Tackle Tip Thursday Vol 215 (Landing Large Tuna on 30# Outfit)

Looking for ways to outwit those finicky tuna?
For this Tackle Tip Thursday, Steve Carson from PENN Reels has tips for gear that will maximize your chance when tuna don't want to bite your other set-ups. Check out this helpful video from Steve and get ready for tuna time!
Look for Steve at the PENN booth at upcoming sportfishing shows, such as the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival at the OC Fairgrounds March 2-5, 2023.
Steve showcases the following PENN gear:
Reels: PENN Fathom FTHII15LD2 [on the rod], and the slightly larger PENN Fathom FTHII15XNLD2 in his hand.
Rod: PENN Carnage III "West Coast" CARWCIII1540C80, and 8 foot conventional rod rated for 15-40 pound line.

[@daveclarke8252]

I had a 77lb BFT on my Avet MX with 30lb Izorline topshot. I saw the entire boat several times before gaffing.

[@sirhookuupdaily9726]

Best on 30# was a 55lb albacore tuna that took me down to two wraps left on the spool of my spinning reel. It won me the jackpot that trip out of Morro Bay back about 30 yrs ago. Brought back a great memory! Thanks!

[@dcfishingforlife]

I can't wait to get out this year!! Fish hard boy's 🤙

[@tunanorth]

Feel free to post follow-up questions!

[@therealtruth2324]

Great Video 👍🏼

[@robertslegers257]

Great video Steve! I like to use my Jigmaster Jr. with straight 20 LB. Then watch it blow up after 5 minutes on a 70 Lb. bluefin.

[@tunanorth]

Ha-Ha, I caught my first-ever bluefin on a 501 Jigmaster Jr., with straight 12-pound mono, and it blew up after the fish was landed, but that was in 1967.

[@aka_the_sac6725]

Great video I use braid to fluorocarbon but may have to change that.

[@bobworthier7999]

Would it be better to use a 30lb leader on a heavier outfit (60-80lb for example) instead of using a true 30lb outfit? With the larger rig you’ll have more line capacity

[@tunanorth]

Several drawbacks: most notably the heavier braid and much heavier spool of the larger reel will restrict the bait's swimming ability. Heavier rod makes it more likely that the relatively small hook will pull out. Also, the heavier rod won't flex much, which is part of the key in tiring the fish out with the fairly light drag.

[@socalfishincrew5410]

Is a Penn fathom 15 really capable of that they seem to have low drag max 20? And if your flylining you would probably only get about 17 on sunset without locking out the spool.

[@tunanorth]

Correct. In general, you will set the Strike Drag at 8 lbs, and Full at 10 lbs., which allows you to go to 14-15 at Sunset if necessary, which is the absolute highest you would ever go with 30 lb. line.

[@socalfishincrew5410]

I have a Penn fathom 40nld2 For dropper loop and knife jigs a fathom 25 for flyline and now I’m thinking of getting a fathom 15xnld2. What line would be best to have on my fathom 25nld2 I currently have 350 yards of 50 pound braid with maybe a 30 yard mono top shot. Do you think 65 would be better I ideally want to be able to fish my fathom for tuna 50-110 pound range on the flyline. The 25 couples with the 15xnld2 for 20-70 pounders would cover pretty much everything flyline related leaving only my Tranx 300 for dorado and small yellowtail. So what line do you think is best for both my fathom 15 and 25 and what they are capable of. Thanks man

[@tunanorth]

I generally like my braid to be one "level" heavier than my topshot.

[@TheFoundationsOfTheSpirit]

Has anyone tried PENN REGIMENT II Popping sin 2.45 50g-100g ? I want to fish small tunas with it

[@joeshmoe3949]

No j hook?

[@tunanorth]

J-hook is fine for yellowtail, but for species like tuna and dorado that have teeth, the circle hook settles in the corner of the mouth and [usually] avoids the teeth.

[@jaycarmichael435]

He's sponsored by PEN that's why hes talking PEN reels, Is Ann rods