Southern Australia has recently witnessed an impressive surge in the presence of southern bluefin tuna, presenting an exciting opportunity for seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. This abundance of bluefin tuna, ranging from school-sized fish to barrels, has stretched across the coastlines of South Australia, western Victoria, and Tasmania, with the promise of soon reaching the eager East Coast fishermen.
For those looking to venture into bluefin tuna fishing for the first time, navigating the array of gear options can be overwhelming. The key lies in understanding the essentials, ensuring that the chosen tackle can withstand the intense battles that these high-speed, resilient fish often put up.
When targeting the more commonly found school-sized bluefin, which typically fall within the 10-35kg range, it's crucial to avoid some common pitfalls. First and foremost, having an insufficient amount of line on the reel can prove detrimental. Additionally, using tackle that lacks the necessary stopping power or is of inferior quality will only lead to disappointment. An optimal trolling outfit for these smaller bluefin usually entails a reel capable of holding 250 to 500m of 10-24kg mono or braid. A well-suited spinning or overhead reel, such as the TLD 25 or Saragosa 8000 to 10000, paired with a 10-24kg rod featuring a medium to fast taper, should suffice. While rollers on the rod may not be necessary for this size of fish, a roller tip can be beneficial.
Choosing between spooling up with braid or mono is a matter of personal preference. However, starting with high-visibility mono can simplify lure setting and prevent entanglements, while its slight stretch can reduce the likelihood of hooks being dislodged during the fight. spinning tackle, known for its ease of use, lightweight nature, and reliability, is gradually gaining favour over overheads for smaller to medium-sized bluefin. Nonetheless, there are no strict rules, and both options are viable.
A medium spin outfit serves as a versatile tool for bluefin fishing, serving well for both trolling and casting endeavours. Low-resistance trolling lures, such as small skirts, narrow-bib hard-bodies, or bib-less minnows, with minimal drag, can be effectively employed even with relatively light gear at higher speeds. Inclusion of a lighter, castable setup in the fishing arsenal is also prudent, especially for situations where topwaters or metals are necessary for surface bust-ups. A 5000 or 6000-sized spinning, spooled with 10-15kg braid on a 6-15kg rod measuring around 6' 6" to 7' or longer, is an excellent choice for this purpose.
For those seeking an added thrill, experimenting with 4-6 kilo gear on bluefin can deliver an exhilarating experience. Opting for quality tackle, such as a 7ft rod paired with a 4000-sized reel and 5-8kg braid, can provide a memorable challenge. However, it's worth noting that once bluefin surpass the 25kg mark, they become formidable opponents, putting both tackle and anglers to the test.
When it comes to tackling the massive barrel-sized bluefin, which have been particularly abundant this year, specialised gear designed to handle these robust behemoths is essential. One of the primary concerns when facing these giants is ensuring sufficient line capacity to prevent the reel from getting emptied. Countless prized catches have been lost due to inadequate line capacity, underscoring the significance of selecting the right reel. Overhead gear is typically favoured in this scenario, as it allows anglers to secure themselves and apply their body weight during the prolonged fights. Moreover, the increased leverage can make a substantial difference in these demanding encounters.
Many enthusiasts pursuing these large bluefin opt for a minimum of 24kg line, with 37kg being a common choice. Reels like the Talica 50 or Tiagra 30, 50, or 80, when paired with an appropriately matched rod, serve as reliable starting points. While it's feasible to land massive bluefin using a Tiagra 30 spooled with 24kg line, it's prudent to opt for a 50w or larger reel with 24kg or 37kg for added security. These immense fish can push your gear, technique, and physical strength to their limits, making any additional security measures worthwhile.
This year, it's highly likely that you'll come across numerous accounts of barrel-sized tuna being caught using spinning gear. As witnessed recently with a 100-kilo plus bluefin being brought boatside using a Stella 30000 on a jigging rod, it's clear that these setups are capable of handling the strain. However, the absence of a harness can certainly put significant strain on one's arms and back, underscoring the physical demands of the sport.
Whether you're pursuing big or small bluefin, ensuring a secure leader setup is crucial. Wind-on leaders are commonly used for this purpose, although attaching a length of heavy leader with your preferred joining knot suffices for lighter tackle.
As you set out to tackle these magnificent fish, remember to consult the knowledgeable staff at your nearest tackle store if you have any doubts about your approach. May the waters bring you luck in your pursuit of these prized southern bluefin tuna!