Tuna Magnet ?

[Mike Avery]

Just curious, is this junk? Anyone running one of these?

http://www.fishermansoutfitter.com/images/product/medium/TUNMAG.jpg

http://www.fishermansoutfitter.com/pc-93-29-tuna-magnet.aspx
Tuna Magnet Description
The tuna magnet is a computer controlled device that actually attracts tuna to you. It's a proven fact that specific sounds attract fish. The tuna magnet is an easy device to use, and it works on all species of tuna, just hook it up to your boat battery, place the transducer in the water and the device is automatically activated. The tuna magnet emitts a rich tone, while acoustically vibrating the water in a 360 degree pattern and can be heard a minimum of 1 mile under water. The rocking motion of the ocean further activates additional circuitry and breaks up the tone by adding an intermittent harmonic. This easy to use tuna magnet should be caged, or it will be eaten. The sound is heard by tuna as an invitation to a slow moving wounded meal. Than means a greater selection of tuna caught. The transducer is tossed over board, or can be mounted within the bottom of the boat. Specifications: Input Voltage: 12 volts; Output frequency: Low,(company private); Current drain operating:~650 mA; Output Type: Pulse train(intermittent); Sound Level: 18.5 watts @ 12 volts; Amp gain: 46 db audio

[lmontagnaj]

Nope... Never used it.....;)

It seems to take all the fun out of finding them on your own to me...:eek:

I'll stick to my lo-tech spreader bars and teasers....:cool: :eek: :cool:

[DAWGONIT]

Always read about them, & have seen other advertisements for other species as well; however not in my arsenal.

[capt. jakeg]

I could understand how that would work in something perfectly quiet like a boat thats already shut down, but I don't understand how that little thing is going to overbear the sound put out by my diesel motors. If you had to stop the boat to use the thing, wouldn't you already have to know where the fish are? I think I'd try it, but it would have to be really inexpensive that way if it didnt seem to work, I would just feel like an idiot instead of feeling like a broke idiot.

[Russ D]

Alot of us sharkers use them for makos. I guess it's hard to tell if they actually work but I guess they don't hurt either. It seems to me it would bemore effective if the motors where off like when you're chumming.

[tolmaz]

I've seen them in catalogs, and wondered myself. Never tried it though

[TommyTuna]

The shark boyz swear by the Mako magnet, but i haven't tried either. Like Jake, if one fell into my lap i try, but for $360, i'd want more positive feedback

[Mike Avery]

I was thinking more of it's use for tuna chunking....to least get the tuna to your chunks. But before I would plunk down this much coin, I would need more evidence it worked. I hope to get into tuna chunking next season. I agree with Jake, I can't image it working while trolling, even for 4 stroke engines.

I also saw an ad for an audio CD of a recording of slightly out of synch diesel engines (for us outboard folks). The idea was to mount powerful speakers with base somewhere along your hull base to emulate the sound of diesel engines.

[Bill Fisher]

Caught plenty of Tuna with good ole' Bob Marley cranked up. It's a fact that tuna like the bass, we had them hitting the flat lines on a day when charter couldn't buy a bite.

Bill

[Reel Draggin Tackle]

The frequency may be out of the spectrum dominated by diesel or gas engines (10 to 600Hz). The lower the frequency, the further the sound will travel in water. However, noise from engines and propellers also dominate this spectrum. Looking at the specs, I would like to know the frequency output. Its a simple task to activate it and measure the frequency output and source level with a spectrum analyzer. In the Spec they say 42dB, however they do not state the reference.
Consider that the general ambient noise of the ocean does not get to 42dB until you get to frequencies above 10kHz (its louder below 10kHz) then the frequency outupt is probably greater than 10K, at that point you have to consider high frequency absorption which can be substantual at these frequencies. With the limited technical information available, I would suggest that the transmission range is probably a bit optomistic.
Its an interesting subject, I have seen these units but never really looked over the technical data. I think I will look into these units a bit further. We all spend a lot on this sport, and if something works, it may be worth the expense if it gives you the edge.