Fighting chair or swivels?

[Animal 1]

What is your preferred method for big tuna?The chair?Fighting from a swivel rod holder?Maybe standup?We had planned on using swivels,but I got a smoking deal on a Murray chair yesterday.Just interested in any advice,or opinions.Thanx,Bobby.

[birdhunter]

I am in a smaller boat so a swivel was my only option and I must say that it worked well. I believe that if you look at the majority of the boats fishing this winter you will find that most fought their fsh from the rod holder. It is really nice to be able to take your hands off and walk away to grab the gaff or poon as most of the time we were short handed.

[JD5652]

If you're commercial fishing, the swivel is quicker with less likely chance to loose the fish....the chair is a little more "sporting".....

[seavee capt]

Swivels only for me. Small boat fisherman myself, so they work for me. Used to deckhand on a 46' Post and we didnt use the chair, again swivel holders. Got the fish to the boat a lot quicker and in better shape. Good luck to you.

[WAHOONBOX]

MOST RIGS REMOVE THE CHAIR FOR COMMERCIAL FISHING......BUT IF I HAD A CHAIR.....AND I WERE RECREATIONAL AND EVEN WAS GOING TO KILL THE PIG.....THEN I WOULD GO THE CHAIR ROUTE AS PER JD'S REPLY.............

[shipmate bill]

Most big fish i fight out of the swivel holder. You can really put the hurting on a fish without killing yourself. My biggest reason for relying on the swivel holder is if I'm fighting a big fish its because my charter has given up. At that point in time I can't beat myself up because i may have to fight another big fish moments later (i really hate when charters whine about light catches but would never buck up and stay on a fish) If they're smaller I'll stick with the belt and harness.

[Animal 1]

Thanx for the replies guys.As I said,we are planning on mounting a pair of swivels on the transom corners.I found a Murray Bros.chair on Craigslist the other day for $600.After seeing the $ people are getting for them,I had to pick it up.I think it's the unlimited class because it's huge,maybe a little too big for the pit.We're going to have to try to set it up and see.It'll be nice because we plan on trolling a lot,and we can set 4 rods on it,but may not be worth it if it's just too big.Thanks again.Bobby.

[Flatdog]

Not to hi jack the thread but what about the swivels and a battle station on a small boat? I do not see or hear much use of the battle station anyone use one?

[JD5652]

Not to hi jack the thread but what about the swivels and a battle station on a small boat? I do not see or hear much use of the battle station anyone use one?

Battle stations, or Samson Posts as some call 'em, are a cross between a swivel, stand-up and a chair. I used to have one, but never got around to using it. They are really great for boats with small pits. Take up very little room and won't tire you out as bad as stand-up. There's a guy out of Chatham, MA that landed a 840# BFT single handed using a battle station....here's the link...

http://arrigonidesign.com/samspost.htm

[BuffaloHunter]

Try it stand up once, it'll make your decision a little easier.