Just Getting started

[stinky1]

Thanks again guys! In regard to the live Bait aspect, are you referring to macks and pogys? I know guys often use blues for bait shark fishing but are the used for tuna as well?
I gotta go play the lotto.....

[seaworm1]

Jeez, you guys are like a bunch of rabid salesmen- all he wants to know are what rods to get!!

If you are looking to stay on a budget I would reccomend that you purchase rods as opposed to having them built (unless you build your own). That being said there are plenty of quality used ones around like the guys previously said. Ive picked up plenty of good equipment over the years and saved thousands.

I started tuna fishing in a just that- a 20 foot center with a zuke 140, graduated to a 24-then 25 then 35- Dont be fooled into thinking that you cant tuna fish in that boat- but you will have to be very concious of the weather- feel free to pm me if you want any advice. Fred

[Captain Greg Sears]

Jeez, you guys are like a bunch of rabid salesmen- all he wants to know are what rods to get!!

If you are looking to stay on a budget I would recommend that you purchase rods as opposed to having them built (unless you build your own). That being said there are plenty of quality used ones around like the guys previously said. Ive picked up plenty of good equipment over the years and saved thousands.

I started tuna fishing in a just that- a 20 foot center with a zuke 140, graduated to a 24-then 25 then 35- Dont be fooled into thinking that you cant tuna fish in that boat- but you will have to be very concious of the weather- feel free to pm me if you want any advice. Fred

What are you selling Fred

Thanks for the pitches guys... but there is a great group of charter fisherman on SFC and all of them have different methods and use different equipment. I have learned something from all of them. I still recommend prepping the wife with a new kitchen before you go crazy on tuna tackle. I am lucky I had two boys who love to go fishing. So I just bought them all the equipment "I needed" for Christmas and Birthdays. Then I bought them all the equipment I needed so they could make me my Squid Bars. Mothers will do anything for their children

On a serious Note: What ever you buy or build for rods? Quality is important! I would rather spend my money on one good quality rod then on two cheap outfits. I also agree with Fred on the quality used equipment especially when starting out.

Not trying to sell anything..... But a trip with Fred sounds like fun and a good way to save time and money with experience Or you could hire one of my boys as a guide so they can pay me my rent I need. Fathers will also do anything for there children.

[stinky1]

Thanks Fred. I know I "can" do it with my boat. The reality is I live only about an hour to an hour and a half away from the boat ramps I would use. If the weather looked good for a particular day, I would probably head up late the night before, and in the morning head out. Great weather means tuna, not so great means whatever is biting in shore! I won't take chances. As far as the rod goes I would like to build it myself. I'm really a hands on guy and I like to build a lot of my own gear. When I first got into archery, I began making my own deer cameras made from off the shelf cameras hacked and run by all sorts of gizmos and in pellican boxes. With fishing, I have built a few rods and began turning my own plugs this year. There is something very gratifing about harvesting something on your work!
Capt Greg kinda hit on what I was asking with what I should build. If most fish are taken trolling throughout the year then I should lean that way plus being able to chunk/live line. I was kinda hoping for topwater but that will come I guess. I think casting to a boil of feeding tuna on the surface has got to be the most heart pounding experience there is!
thanks again
I will be in touch!

[chumtini]

Do you plan to fish to the east or south? That will influence technique and gear.

Check out the rod building section. There are some great rod builders here. Not me. But I did build 4 rods this year on Seeker blanks. Have also used Calstar. I like both. I really dig the Super Seeker blanks.

[stinky1]

I'm not really partial to any area. Obviously safety is a key concern and length of run to shelter plays a big part.