Tuna Fishing - Topwater Lures for Bluefin - Seth Hartwick

As part of our "In The Spread Fishing" series, we've teamed up with Seth Hartwick, one of the world's leading big game, reef donkey, and tuna smashing fishermen, to share some deep insights on what works when casting lures to big bluefin tuna.

Seth is as nice a guy as they come. He's smart, hardworking, analytical, a tackle diva, and incredibly generous. He fishes with an elite group of globe-trotting fishermen who thrive on targeting the biggest reef fish and tuna in the world, all by means of casting lures. The best part is that Seth loves to share what he has learned on the water.

With access to some of the finest lure crafters and tackle builders, Seth has a refined sense of what works and what doesn't for giants like bluefin tuna. It's to our benefit that he spends the time and money traveling to every major tuna fishing destination in the world, testing tackle, lures, rigs, hooks, and techniques for bluefin tuna fishing to their very limits.

Bluefin tuna are as discerning a fish as there is in the oceans. As super picky eaters, your presentation can easily be passed by if it doesn't look right or swim right. Even your rigs can turn them off.

In this video, Seth will share his experience and deep insights into what he looks for in lures for bluefin. You'll quickly learn what works, no matter the body of water you're fishing in.

Poppers and floating stickbaits are outstanding when bluefin tuna are working the surface. They're also excellent for agitated water. Both types of lures will be broken down, so you'll know what to use and when. The rigs, hooks for tuna lures, line, leaders, tackle, and tactics are covered in detail. The importance of boat positioning and casting location is another area Seth heavily stresses. Bluefin tuna fishing is about precision. This is paramount. This video will help get you dialed in.

Having poppers that dive, swim, and produce thick bubble trails is critical. Seth will discuss the lure he likes and why. You'll hear the lure sizes and weights that get the most bites. Quality is the name of the game with this species. Knowing what to look for in bluefin tuna lures will save you a lot of headaches.

Floating stickbaits are another must-have in your kit. These weapons will serve you very well, as long as there are no birds. With either poppers or floating stickbaits, you're working the top 10 feet of water, where bluefin corral baitfish against the surface.

The rigs for topwater lures are so important. You cannot take shortcuts or your day will be ruined when a bluefin smashes your lure to bits or wrecks your leader system. You'll learn some very valuable lessons from Seth. He talks about rigging lures, the tuna hooks (single or treble) he likes and why. See how to position the hooks the correct way and learn about size, quality, and brands of split rings and swivels. Don't go cheap here.

Along with sound rigs and stout gear, fish safety is critical. The less damage you can inflict on these majestic beasts the better. If you intend to release your fish or if you are keeping fish, making the appropriate choice on hooks for tuna lures is key.

In order to cast topwater lures for bluefin tuna, you really need the right tackle setup. Seth has used and tested countless rod and reel setups. The presentation he makes about the reels, main line, leader system, and his connections is worth every minute of your time. Your gear needs to withstand a real beating. Seth has fished a lot and used a lot, that's why what he shares about casting lures and the requisite gear is so valuable.