Yellowfin tuna are attracted to sub-surface lures, particularly sinking stickbaits, as they are more effective and avoid surface birds snatching. Tuna feed in the upper three meters of the water column, where they use the surface as an edge to trap baitfish. Seth Hartwick, a seasoned tuna fishing instructor, shares his knowledge on casting lures, angling techniques, terminal tackle, and ideal rod and reel setups in a fishing video.
Tuna Fishing - Sub Surface Lures for Yellowfin
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Instructor:
Seth Hartwick
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Table Summary:
- Lure Importance: Sub-surface lures, especially in the 60-120 gram range, are pivotal for attracting yellowfin tuna.
- Global Tuna Fisherman: Introduction to Seth Hartwick, his preference for quality lures, and his passion for yellowfin and bluefin tuna.
- Sinking Stickbait: Essential for targeting yellowfin tuna that feed within the top 3-5 meters of water.
- Lure Selection: Seth's preferred lures within the 60-120 gram range, covering various brands, sizes, and price points.
- Rigging and Terminal Tackle: Emphasis on pairing the right-sized tuna hooks and split rings for optimal lure performance.
- Quality Assurance: The necessity of quality in your lures, regardless of price.
- Gear Discussion: Details on the fishing reels, rods, lines, knots, and tools Seth Hartwick recommends.
Subsurface lures are particularly effective for yellowfin tuna fishing due to several key reasons that align with the tuna's natural hunting behaviors and environmental conditions. Firstly, yellowfin tuna are known to hunt at various depths, often targeting prey that is not on the surface. Subsurface lures, designed to operate below the water's surface, can mimic the movement and appearance of the tuna's natural prey, such as smaller fish or squid, in their typical habitat. This realism in the lure's action and presentation makes it more likely to trigger the predatory instincts of the tuna.
These lures allow for broad versatility in fishing tactics. They can be used in different water conditions and depths, making them ideal for reaching the areas where yellowfin tuna are actively feeding. Whether it’s clear or murky water, calm or choppy seas, subsurface lures can be adjusted in terms of their diving depth and retrieval speed to match the prevalent conditions.
The design of subsurface lures often includes features that create vibrations and sound, which are known to attract yellowfin tuna. These lures can produce a disturbance underwater that mimics the vibrations of a distressed or moving prey, tapping into the tuna's acute sense of hearing and ability to detect movement through their lateral line.
Moreover, the physical robustness of subsurface lures means they can withstand the powerful strikes and aggressive fighting behavior typical of yellowfin tuna, making them a reliable tool for anglers. They can endure the high-speed runs and the deep dives that these tuna are known for, reducing the likelihood of losing a fish due to lure failure.
These lures allow for broad versatility in fishing tactics. They can be used in different water conditions and depths, making them ideal for reaching the areas where yellowfin tuna are actively feeding. Whether it’s clear or murky water, calm or choppy seas, subsurface lures can be adjusted in terms of their diving depth and retrieval speed to match the prevalent conditions.
The design of subsurface lures often includes features that create vibrations and sound, which are known to attract yellowfin tuna. These lures can produce a disturbance underwater that mimics the vibrations of a distressed or moving prey, tapping into the tuna's acute sense of hearing and ability to detect movement through their lateral line.
Moreover, the physical robustness of subsurface lures means they can withstand the powerful strikes and aggressive fighting behavior typical of yellowfin tuna, making them a reliable tool for anglers. They can endure the high-speed runs and the deep dives that these tuna are known for, reducing the likelihood of losing a fish due to lure failure.
Crush Yellowfin Tuna With Lures
Sub-surface Lures for Yellowfin Tuna: A Guide to Maximizing Strikes
Sub-surface lures for yellowfin tuna are essential items in your tackle kit. Quality lures in the 60-120 gram range can yield more strikes than any other lure in your arsenal. Understanding what to look for in a lure, how to rig it, how to pair them with the right tackle, and why specific lure designs are crucial can make the difference between huge success and mediocrity.
Meet Seth Hartwick: The Global Tuna Fisherman
Seth Hartwick is a global tuna fisherman who travels the world every year in pursuit of big tuna. Yellowfin and bluefin are his passion, and casting lures to them is what motivates him. A self-proclaimed tackle diva, Seth only fishes with lures and tackle that can withstand the beating big tuna inflict upon gear. His rigs are precise yet simple, achieved by testing countless lures, rods, reels, terminal tackle, line, and leaders. This fishing video offers a finely distilled stream of knowledge from his experiences.
The Importance of Sinking Stickbait
Yellowfin tuna tend to feed within the top three to five meters of the water column, making the sinking stickbait a must-have sub-surface lure. Tuna trap and feast on baitfish pushed to the surface. Even when yellowfin tuna are in full boil, sinking stickbaits will still get hit. A challenge of this surface action is oceanic birds, which can ruin a day of lure fishing. Knowing which lures best avoid these pesky birds is valuable.
The Ideal Lures in the 60-120 Gram Range
In this In The Spread tuna fishing video, Seth discusses specific lures he prefers in the 60-120 gram range. Several different lure brands, sizes, and prices are presented, providing a firm idea of where to start. You will learn about where to place your casts, angling technique, and the importance of lure build quality.
Rigging and Terminal Tackle
The discussion also covers the terminal tackle in Seth's rigs and why pairing the right sized tuna hooks and split rings is crucial for a lure's swimming ability. The topic of tuna hooks is a hot one. We will show you the hook sizes used for different lure sizes and how to properly position them on lures. The benefits of using single hooks on bigger fish for fish safety is also discussed.
Quality is Key
Not every lure you fish has to meet Seth's standard, but the one underlying principle you must adhere to is quality. You can find good quality tuna lures at both ends of the price spectrum. Sinking stickbaits are a great way to catch tuna, so go with a quality thru build.
Fishing Reels, Rods, Lines, Knots, and Tools
No discussion of tuna lures with Seth Hartwick would be complete without thorough coverage of the fishing reels, rods, lines, knots, and tools that make for productive fishing. You will learn about the exact reels Seth prefers and the size and action of the rods he matches them with.
Whether you are an accomplished angler or new to the game, there is plenty of information to chew on. Never be satisfied with what you know. Keep learning and expanding your tuna fishing knowledge base.
Why are sub-surface lures essential for yellowfin tuna?
Sub-surface lures, especially those in the 60-120 gram range, can attract more yellowfin tuna strikes than other types of lures. They are effective because yellowfin tuna feed within the top few meters of water.
Who is Seth Hartwick?
Seth Hartwick is a renowned global tuna fisherman known for his passion for yellowfin and bluefin tuna. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge about fishing gear and techniques, which he shares in his videos.
What is the significance of sinking stickbait?
Sinking stickbaits are crucial for targeting yellowfin tuna as they feed within the top 3-5 meters of the water column. These lures are effective even when there's a lot of surface action.
How important is quality when selecting a lure?
Quality is paramount. While not every lure has to meet the high standards set by experts like Seth, it's essential to ensure the lures are of good quality to be effective and durable.
What gear does Seth Hartwick recommend?
Seth covers a variety of gear in his discussions, emphasizing the importance of matching the right reels, rods, lines, knots, and tools for effective tuna fishing.
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Seth Hartwick is a topwater fishing enthusiast, traveling worldwide to catch GTs and Tuna using big poppers and stickbaits. He values the natural state of the ocean and far off reefs, and has made over 83 overseas trips. Seth has shared adventures with his dad and works as a journeyman lineman for a power company in SE Michigan.
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