Chunking tuna setup advice

[AndyS]

I guess I could sell you my tuna outfit, send you a PM

[2na]

Look for a 7' 40-80lb class rod. It should have a long (12" min.) butt and a long (10" min.) fore grip. The 7' length is nice to have when the fish makes a run under the boat and you need to "follow" it under to keep your line off the keel. The long butt grip is also nice to have during this same scenario. In party boat tuna fishing, the rail is your friend. This is where the long fore grip comes into play. You lay the fore grip on the rail (fulcrum) to advantage the angler during the fight.
THAT SAID: I've yet to find this exact rod on a retail (non-custom) shelf. That's kinda what led ME into custom rod building. I couldn't buy what I wanted so I learned to do it myself. Soooo, if you're not interested in a rod building addiction, just try to find something similar. You'll probably have to compromise on the butt or fore grip.
As far as a reel goes...Shimano TLD 30 2 speed. Loaded with 60lb mono. Good starting point.

[Offshoreafflicted]

I worked as a mate on a local party boat for years and If this is your first trip I would suggest renting a rod and reel. et a lay of the land and make sure you like it before investing in a rod and reel. If you love it, you can invest in a nice rod and reel.

When you are selecting a rod and reel keep in mind that tuna fishing from a party boat is very different than fishing on a private boat or 6 man charters. You have more lines in the water, you are higher off the water and the vessel cannot maneuver to chase your fish. It is entirely up to the angler (and the mate) to keep your line free of tangles, prevent the line from rubbing on the hull and making quick moves over under over other lines and if necessary the anchor line. That being said you want a longer rod and heavier line for fishing on a party boat than what you would normally use. My suggestion would be a rod of 7 feet in length paired with a reel that can handle 60-80lb mono. I used a 6/0 Senator very effectively, but if the budget allows a lever drag reel is definitely worth the investment. The longer rod helps keep the line off the hull and lets you get the rod tip down in the water if the fish goes under the boat, it also makes it easier to pass it under the pulpit and get the tip up over the heads of another angler coming down the rail.

My favorite set up for party boat tuna is a 7ft gator Glass rod made by Kevin Bogan paired with a Penn International 30 spooled with 60lb mono. I can use it to chunk and it can sling a jig a mile (underhand). It is a great all-around rod for party boat tuna and if the big boys show up in the slick it is capable of putting them on deck.

If you plan on using braid, make sure you check with the captain before you spend the money. Some boats do not allow it. Drop-in on Kevin Bogan and he has never steered me wrong.

[bunker dunker]

4/0 senator wide spool on a 6-6" 30-50lb rated rod spooled up with 50lb test.
this set up has caught tuna for decades.not allot of money,easy to operate and can be used for cod,shark and other fishes if you find tuna is not your thing.i have all the new stuff but still like jigging my tuna with the 4/0.

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by bunker dunker

4/0 senator wide spool on a 6-6" 30-50lb rated rod spooled up with 50lb test.
this set up has caught tuna for decades.not allot of money,easy to operate and can be used for cod,shark and other fishes if you find tuna is not your thing.i have all the new stuff but still like jigging my tuna with the 4/0.

TOO small.Party boat not private.Even private i would go bigger.

[Jigman13]

I'd got with offshoreafflicted's advice. Rent or borrow a set up. If you like it, save more money, up your budget and invest in a quality set up. If you're dropping $600+ per trip I would not go offshore without a set up built to maximize effectiveness and durability. Look towards shimano and penn. Tiagra, talica, internationals. Gotta pay to play.

[joy luck]

Hi Capt. Ed,

I fish the Voyager for tuna annually and they won't steer you wrong. Don't be afraid to let the mates know you're a newbie and they're always helpful. Rental might be the way to go before you invest a lot, but the chunking setup I use is right around your budget. I have a 6'8" fish poison rod from bogan with a 30vsw penn squall spooled with 60lb mono.

[CaptEd]

Originally Posted by joy luck

Hi Capt. Ed,

I fish the Voyager for tuna annually and they won't steer you wrong. Don't be afraid to let the mates know you're a newbie and they're always helpful. Rental might be the way to go before you invest a lot, but the chunking setup I use is right around your budget. I have a 6'8" fish poison rod from bogan with a 30vsw penn squall spooled with 60lb mono.

Voyager is best in the business. Better than first class

[togzilla]

I’ve been tuna party boat fishing since 1994 and I think the best advice I can give you is go with a rental rod. The Voyager is my favorite boat and there rental equipment is perfectly fine. The tuna chunk bite for yellowfin/longfin has not been very good (overall)in the past few years so before you lay out $500 for a new set that may never even experience a bite go with the rental for your first time. If you really enjoy it and plan on going again stop by and see Kevin Bogan and he will set you up with the right rod. There were many good suggestions on reels by others so I am not going to comment other than make sure you’re buying a reel capable of holding at least 350-400yard of mono. You can also go smaller on the reel size and use braid with at least a 100 yards of mono top shot but make sure that reel has enough drag to handle the 100lb tuna or occasional large sword. Make sure you base your rod and reel decision on party boat tuna chunking as this requires different tackle than private boat chunking.
The first chunking trip I did in 1994 on a party boat I landed 5 yellowfin and the next day I went out and dropped $800 on a new set up and was hook for life. That’s back when the cost was $180 including tip! Good luck.

[John D.]

Surprised not to see an additional mention for the penn 16vsx. The 2 speed lever drag reel is perfect for chunking....lighter and smaller than a 30 but with more stronger and better drag. It’s a beast.