VA tuna baits

[ggendell]

Do I have to have spreader bars and Daisy chains, or can I just troll naked hoos and still catch tuna off VB. Also, how far do you guys think the tuna will be off VB this Saturday?

[Persistence2]

the only thing you need is to fish where the fish are...and hope it's one of those days where all they want is a naked.

As for Va beach now, I think 70 mile minimum run (one way) but it could be much further.

Glenn

[Persistence2]

Sorry, wasn't trying to be a smart-a$$ even though it could look that way.

What you "need" out there is so wide open really and changes from capt to capt.. You could easily troll 8 single baits and do very, very well. I would add some sea witches to give your baits some color/movement and yes, keep a couple nakeds out there too. I do think you'd find your spread to be more effective in these waters with 2 or 3 Squid Spreader bars and stack the ballyhoo baits around them. Many times, our Tunas are really focused on squid and the bars will really get them going...so I'd say go get a couple. The Reel Draggin Tackle guys have them for like 40 bucks each and you can pull them from your flats or riggers no problem (they are lightwieght, 6-9" squid bars).

When you ask about what "looks good" out there it is the large temp break sitting on the 100 to the 50 fathom line. This will push in the good water, bait, fish, life etc...and it can be very, very good. Especially when the breaks form up in Spring and Fall and the temp changes are very pronounced. In Summer, it's more of a hit and miss game with Tunas but you can chase Marlin and Mahi then so there is always something to do.

Go get em'

Glenn

[Mike Avery]

Just fall in behind Glenn's boat, he will tease them up, then you just hook them up.

Just kidding....only thing I will add is at times you may be in the right area, the fish and bait may be there but they are not willing to rise to the surface for your baits. You may have to put something below the surface. There are several ways to do this including inline weights, planers, downriggers, etc. I've even thrown on a stretch and caught fish.

[Skipjack/VA]

spreader bars can work, but sure are a pain to set out. I havent really increased my total catch by any means after 15 years and then using spreader bar spreads in the last two or three years. I try different things and see what happens. I have several bars for the ready. Good luck.

[Persistence2]

Chad,

I do think those large squid bars have been the ticket to get the fish up close to your boat...Seems to me we did not get many "up close bites" as we did after putting the big bars off the gunnels. Just my observation.

I got bites on spreaders every trip I went on last year...

Anyway, maybe soon we'll go test some more theories.

Glenn

[ggendell]

Thanks for all the info!!!!

[bluetuna757]

My suggestion would be to try pulling a big green bird with a daisy chain of small green squid followed by a green machine. Try sportinggooods.net, this is where I bought mine.

[bluetuna757]

My suggestion would be to try pulling a big green bird with a daisy chain of small green squid followed by a green machine. Try sportinggooods.net, this is where I bought mine. w w w fishermansoutfitters com