Favorite lures for popping tuna?

[Chris996]

Hey fellas

After years of trolling the NE canyons in a 23 Regulator , popping for tuna has really piqued an interest in me. I am committed to trying this type of fishing

I recently purchased an OTI Tuna Sniper 40/60 and Daiwa Saltist 6500H combo. I know this is budget combo , but I couldnt justify Stella money just yet.

Similar to my combo , Im looking for lures that fit a beginners budget. Hopefully , some of the experienced tuna chasers wouldnt mind giving up some of their favorite plugs and places to purchase.
My local tackle shop is reccommending large striper plugs and replacing the hooks. Admittedly they have no experience with this type of fishing.

I did read Gman's threads on getting started casting to game fish ( great read !) , but am also looking for other opinions.

Thanks

[mythosbeer]

I have used Striper poppers for good sized AJ's and some held up good. The best one I have found is made by Big Don's. He doesn't make them anymore though so they have become a bit expensive...over $30. I think there are probably better options out there for that price. I'm interested to see the responses also. Thanks for the topic.

Mitch

[jig42na]

Welcome to the site. Well the cheapest by far I woul think is using slug gos. Get some good jig heads and a pack of rubber bodies and your set. THe single hooks makes for solid hook ups and easy releases.
Next is going the route you mentioned. Looking at normal plugs and beffing them up. We've been using a Rapala Stick bait with good success and changing out the rings and hooks. Another avenue is to make some of your own lures. I turn alot of my own plugs on the lathe but then that is another cost. For me its about the hobby not saving money. If your going to buy wood striper lures, I definately reccomend switching out the thru wire, rings, hooks, and swivels.
Good Luck

[Sea Draggin]

I recently purchased an OTI Tuna Sniper 40/60 and Daiwa Saltist 6500H combo. I know this is budget combo , but I couldnt justify Stella money just yet.

I have been considering that combo myself, mostly for jacks and gulf tuna. I am looking forward to your review.

[Shortfin]

Check these out , I have been using these for years

http://www.saltybugger.com/toona%20tamer.htm

The hardware he uses is super heavy duty

[Parker21]

There are plenty of striper lures that will work. I would look at the tattoo sea pups and lures like them. You are going to have to change the split rings and the hooks. I would use the owner st-66 trebles in the 2/0 - 4/0 sizes for most plugs. The rapala sub-walk is a great lure, i don't know if there the strongest but i have seen them catch big bluefin with out a problem. If you use jig head make sure they have good hooks, most will not work. You should fill your reel up with #80 and make sure you use good knots. I would learn how to tie a midknot or a PR knot, or you can use some quality casting wind ons leaders, i would use 100-150 floro. You want to get a feel for your tackle too, i would set the drag around 18-20#'s and once the fish has settled under the boat you can go up to 25+. You see alot of guy's fighting these fish for to long, and that can lead to losing the fish in the end.

[Chris996]

I have been considering that combo myself, mostly for jacks and gulf tuna. I am looking forward to your review.

I certainly will give a review , if this wind will ever let up

[Parker21]

Mid to late week is looking good!

[Chris996]

Mid to late week is looking good!

Yeah , I saw that. Im thinking of doing something really stupid and trailering up Thursday night ,calling out of work and fishing Friday , and being home really late Friday night.

14 hours of driving to fish for 8 hours.

[gman]

I know you were looking for others opinions but i would strongly suggest the following based on this years season. Im sure others would agree

I would add soft plastics such as Ronz, Sluggos and double wide Hoggys

I would add these floating stickbaits - Tattoo Tackle Sea Pups & Sea Dogs

I would add these sinking stickbaits - Diawa Dorado Sliders and Souls Brabus