Recommended Tackle

Yellowfin Tuna & Bluefin Tuna

Plugging

The rod and reel combo used for throwing plugs to breaking fish on top was a Shimano Stradic 4000FI reel on a 7' Teramar rod rated for 10-20lb (model TMS70MH). This is a very versatile spinning outfit and was perfect for throwing big plugs very long distances.

The spinning reel is loaded with 20 lb Berkley Fireline Crystal which is attached to a 3ft length of 30lb Yo-Zuri Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon leader using a #10 Mustad Rolling Swivel. The small profile of the swivel virtually eliminates any chance of picking up debris.

The lures used for targeting breaking fish were the Guides Choice Slider and Guides Choice Popper. Both of these lures provided incredible casting distance and irresistible action!

Chunking

The first bait fishing outfit featured a Shimano TLD II 50 on a Shimano Tallus Rod (model# TLC-58HSBA) loaded with 5 0lb Berkley Big Game monofilament line. The second outfit featured a Shimano Tyrnos 30 loaded on a Shimano Tallus Rod (model# TLC66HSBA) with 50lb Berkley Big Game monofilament line.

All outfits rigged with at least 6ft of 50 lb Yo-Zuri Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon leader attached to the main line using a Mustad Ball Bearing Swivel. The perfect hook for the sardines was a 4X Mustad Ultrapoint Hoodlum. This hook was small enough to fool the tuna, yet tough enough to handle their amazing strength.

All of the sardine baits were dipped in Mustad Activate Saltwater Bait Enhancer (STBE-SALT). This product is perfect for any dead bait. It is easily absorbed and uses pheromones to trigger the feeding response.

Trolling

Two different rod and reel combinations were used for the sharks. The first outfit featured a Shimano TLD II 50 on a Shimano Tallus Rod (model# TLC-58HSBA) loaded with 80lb Berkley Big Game monofilament line. The second outfit featured a Shimano Tyrnos 30 loaded on a Shimano Tallus Rod (model# TLC66HSBA) with 50lb Berkley Big Game monofilament line. A short bimini twist was tied into the main line. The double line created by the bimini was used to tie a clinch knot to a #6-300lb Mustad Ball Bearing Swivel with a snap.

The snap was attached to a variety of Sevenstrand Tuna lures and squid spreader bars. All of the lures and bars were rigged with 200lb Yo-Zuri Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon leader.

Jigging

The new butterfly jig system seen on the show featured a Shimano 16N Torsa reel on a 6'6" Trevala rod rated for 50-100lb (model TVC66-MH).

This is an incredible combo and is capable of handling Tuna of 70lbs or greater. The rod is specifically designed for butterfly jigs. The reel has enormous torque and the angler can exert incredible pressure on the fish. Click here to learn more about butterfly jigging!

We recommend a reel loaded with 50lb Berkley Big Game Braid which is attached to a 3ft length of 50lb Yo-Zuri Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon leader using a 130lb Mustad Rolling Swivel.

The rig is completed with a Shimano 4 3/4" 135g Butterfly Jig (regular size) and two 4/0 Mustad Assist hooks.