Deep dropping is another method
for catching large bluefin tuna. The tactic involves drifting a
rigged bait along areas known to hold large bluefin tuna.
Throughout much of their summer range, large bluefin
congregate to feed on concentrations of bait on humps, hills and
ridges of the 20 to 30 fathom lines. Once located, large bluefin
tuna may continue to be caught by deep dropping for several
weeks at a time.
This method works when the fish are holding
tight on structure and feeding on small hake, squid, other baits
that are found along the ocean floor.
It also works well in combination with a shark line or an angler
jigging for tuna. The technique is similar to boats that
slow troll baits deep in
the the same areas.
Tackle is surprisingly simple for this type of
fishing. Bait varies, and anglers report success with a variety
of baits such as butterfish, whole squid, ballyhoo, and other
small baits. A 50-80 lb class outfit is preferred and braided
line can be a big asset in reaching the bottom. A simple 6-12
foot leader armed with a circle hook seems to work well.
The
lighter lines used for surface chunking are actually not
required at these depths, which makes the fishing a little more
consistent in terms of boating hooked fish. The bait is fed out
about 50-75 feet, then a 10-30 oz sinker is added on the line
with a rubber band. The rig is then lowered to the bottom, and
cranked back up about 10-20 feet. Keeping the bait near the
bottom seems to be the key, which warrants selecting the correct
amount of weight to match the drift conditions.
Fishing for Bluefin Tuna
Fishing for Yellowfin Tuna
Fishing Techniques
