Small Bluefin?

[Nauti Natured]

So ... I have never fished the Bluefin season here in NC but think I will make a few trips this year now that I have some decent sized tackle. Im not that hung up on catching a giant because I will not be fishing commercially and I will be fishing 50's.

My question is: (forgive me if its a stupid one) when the blue ones roll into town will they be all sizes? Obviously the big ones will be here but what Im more interested in is the footballs. 50-250lbs.? Maybe some surface spinning rod action? Is that something to be expected right off the beach during bluefin season off Morehead?

[SeaBiscuit]

Most of our winter fish are small giants of 70 - 100 " or 200 - 500 lbs. There were some smaller 50 - 70 " fish showing up last couple of years, but not as many as the small giants.
In my opinion the best shot at school bluefins in NC is in early spring (Feb & March sometimes even early April) long after the commercial Nov - January season is over. Those fish show up right on the beach, usually in Onslow bay (Frying Pan to Cape Look out). I have seen these 50 - 100 lb fish a few times and have heard first hand accounts of others who have as well. There are also annual inshore "large yellowfin" caught reports in this area. I am willing to bet that many of those, caught in 62- 66 degree water, were likely school bluefin.

Good luck and please call me if you get on that kind of action!

SeaBiscuit

[Squid]

There are some smaller ones around but most are 70+ inches.

Your 50's are more than enough for any fish you will encounter bluefin fishing (or any fishing for that matter). I have caught a many of them on 30's....up to 400+ cored weight (and yes, I still use 30's today). Some say a 30 is too small but in a center console boat, if you get spooled its your own fault. (Saying that, I would never fish less than an 80 on a sportfish boat where you cannot chase the fish as easily.) A 30WLRS Tiagra will hold 35 lbs of drag with no problem. If you can hold more than 35 lbs. stand up on a bluefin, you're more of a man than I am. Personally, I'm a small framed guy and a 30 is much more comfortable than a 50.

When you play the bluefin game in MHC, you better bank on catching a 300-600+ lb. fish. If you go thinking you're going to catch a 50 pounder, it'll be a rude awakening.

Giant bluefin fishing is an awesome awesome fishery and something I think everyone should experience at least once. The shear power and speed is unbelievable. Stay safe and have some fun pulling on some of those sea monsters. Seeing a 90+ incher eyeball to eyeball when he's beside the boat is something you'll never forget.

[Nauti Natured]

Thanks guys ... I cant wait to get out there and see what pops up. I dont know where the heck I am going but I reckon I can just follow the Run-Off around like everyone else

Just kiddin guys.

[Foul Hook'd]

Last Dec. I got to go on my first BFT trip, I got my 10min. of cranking on a 350lb. fish while crew cleared lines and got angler ready. Unbelievable power and speed and they can tow a 23ft. CC around pretty easily. We used 80W's on bent butts, even at 35lb.+ drag it took just over a hour to sink the poon, just leave it in the rod holder and it'll be a alot easier on your back! 50Wides will get it done standing up, just have a good harness setup. If you want small BFT try fishing up the beach Mar/Apr. Ocracoke/Hatteras along the break, alot of smaller fish less than 150lb. caught up there this past spring.

Foul Hook'd