

[@desert8285]

I've been out a lot and he speaks wisdom..and every time I go I learn something new.

[@mixanguyen3068]

These are great techniques! Thanks guys! Best time to stop by the shop?

[@fieshyfish]

These videos are amazing, as ive said before these are some of the best tackle tips on youtube, for the west coast fishery. Most videos put out are either for other fisheries that dont target fish that fight half as hard as our west coast fish, and a lot of the west coast tackle videos are affiliated with certain brands so their recommendations are limited, and not the best. This series is really great, keep it up.

[@laxgrufor]

Wonderful video! You should charter a boat and do some seminar and tuna fishing! I love to be on that boat!!!

[@minh7170]

Thanks for all the info! Taking 📝

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you always for your positivity and support Minh! Can't wait to share the rail with you later this year!

[@hellomcfly2438]

Thanks Anthony ,Benji great info really helpful 🐟

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate the positive vibes brotha! Hopefully vids like this can be helpful, especially those who are wanting to get out there for the first time.

[@BryanTimm]

These are awesome benji!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Truly means a lot coming from you Bryan thank you. Now if we can find some of those tailing beans lol!

[@RanchReviews]

Great video - thank you

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate the positive vibes, thank you!

[@sanramonjoe]

I'm preparing (maybe over-preparing) for my 1st tuna trip. Your videos have been VERY helpful!!! Since I'm coming from NorCal, I wish Save-On Tackle had an online presence. I'm sure I can find things online via Amazon, etc but as always I like to support local shops. THANK YOU!!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Joe, thank you so much for the kind words and I'm stoked you found these videos helpful. I made these exactly for folks like you who are trying to gear up and learn for the first time. Tight lines out there, when is your trip and what boat are you going on?

[@sanramonjoe]

@@BenjieKimFishing Hi, Finding a boat is my issue, along with the right time. All my picks/suggestions are full or leave early in the week. I live in the SF Bay area and have fished out of Emeryville (pretty much the same boat) for years. The other issue, where you & Anthony have really helped, is having everything ready. Sav-On Tackle doesn't take online orders or I would just order, pay, and pick up. Their prices are competitive and since I have to spend the $$$$, I want to support the store as much as possible. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks again and keep the videos coming!

[@jacoblarson2782]

Awesome vid

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Greatly appreciated Jacob, thank you!

[@twopassionsfishing386]

Great job friend 👍

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much!

[@victor_clark]

Can't wait for that sinker rig vid!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Victor, I'm working on it and will get it out as soon as I can!

[@victor_clark]

@@BenjieKimFishing I love this bluefin series!

[@djnguyen8751]

Awesome video for someone new who will be going out on a boat for the 2nd time. I wish I had this type of instructions and advice my first time out.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Awesome, thanks for the comment. That is why we make these videos, we just want to be helpful for anyone that might be newer to the game. Tight lines out there, at the end of the day experience is our greatest teacher so while I hope you kill it on your second time, I also hope you learn a lot as well!

[@qball8437]

AYE east coast!!! Wsup brother.....good to see u... Q

[@willflip2479]

Awesome vids!! Keep it up sir🙏🏻

[@williamhartsell6390]

Braid to fluro. I had good success with daiwa fluro. 30 and 40lb.

[@TripFishingMyLife]

Great info.. 👍

[@michaelniemiec5235]

Good stuff

[@jnim1000]

Came across this video and notice Anthony. I was like I know that guy from SAVON LOL

[@socaloutdoors7355]

Great vid. New sub!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Greatly appreciate it, thank you!

[@willpak4775]

Awesome vid. I have my 1st trip planned 08/20 on the tribute out of SD. Learning everything I can till that day.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Man I can't wait to hear your report from that trip, definitely the right boat to be on. I believe you said that's a 1.5 day correct? Let's cross our fingers and hope the weather cooperates!

[@willpak4775]

@@BenjieKimFishing yea 1.5

[@mosin9105]

Thanks

[@MrOrangefuse]

Thanks!

[@snipergene]

Great video! I'll be ready to go out for BFT when your series is complete!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Eugene, man would LOVE to have the chance to share the rail with you this year! You've got your gear, can't wait for you to tug on that first tuna!

[@snipergene]

@@BenjieKimFishing Definitely in September if not sooner!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@snipergene I hope you can make my charter in September, I’ll be releasing the sign up for that soon. Apologies on taking so long to get that up!

[@addicted2fishing119]

What’s up Benjie ‼️ I was like number 295 let’s go 5 more

[@ham5765]

hwaiting!

[@beansan11]

Thank you, let’s do this!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Will you be getting out there this season!

[@beansan11]

@@BenjieKimFishing yeah June 12th with you lol

[@SkateSurfSnowFly]

Who uses a snap swivel tied to a mono top shot? Then have flouro leaders with loops crimped to go from trolling a lure to live bait rigs?

[@OMOLMentoringinc]

I'm coming in oct 2-7 to jump on a half/full day boat, can you recommend ? Need a casting conventional reel I'm stuck at 10-15 cast

[@imten8]

Man what great info! Wish I saw this a 2 weeks ago. Just got off a 2.5 day landed 18/30 with so many break offs all on fly line.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Wow, that's a lot of hookups and all things considered you did fantastic. Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@saltygeorge1855]

I used 50lb braid to 50lb mono to 60lb flouro. It was a real challenge to bring in the 100lb bluefin I caught 😀

[@Seastheday88]

We’ll explained Anthony and Bennie🙌

[@01DaveFer]

Recommend line for 100lb-150lb tuna? And 50-100lb?

[@Ill23]

What kind of reel was the grey and orange lever drag?

[@chazbickel4518]

How many feet of floro/mono do you need to add to the braid? A rods length or ?? Learning every day. Thanks Benji!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Chaz, a rods length is about what I do, just before the connection hits the spool. Some folks put on quite a bit more and in my opinion, its really dealers choice. Appreciate the comment and positive vibes!

[@fieshyfish]

If you have access to a lot of floro put the entire spool. After I catch a fish, I toss the hook and retie another, this prevents bent hooks and lost fish. If you have a short topshot you are going to have around a foot left by the end of the trip.

[@chazbickel4518]

Thanks!

[@gutshotaz2805]

Please release fast, going in a week, need to learn as much as possible 🤣

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha, I'll do my best! The next one will be significantly shorter but these edits take quite a bit of time. Regardless, wishing you an amazing trip and hopefully the boat finds the fish!!

[@gutshotaz2805]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thank you Benjie!

[@gutshotaz2805]

@@BenjieKimFishing Caught my first tuna on a popper, over the weekend! About 100lb.

[@mikeyc340]

Great info! Headed out next month...this will be my second trip. My first trip I rented a rod and reel, was constantly in a rats nest and watched the other guys on the boat catch fish. I'd like to buy my own rod and reel, what combo would you suggest? Keep in mind I live in a mountain state and make it to the ocean every few years so I don't need a top of the line rod or reel. I would prefer a spinning rod/reel but interested in your opinion. Thanks!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Mikey, in my honest opinion if you're only going once every few years, a rental rod/reel is perfectly viable and very affordable. The gear you get nowadays is oftentimes close to top of the line gear...better than my setup at home haha. For a conventional rod/reel, I'd recommend a Penn Fathom 25 or 30 paired with a Phenix Axis...that's probably close to $500 total out the door but I think most would agree that this is an extremely affordable option compared to more expensive rods/reels. Not so sure when it comes to spinning setups on boats but would definitely look at a reel in the 5000 size at a minimum, def bigger for tuna...maybe take a look at the Daiwa Saltist or Shimano Saragosa. I just did a quick google search and I see a Saragosa rod/reel combo on bass pro shop for under $350. Not sure how good that setup is, but I'm guessing it'll get the job done in most cases. Hope that helps.

[@mikeyc340]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thank you for the reply…yes I was leaning towards the Saragossa combo if I go with the spinning, but I will check out the Fathom and Axis. After your comment I try renting one more time as well. Thanks for taking time out to answer

[@williamhartsell6390]

No 2 owner circle

[@BrandensOutdoorChannel]

🤟

[@EarlJuarez530]

What length should your rod be?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

There’s no hard and fast rule but I think 7’6” might be a good sweet spot. I use up to an 8’, not as much leverage but longer also helps to navigate a crowded boat when fighting a fish. Jig sticks are a different story, usually 9’ to 10’ for casting distance.

[@evanherrera5948]

Would u say u have to be pretty strong to fight one? Can a kid catch one? Or teen?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Evan, it all boils down to technique. For someone new or newer to fighting these fish (like me), it can be pretty darn exhausting. A kid with little to no experience, or even teen can absolutely catch one but might need some help.

[@benkihada]

Remember, always ask for help from deckhands. Good boats have best deckhands.

[@chanceninh]

still waiting on the benjie kim fishing backpack to drop

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha oh man, this year has been a juggling act so to be honest, not sure that I'm gonna get to that. But that's such a great idea!

[@pepperjack-ue7dc]

It seems like his not quite done explaining the hooks, and when to use those ring hooks? you transition quick on how to hook a live sardine.

[@diversionfishing9071]

It’s all preference. Im a big fan of Mustad 1/0 ringed Demon circle hooks. Give it a try

[@pepperjack-ue7dc]

@@diversionfishing9071My questions are? Why do I need to use ring hooks? What are the benefits and advantages of ring hooks? When and where do i need to use ring hooks?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey there, thanks for great questions and feedback. As Diversion mentioned, it really boils down to personal preference. I don't believe there's a hard and fast rule where you HAVE to use ringed hooks in any particular context. When and where to use ringed hook? These are live bait hooks so fly lining sardines/anchovies/mackerel when fishing offshore or islands when fish are feeding up high would be the best time to use them. While I can't speak to whether they are scientifically better for enticing bites and landing fish, in my opinion, it certainly doesn't hurt to use them. Benefits and advantages - In theory allows for your bait to move more freely/naturally in the water. Having the ring could also put less stress on the hook itself so it may do a better job of keeping hooks from straightening out or creating holes in the fishes mouth during the fight (helping to prevent pulled hooks). Again, my opinion is that's dealers choice/personal preference. I hope that helps.

[@pepperjack-ue7dc]

@@BenjieKimFishing THanks Benjie for taking time and effort for answering my questions.

[@tjon316]

Hi Pepper jack, The ringed hooks are a little more expensive, but allow for more freedom of movement when flylining a live bait, whether you nose hook, collar, or butt hook. How you like to fish and what your habits are may determine if you have better luck with J hooks or circles. I like fishing J hooks for tuna because they can hit so fast that I miss the set with a circle hook, and I'm used to fishing single speed hooks. I'm going to talk to Benjie and Anthony about making a whole video dedicated to line and hooks. For most of the sardine sizes available in San Diego, #2 up to #2/0 can cover you up to 150lb bluefin. If you find a big healthy mackerel in the tank, a #5/0 will work well. Good luck out there, Kris (Benjie's friend/camera man/audio guy)

[@Imjoshuabailey]

Always making me want to buy expensive gear 😭🤣

[@globalbossevent7284]

Step 1: spend a few thousand on tackle. Step 2: only use 1% of it.

[@user-lz9cs5yw7o]

their is nothing wrong with supporting your local tackle shop as long as their not supporting frivilous bullshit.

[@AlexGonzalez-od9ki]

Fluro or mono is preference what's the key keep changing your bait every 45 seconds

[@Richard-pq9nn]

Thank you Benji and Anthony Anthony is very nice very kind and Knowledgeable. Go 'Save on Tackle' Find and Ask Anthony, he Know everything. Awesome video Benji. Thanks Anthony "You are the BEST"