SPECIAL TO THE PVT - Catching a big tuna is not an easy task.

Dan Simmons – Sportsman’s Quest

We all know tuna. It comes in little cans as one of several species: Starkist, Chicken of the Sea or Bumble Bee.
Well, there’s another tuna and the hunt for them is in full swing, or I should say full run; it’s off the California coast. These tuna can weigh more than 200 pounds (we call them cows) and have several species as well.
On a recent long-range trip to Baja waters, on a tuna boat out of San Diego, the action was fierce with many hundred pounders coming over the rail.
These weren’t shy fish, but swam in a large school, and believe me, they were the teachers. A big “cow” would hit like a freight train and either head straight for Hawaii or dive to depths which would challenge the length of line on your two-speed Schimano, Okuma or Fin-Nor No. 50 saltwater reel.
At other times they would circle the boat as if they knew by tangling with others they could cut the line and break away. Big tuna fishing is not for the faint of heart, but with the exception of bill fish like marlin and sails there are few things that get the adrenalin flowing as quickly.
Unlike the bill fish, the fight doesn’t let up when they are brought along side. Rarely are they tagged and released, or brought aboard tied on the heavy leader. They’re gaffed or tailed and the fight continues even as they are brought aboard and land on deck. Many a tired fisherman has been injured while being careless and thinking it was over.
This is real world-class fishing, but you can take it one step further by fishing for those 500- to 700-pound bluefin that congregate off the northeast coast with maximum congregations off the legendary ports of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, Canada.
For those satisfied with a bit less adventure, and with perhaps shallower pocketbooks as well, the yellow tail, yellow fin and albacore tuna offer more than abundant thrills. With limits of 20, 30 and 40 pounders coming in regularly, the boats of less extreme range offer two- and three-day excursions that are, if not the trip of a lifetime, at least the trip of the year, or even the decade.
These fish are more abundant and the action is non-stop when a school is found. It’s not unusual to bring in several in a relatively short period of time.
You’ll not come away unscathed, however, as your arms will feel as if each also weighs 40 pounds and your back and shoulder muscles will scream at you as if to say, “I didn’t sign up for this; I want to go home and back to the couch and television.” At least that’s what mine say.
The options out of San Diego, or San Pedro, are optimal in August when you have the opportunity of seriously targeting several species of tuna, but may also still have a good bite of white sea bass off Catalina Island as well as various cod and grouper species.
A good quality medium action rod and the best saltwater reel you can afford will be sufficient for all but the biggest tuna and some good 50- to 80- pound braided line will spool you well. It’s best to ask your charter captain about leaders, hook-ups, lures and bait as these will be determined by the area and species fished.
Don’t worry about taking along food as the galleys on these boats are well-equipped and it’s nice to have a wholesome breakfast or quick lunch as the day progresses.
On the longer trips it’s usually steak or chicken with all the fixin’s, so forget about the diet for the duration, you’re gonna need the energy.
For up-to-the-hour fishing reports or for charter information go to www.hmlanding.com or www.biggame90.net.
—
If you have a story or comment about this or other articles, contact me at dansimmons@usa.net or give me a call at 775-727-9777.

What’s new
Rods for the Traveling Fisherman
For several years I’ve been searching for, writing about, my quest for an affordable saltwater travel rod that would fit in a suitcase.
This was brought about by the realization that I enjoy not only the fishing, but the travel adventures equally well. I also discovered that many of the coastal regions I fish did not have access to quality equipment.
The solution for reels was simple, as Shimano, Okuma, and Fin- Nor have excellent products and the tendency for all is to go stronger and lighter. Quality travel rods, however, were virtually non-existent; at least ones that didn’t require a small mortgage on the homestead.
Recently two notable exceptions have come on the market. This has been due equally to advances in technology, allowing a strong and secure ferule connection, and the realization of the popularity of a growing travel market.
My first positive experience was with the Okuma, Nomad saltwater series. These three-piece rods come with two rod tips for light, medium or heavy action; they come in at the $150 price range and are available at Bass Pro and other outlets.
If you want to move up to the ultimate travel rod, Fox International has your rod. These are of the highest quality and they have saltwater models ranging from spin casting to full roller guides that can handle anything you may hook into from tuna to marlin.
I have three of these and their great spin caster is perfect for flipping bait to feeding fish. I use their medium action rod for inshore fishing and I’m looking forward to using the heavy roller guide model on my next blue water trip.
My hat is off to both of these companies for leading the way to accommodate the traveling sportsman.
For more information on Fox rods and reels go to www.foxint.com; for Okuma rods and reels go to www.okumafishing.com; for Schamino it’s www.schimano.com, and for     Fin-Nor, go to www.finnorfishing.com