This fish is prepared in different ways, and the result never disappoints. But for a fisherman, tuna fishing is a real test. It is not at all easy to catch a large and strong fish, but the more valuable the trophy.
Tunas are a group from the mackerel family. They form a special tribe, that is, the union of the nearest genera. This tribe contains 5 genera, which are divided into 15 species. The band's name comes from the ancient Greek word thynô. Its meaning is "to throw" or "throw" at something.
All tunas are schooling. This means that they do not sink to the seabed, but are settled in the upper layers of the oceans. All tuna are predators, their diet consists of smaller fish, mollusks and crustaceans.
The body of the tuna is spindle-shaped. On both sides along the caudal peduncle there is a leathery keel. The dorsal fin is sickle-shaped. The mass can be very diverse. From 1.7 kg (mackerel tuna) to 600 kg (Pacific tuna). The largest trophy was caught near New Zealand, its weight was 335 kg.
Experienced fishermen start hunting for tuna with complementary foods. They go out to the fishing area and throw overboard a large amount of fresh or frozen fish stuff.
In addition to feeding, this type of fish is attracted to air bubbles. To lure a school of tuna, many use spray rigs, which create a spot of bubbles behind the stern. It seems to predators that this is a group of fry, fussing about in the process of eating. In this case, tuna fishing is carried out on a lure, which is thrown directly into the spot of bubbles. But the method works only in the absence of wind in clear weather.
Another way of fishing is trolling. This means that a heavy lure is deepened by about 5 m and pulled behind a moving boat on a thick cord. Squid or octopus are suitable as live bait, you can use mackerel. And if wobblers are used, then they should be as bright as possible and rather large.
Fishing for tuna on the high seas can be done on a whim. This is a strong rod that is used with a wide belt. In the belt there is a recess for resting the butt of the rod. When playing fish, you can’t do without emphasis. With this method, a polished hook without a beard is used. Bait is not used.
Fishing for tuna differs from other types of fishing in that the trophies are large and heavy. They are not difficult to hook, but the fight turns into a real adventure, full of struggle and despair. To extract some species, a hook and a winch are required.
Yellowfin tuna is an attractive trophy for all lovers of sea hunting. In this case, wild tuna is caught on trolling gear. Fishermen use spinners with fish bait or wobblers.
Catching yellowfin tuna is difficult. He does not surrender to the mercy of the winner, but desperately tries to go to the depths.
Yellowfin tuna is caught not only by amateur fishermen, but also by industrial companies. Industrial production is carried out in the tropics and temperate latitudes.
This type of tuna is also called Atlantic or black. This is a relatively small species, the maximum mass is 20 kg. The species is caught in the seas of the western Atlantic. Spinning and trolling are used as tackle, and a light lure, streamer or octopus serves as bait.
This is a large species that requires special permission to catch. In addition, you need a large boat with a winch, special tackle and other equipment. For beginners, having an experienced instructor can be helpful. The species lives in the Atlantic Ocean.
Most often, fishermen catch bluefin tuna for sport. After measuring and photographing, the trophy is released. The weight of bluefin tuna can exceed 350 kg. Catching this "monster" guarantees a powerful adrenaline rush and a long fight.
Albacore tuna is also called white, long-winged or long-finned. The meat of this species is considered the fattest and most tender. The average weight of the fish is about 20 kg, and the maximum trophy weighed over 40 kg. The world record was set in the Canary Islands. The species lives in the open ocean, very rarely approaches the shores. Active fishing for tuna is in the Mediterranean Sea, where the tropical and temperate latitudes of the World Ocean are located.
Bigeye tuna are also considered a large species. Their weight is from 100 to 200 kg. It is most convenient to catch on trolling gear. Bait - squid and small fish. Fishing for bigeye tuna can last over an hour. All this time the fisherman is in tension and must be attentive. The big-eyed handsome man does not allow easy victories.
Tuna is a large and very strong fish, belongs to the mackerel family and is found mainly in the warm waters of the oceans. The main feature of tuna is that it almost never stands still and is in constant motion.
In this article, we will talk about how tuna is caught, describe the basic rules and reveal some secrets. Fishing for tuna is a very exciting activity. If you know the features of this fish and strictly follow the basic rules of fishing, then a good catch and a great adventure are guaranteed.
There are 15 types of tuna worldwide. All of them are predators and feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans and mollusks.
Almost all types of tuna move in the water column, huddled in schools. But big bluefin tuna, unlike the rest of their brethren, often swim in small groups or generally alone. It is capable of speeds up to 70 km per hour.
The most common types of tuna are:
Yellowfin tuna is the most attractive among all its fellows. Found in deep warm ocean waters. It is caught on trolling gear and used with all sorts of baits, often combining wobblers and spinners with replants of animal origin. This is a serious and strong opponent who fights for a long time, actively goes into the depths, unwinding the fishing line won back by the angler.
Bluefin or bluefin tuna is found in the northern part of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean and Black seas. It is characterized by rapid growth and, being the largest species of tuna, reaches over 2.5 m in length. This is a strong and fast fish, which is the most interesting, and therefore a very desirable trophy.
The blackfin tuna lives in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a pelagic fish that feeds on small fish, crustaceans and plankton. It is caught by casting, trolling or live bait in the upper layers of the water.
Longfin tuna is found in all tropical and subtropical seas and also belongs to pelagic fish. It rarely comes ashore, lives in the open ocean and makes seasonal migrations to cold zones to the coasts of New England, southern Brazil and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Tallfin tuna are caught with trolling gear and lures using rigs made from dead fish.
Bigeye tuna is found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. Adults weigh about 100 kg and live at great depths, while juveniles often live near the surface, forming quite numerous flocks.
Tuna fishing is primarily exciting because of the difficult, long and exciting haul, during which a strong fish actively and stubbornly resists. Therefore, it is important to choose the right tackle for catching tuna, taking into account the characteristics of the fish itself and the method of fishing.
When fishing for tuna by sea trolling from a boat or other specially equipped vessel on the high seas, the following is used:
sea rods , capable of withstanding extreme loads, from 1.65 to 2.15 meters long and 30-150 lb dough;
marine multiplier reels , which must match the selected rod, hold 500-600 m of fishing line or cord and be powerful enough to play active tuna;
sea lures in the form of silicone octopuses and wobblers, as well as a small fish for catching live bait.
For deep-sea tuna fishing in the open sea from a drifting vessel in light wind and small waves (sea drifting), you will need:
powerful sea rod, multiplier reel and fishing line with a test of at least 130 lb;
live bait (sardine, herring or mackerel) on a hook no.
An echo sounder will also come in handy to calculate the depth of the tuna migratory trail.
Tuna fishing has its own characteristics due to the strong nature of the fish, the specifics of its behavior and habitats:
shoals of trophy tuna are usually small and number no more than 5 individuals, but smaller fish stray into larger flocks;
larger tuna is usually caught in the autumn period of fishing;
to go out to sea for fishing should be on specially equipped boats, knowing in advance the time and direction of movement of tuna shoals.
The main stages of fishing for tuna from a ship on the high seas:
Feeding. It is very important to organize it correctly. For complementary foods, pre-thawed sardines are most often used. They create a food trail, methodically throwing a fish cut into several pieces and a whole fish overboard. At the same time, chopped and whole sardines are constantly alternated to increase the effectiveness of complementary foods.
Equipment placement. Typically, 2 to 4 rods are installed at the stern, while the vessel is placed on the windward side so that the tackle does not overlap. To cover a larger fishing area, tackle is located at different depths and at different distances from the vessel. To do this, use floats or ordinary balloons. The latter are even more convenient due to the fact that they burst as soon as the tuna begins to resist on the hook, and therefore do not interfere with the fight.
Fishing tuna. The success of fighting a particularly large tuna largely depends on the well-coordinated work of the entire team. The process itself can take from half an hour to several hours and then you have to transfer the gear to another angler. Tuna often alternate tactics of resistance: it gives in, then again goes into the depths, so it is often necessary to reverse the ship. And when bringing the fish to the board, you need an assistant with a hook at the ready in order to pick up the prey in time.
Tuna meat contains a lot of useful trace elements, phosphorus and other components necessary for the human body. In addition, well-cooked tuna has an incredible taste and aroma. And there are many ways to cook this fish.
Where to catch tuna: This fish is found in the tropics and subtropics of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. Warm waters, where small fish such as sardines are found, are especially attractive to this predator.
The following types of tuna are found in these areas:
According to experienced fishermen, in spring, small specimens come across most of all, in autumn - medium and large ones. A representative of the Scumbriev family moves along the same route from year to year, so it will not be difficult for experienced fishermen to catch it.
Commercial tuna, found in specially fenced areas, is somewhat different from tuna in coastal waters or in open oceans, primarily in taste and appearance (there is less silvery coating on the scales).
Catching this predator is possible all year round, but such a factor as the temperature of coastal waters is important here. So, if fishing takes place in winter, then you should not go out to the open sea (especially if it takes place in the Atlantic Ocean from the coast of Iceland to Mexico), otherwise there is a risk of failure.
In the summer, you can fish both on a boat and on yachts or from the shore. As a rule, at this time there is an abundance of sea creatures in the sea, so you can get a big catch. The best time to catch this fish is morning and noon, because it is at this time that schools of fish hunted by a representative of the Scumbriev family swim everywhere.
To catch a trophy on the high seas, you must follow the following recommendations:
Catching large specimens should take place with high-quality fishing equipment. Experienced anglers are advised to use what in nature attracts this predator, that is, small fish.
Some hobbyists direct a jet of water to the surface, this creates the effect of a funnel formed when a school of small fish (sardines or herring) whirls.
By nature, tuna is a predator, so this illusion is one of the strongest baits for him. Before lowering the bait into the water, you should feed the fishing spot with small frozen fish, and only then string it on the hook. By creating the appearance of feeding, light food, the fisherman will make this robber, on a subconscious level, want to return to a certain place.
As for what kind of tackle to catch tuna, opinions differ here. Some say that it is necessary to catch on spinning, others - on something more durable and reliable.
The fact is that catching large specimens is not an easy task, because this fish has an aggressive demeanor and is capable of speeds up to 85 kilometers per hour. The tackle can break, and the fish can escape.
So, if you are fishing for small individuals, then spinning can also be used, but if it is, for example, catching bluefin tuna, you should purchase tackle for professional anglers.
The bait is portioned pieces of small frozen fish no larger than 5 by 5 centimeters. You should take a dozen bait for fishing at once, because tuna can be caught far from the first time.
In addition, pulling this giant out of the water is far from an easy task, especially if it is a large individual.
Fishing should be worn with practical clothes in which you can move, because this coveted fish is very quirky and fast. You should not exclude the possibility of accidental injuries when trying to catch a large trophy.
October 4, 2016
Gourmets appreciate tuna dishes. This fish is prepared in different ways, and the result never disappoints. But for a fisherman, tuna fishing is a real test. It is not at all easy to catch a large and strong fish, but the more valuable the trophy.
Tunas are a group of marine fish from the mackerel family. They form a special tribe, that is, the union of the nearest genera. This tribe contains 5 genera, which are divided into 15 species. The band's name comes from the ancient Greek word thynô. Its meaning is "to throw" or "throw" at something.
All tunas are schooling pelagic fish. This means that they do not sink to the sea soil, but are settled in the upper layers of the oceans. All tuna are predators, their diet consists of smaller fish, mollusks and crustaceans.
The body of the tuna is spindle-shaped. On both sides along the caudal peduncle there is a leathery keel. The dorsal fin is sickle-shaped. The mass can be very diverse. From 1.7 kg (mackerel tuna) to 600 kg (Pacific tuna). The largest trophy was caught near New Zealand, its weight was 335 kg.
Experienced fishermen start hunting for tuna with complementary foods. They go out to the fishing area and throw overboard a large amount of fresh or frozen fish stuff.
In addition to feeding, this type of fish is attracted to air bubbles. To lure a school of tuna, many use spray rigs, which create a spot of bubbles behind the stern. It seems to predators that this is a group of fry, fussing about in the process of eating. In this case, tuna fishing is carried out on a lure, which is thrown directly into the spot of bubbles. But the method works only in the absence of wind in clear weather.
Another way of fishing is trolling. This means that a heavy lure is deepened by about 5 m and pulled behind a moving boat on a thick cord. Squid or octopus are suitable as live bait, you can use mackerel. And if wobblers are used, then they should be as bright as possible and rather large.
Fishing for tuna on the high seas can be done on a whim. This is a strong rod that is used with a wide belt. In the belt there is a recess for resting the butt of the rod. When playing fish, you can’t do without emphasis. With this method, a polished hook without a beard is used. Bait is not used.
Fishing for tuna differs from other types of fishing in that the trophies are large and heavy. They are not difficult to hook, but the fight turns into a real adventure, full of struggle and despair. To extract some species, a hook and a winch are required.
Yellowfin tuna is an attractive trophy for all lovers of sea hunting. In this case, wild tuna is caught on trolling gear. Fishermen use spinners with fish bait or wobblers.
Catching yellowfin tuna is difficult. He does not surrender to the mercy of the winner, but desperately tries to go to the depths.
Yellowfin tuna is caught not only by amateur fishermen, but also by industrial companies. Industrial production is carried out in the tropics and temperate latitudes.
This type of tuna is also called Atlantic or black. This is a relatively small species, the maximum mass is 20 kg. Fishing for tuna of this species occurs in the seas of the western Atlantic. Spinning and trolling are used as tackle, and a light lure, streamer or octopus serves as bait.
This is a large species that requires special permission to catch. In addition, you need a large boat with a winch, special tackle and other equipment. For beginners, having an experienced instructor can be helpful. The species lives in the Atlantic Ocean.
Most often, fishermen catch bluefin tuna for sport. After measuring and photographing, the trophy is released. The weight of bluefin tuna can exceed 350 kg. Catching this "monster" guarantees a powerful adrenaline rush and a long fight.
Albacore tuna is also called white, long-winged or long-finned. The meat of this species is considered the fattest and most tender. The average weight of the fish is about 20 kg, and the maximum trophy weighed over 40 kg. The world record was set in the Canary Islands. The species lives in the open ocean, very rarely approaches the shores. Active fishing for tuna is in the Mediterranean Sea, where the tropical and temperate latitudes of the World Ocean are located.
Bigeye tuna are also considered a large species. Their weight is from 100 to 200 kg. It is most convenient to catch on trolling gear. Bait - squid and small fish. Fishing for bigeye tuna can last over an hour. All this time the fisherman is in tension and must be attentive. The big-eyed handsome man does not allow easy victories.
Of the 13 species of tuna that exist in the world, three types of tunas are found off the coast of Africa: blue, yellowfin and longfin, and even small bonito tunas. Tunas huddle in schools, except for large bluefin tuna, which prefer to swim in small groups or alone and can reach speeds of up to 77 km/h. All types of tuna are predators; their food is both fish and mollusks and crustaceans.
For lovers of fishing, especially tuna, the coast of Africa is very attractive! The technique of catching all types of tuna - trolling with a small bait dive or without bait diving - is the most common. With this method, the bait is carried out at high speed in the surface layers of the ocean. Baits are used both natural and artificial. Pieces of fish, live bait (small horse mackerel or octopus, mackerel, anchovies), artificial - small (14-18 cm) and fish of any color, large streamers, spinners, wobblers are used as natural baits. Often, when fishing, a flock is attached with pieces of chopped fish.
In addition to trolling, they catch tuna with fishing rods. When catching tuna by drifting, natural baits are used. If you know that your fishing grounds are often visited by giant fish, then it becomes necessary to use a steel leash.
Blue (blue) tuna- this is the "king of tuna". With an average weight of 20 to 30 kg, the weight of large individuals can reach 600 kg, and length - 3.5 meters. On the African coast, it is found in its North Atlantic part, in particular, in the Mediterranean Sea. Travel companies (, ), accepting those wishing to fish for bluefin tuna, have all the relevant permits for recreational fishing (since quotas have been introduced for its catch). The big bluefin tuna is one of the most interesting and desirable trophies for the professional angler due to its speed and strength.
yellowfin tuna- This is the most numerous and consumed species. In terms of weight, adults reach almost 200 kg, and in length - two meters. This freedom-loving species of tuna, due to its power and great weight, is a worthy rival for the angler - it can fight for a long time. Being hooked, he with a strong jerk, followed by a throw to the side, tries to go to the maximum possible depth (and 60 m is not the limit for him), while unwinding meters of fishing line.
Longfin tuna or Albacore(length - up to 1.5 m with a weight of up to 50 kg) is found in the tropics and subtropics. Its habitat is the open ocean. Adult individuals of albacore tuna prefer a depth of 150 - 200 m, and young ones stay near the surface (South Africa, Seychiles).
Flocks spotted tuna, which is caught by fishing rods and trolls, are most numerous from Cape Blanco to Angola (west coast of Africa). Its weight is up to 10 kg with a length of 1.2 m. Also on the west coast and even in the northern regions, you can catch small specimens of bigeye tuna with a bait or troll.
Deep sea fishing enthusiasts have the opportunity to enjoy it in Mauritius, Kenya, South Africa (the Cape of Good Hope area) and Senegal, where 100 kg yellowfin tuna is not uncommon.
Tuna meat has been highly valued since ancient times. Japanese tuna dishes - sushi and sashimi, teriyaki, steaks - are served in Japanese restaurants all over the world. Tuna meat is also called "sea beef", because in terms of the content of nutrients and trace elements, it is in no way inferior to meat, and even surpasses it. But tuna salads have gained the greatest popularity, and there are a lot of recipes for them.
