Intro :
It was only a few years ago that most big game anglers considered spinning reels unsuitable for targeting giant bluefin tuna. The general consensus was that these fish were simply too big and powerful for the smaller, less rugged spinning reels. But times have changed, and today more and more anglers are successfully targeting giant tuna with spinning reels.
There are a few key reasons for this change. First, the quality of spinning reel has increased dramatically in recent years. These reels are now much more durable and can handle the heavy abuse that big tuna can dish out. Second, the introduction of braided lines has made it much easier to get the necessary drag strength from a spinning reel. And finally, many anglers have simply learned how to properly fight a big fish on spinning gear.
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What kind of reel is used for tuna fishing?
There are many different types of reels that can be used for tuna fishing, but the most popular type is the spinning reel. Spinning reels are known for their easy-to-use design and smooth operation. They are a great choice for both beginner and experienced anglers.
When choosing a spinning reel for tuna fishing, it is important to pick a reel with a good drag system. The drag system is what allows you to control the amount of line that is released when a fish is fighting. A good drag system is essential for big game fishing, like tuna fishing. It is also important to choose a reel with a high gear ratio. The gear ratio is the number of times the spool rotates for one turn of the handle. A higher gear ratio reel will give you more power and control when fighting a big fish.
What size Spinning Reel for tuna ?
One of the most common questions we get asked here at the shop is, “What size spinning reel should I use for tuna?” While the answer may seem simple enough, there are actually a few factors to consider before making your purchase.
Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your next fishing trip. The first thing to consider is the size of the fish you’re hoping to catch. If you’re targeting smaller tuna, then a smaller reel will suffice. However, if you’re going after the big ones, you’re going to need a much bigger reel.
We recommend a size 10,000 to 13,000 for those who are fishing for tuna. Another important factor to consider is the strength of your rod. You’re going to need a strong rod that can handle the weight of a tuna, so make sure to pair your reel with a rod that can do the job.
Finally, you want to make sure you choose a reel that is durable and can stand up to the elements. When you’re out on the open water, you’re going to encounter a lot of waves and salt water, so you need a reel that can withstand those conditions.
How Much Drag for Tuna ?
The amount of drag you need for tuna fishing depends on the type of tuna you are targeting, the size of the fish, and the type of environment you are fishing in. All of these factors will play a role in determining the amount of drag you need.
If you are targeting bigeye tuna, you will need a reel with a drag system that can handle big fish. Fishing in open water? A larger reel will give you the power and line capacity you need to battle strong fish.
When trolling for tuna, the lever should be pulled back from Strike to a setting about one-fifth the line strength. That’s about 10 pounds of drag for 50-pound line, which is plenty of punch to set the hook but light enough to prevent snapped lines.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right amount of drag for tuna:
- The type of tuna you are targeting
- The size of the fish
- The type of environment you are fishing in
- Your own fishing preferences and style
How Do I Know What size spinning Reel Do I Need ?
The size of the spinning reel you need depends on the type of fish you are trying to catch. For smaller fish, you will need a smaller reel. For larger fish, you will need a larger reel.
Things to consider when choosing Spinning Reel for Tuna Fishing
Drag System
The drag system is one of the most important aspects of a tuna fishing reel. The drag system is what allows you to control the line when a fish is pulling on it. A good drag system will allow you to slowly reel in the fish without the line breaking.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are important in a spinning reel because they allow the reel to spin smoothly. The more ball bearings a reel has, the smoother it will be. When choosing a reel for tuna fishing, you want to choose one with at least 5 ball bearings.
Line Capacity
The line capacity is the amount of line that the reel can hold. When tuna fishing, you will be using a lot of line, so you want to choose a reel with a high line capacity.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio is the number of times the spool goes around for one turn of the handle. A higher gear ratio will allow you to reel in the line faster. When tuna fishing, you want a reel with a high gear ratio so you can reel in the fish as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict :
The size of spinning reel you need for tuna fishing depends on the drag system, ball bearings, line capacity, and gear ratio. A good drag system is important for controlling the line when a fish is pulling on it. A high line capacity is important for holding a lot of line. A high gear ratio is important for reeling in the fish quickly.
