7' rod for party boat tuna

[rvr2c]

I'll be fishing on the head boats for tuna for the first time, I fished on my own boat with 6 1/2 Ft rods, but Sandy took the boat.

I researched and see some guys like 6 or 6 1/2 rods, does 7' make a difference.
Thanks in advance.

[Garone Custom Rods]

Originally Posted by rvr2c

I'll be fishing on the head boats for tuna for the first time, I fished on my own boat with 6 1/2 Ft rods, but Sandy took the boat.

I researched and see some guys like 6 or 6 1/2 rods, does 7' make a difference.
Thanks in advance.

For chunking off party boats I prefer 7'. I use the rail so the extra length doesn't make it harder on me. I like the extra length because it allows you to keep the line further away from the hull of the boat if the fish goes under the boat or if it is in its death circle. It also allows you to move the fish a little further with each pump of the rod.

There are a lot of guys out on the west coast who are using the rail to catch monster 300+ pound yellowfin and they are mostly using 6'6"-7'3" rods.

I have several models in lengths from 5'5" to 7'3" for tuna that will fit a variety of budgets and also personal preferences starting @ $300 fully customized to you.

[italianfisherman]

Originally Posted by rvr2c

I'll be fishing on the head boats for tuna for the first time, I fished on my own boat with 6 1/2 Ft rods, but Sandy took the boat.

I researched and see some guys like 6 or 6 1/2 rods, does 7' make a difference.
Thanks in advance.

stay with the 6' rods..

[njboarder]

I'm with Mike. If you are PB fishing for tuna, 7 or even a couple of inches longer is helpful to clear the hull, which is a major reason for lost fish on PB.
I started out with 6' Calstar and moved up to 7' UC viper and find the extra length really helpful.
As far as longer rods giving better leverage to fish, it doesn't matter as I rail the rod and crank away and it's game over.
I say go with 7" blank, Fuji HB guides, and a rail friendly foregrip and you'd be all set.
I'm sure Mike can set you up with that very nicely.

[Kevin Bogan]

RVR,7' has been the popular length on our party boats since the late 80's, and hasn't changed. You can build a killer chunk/jig stick out of eglass for around $200. I build Calstar graphiters for $300 range if you want to employ graphite.
Many party boat deckhands like them longer 7'6" and 8'. They get more motion in the jig, helps to keep the line away from the boat, and there are fewer pulled hooks. These rods start at $225 +. The 7' I think is the best call.

[rvr2c]

Thanks for the replies, Kevin, I have a rod that you made for me for an Avet LX for trolling several years ago, love it, but Sandy took that too.

I'm looking for a rod that will match up with an Okuma Makaira 30ll SEA, from what I've read on the party boats 30 & 50's are a go.

Hope to see you guys at the Somerset show.

[Garone Custom Rods]

Originally Posted by rvr2c

Thanks for the replies, Kevin, I have a rod that you made for me for an Avet LX for trolling several years ago, love it, but Sandy took that too.

I'm looking for a rod that will match up with an Okuma Makaira 30ll SEA, from what I've read on the party boats 30 & 50's are a go.

Hope to see you guys at the Somerset show.

I really like the Makaira SEa's, looking to add one or two to my personal arsenal. If you havent purchased the reel yet I would go with the 20 (a narrow version of the 30). It is in between the size of most 30's and 50's and has a narrower spool which I really like because it is easier to level the line and is more stable when cranking. When I save up and get the 20 I am going to have it spooled with the new Seaguar Threadlock hollow core 130# with about 100 yards of 100# mono topshot.