Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Blistering runs, never jumps. Counts only where tuna count. Great sashimi either way.
50–180 lbweight in the game
160+ lbtrophy size
0/10jumps
10/10speed
How it fights
The yellowfin tuna stays down and slugs it out, makes blistering runs. Heavier line lands it more often, but fish see thick line and bite less.
Best lures
Small Live Bait, Plug Head, Feather Jig.
Counts at the weigh-in
Cape Cod Giant Tuna Shootout.
Tackle
Line: 50 lb test handles a top-end yellowfin tuna of 180 lb. Go lighter for more bites when the fish run small.
Depth: match your depth to the light: shallow when it’s dim, deep at bright midday.
Trophies: fish over 160 lb are rare. They turn up more for anglers with stronger stats and on the bigger lures.
Every lure, ranked
- Small Live Bait — likes it
- Plug Head — likes it
- Feather Jig — likes it
- Eyeball Head — will take it
- Small Skirt — will take it
- Fluorescent Head — will take it
- Large Live Bait — will take it
- Large Skirt — rarely bothers
Fight tips
- Runs: let the early runs go on a light drag; pumping against a fresh, running fish snaps line.
- Sounding: when it dives, lean back and pump steadily. It comes up when it tires.
- Face it: keep the fighting chair pointed at the fish. Its stamina is huge — expect a long fight.
