Hot Bluefin Bites on Jigs off Hatteras, NC

[Shortfin]

Thanks for the Report kilsong ,which StCroix Blank was your rod from ?

[kilsong]

Thanks for the Report kilsong ,which StCroix Blank was your rod from ?

The model number is 4M76XHF.
The blank is not cheap (about $200), but the lightest one you can find.

[di hrd]

Very nice report kil. Glad you were able to go to the bite. I know a few boys pulled the plug on the Monday.

[SeaBiscuit]

For Japanese style jigging, short rods haver advantage as you just drop jig and crank.
The advantage of long rods for tuna jigging is you can cast farther. By casting upcurrent, you can stay your jigs in the right depth longer especially in windy condition or when current is strong. For conventional tuna jigging, all you have to do is to move your rod up and down and longer rods can cover more range for this purpose.
If you used to it, it is pretty easy to use Japanese style jigging with longer rods, but you can not cast far with short Japanese style jigging rods.
I had same amount of hits between Japanese style crank/jerking technique and conventional up and down technique yesterday.

Thank you sir. I understand the concept of casting as well as impacting "more" yo yo action with the longer rod. What about fighting the fish? Is is easier, harder, or the same with the longer rod min your experience?
Thanks again,
SeaBiscuit

[kilsong]

Thank you sir. I understand the concept of casting as well as impacting "more" yo yo action with the longer rod. What about fighting the fish? Is is easier, harder, or the same with the longer rod min your experience?
Thanks again,
SeaBiscuit

With long rod, you got to fight differently. I never use a fighting belt when I use 8' long rod and use my body to fight while pointing rod tip toward fish or turning my body.
It is very effective and less tiring. By using the technique and heavy drag, I can land a 100 lbs within 10 - 15 minutes though I am old and physically not strong.

[Van Wildonher]

How exactly do you guys manage not to cross lines while having fish on so close together? I take it amberjacks don't do the whole swim in circles thing like horse eyes do?

[kilsong]

How exactly do you guys manage not to cross lines while having fish on so close together? I take it amberjacks don't do the whole swim in circles thing like horse eyes do?

First of all you got to follow fish and maintain 90 degee with the fish. Once crossed, it is not difficult to untangle lines. Pull both lines closer to use and how it is crossed.
Ken will explain to you as he worked on long range boats out of San Diego.

[shoefish]

Excellent report and pictures Kil- I especially appreciate the honesty....hearing that even the experts can sometimes have days when they are reminded of all the little things that can go wrong surely makes me feel better about having some of those days myself. Please make sure that when you are done with them, that you save some of those fish for us New Englanders this year

[NJNickA]

Hey Kil,
Great report I saw that you were going! If you go again let me know as i'm itching to get out, our NC trip got blown out!!

Thanks
Nick

[jig42na]

Thanks for getting the blood boiling Kil. You always manage to do that to me...

It was good to see on Sat, I really wish I could have gone with you. Happy to see you guys get into the BFT, they are still my favorite catch. I hope they are still there after this week.

What were your impressions of the new Accurate??
I liked what I saw at the show with the new 600 and 500.