Hand lining tuna Need help

[neilinov]

I can tell you this, when you get a big one on it is a finess thing. When they shake their head hold on, when they stop grab and pull! This is with sharks so I have no experience pullin big tunas up. But I can tell you this that they do give out pretty quick, but so do I. It's hard tuggin on a hand line because you get no rest. It is just an all out brute strength battle. The bahamian guys I do it with are quick. They can get a big grouper up in seconds and a big shark up in mins. The biggest I have pulled on was about a 250# bull shark. It helps to know how to wrap up the line and hold on when they make a turn. The main advantage is that they are draggin the boat and that seems to wear them out quickly, but then again you are also pullin hard. Good luck and bring us some video!

[Boonebird]

I think when I get this thing going I make pack a kimber .45 to either shoot the fish or my self. Well We shall see what happens. I think I have a decent crew to try this one out with. So if I do get into trouble someone will be able to help me.

[Tunaman40]

If you have some free time on your hands, I suggest picking up the book The Mighty Bluefin, by Capt. Roger Jarvis. One of my friends picked it up at the local tackle shop, so im not sure if it is available online. It is about giant fishing in the 60's, 70's and up until about the mid 90's. Talks about everything from rod and reel to handlining to harpooning, but mostly about handlining. It is not a how to book, but there is definetly some information in there of how to fish the gear. Good luck, look forward to hearing how you make out.

I had the great pleasure of working for Capt. Jarvis and Capt Jim McFarland aboard the Jazz back in the early 80's catching gaints in the the middle of the Rev. Moon fleet ... those where the days , never to be seen again. I can't agree more with dunn, the book is a must read!!!!!!!!!