West Coast Bluefin Tuna Fishing
West Coast/ Baja Coast Fishing for Bluefin Tuna
Over the last handful of seasons here off Southern California, we have been blessed with some incredible Bluefin Tuna fishing. It’s not uncommon these days for private boaters to have the opportunity to catch fish over the 200lb mark at the local banks and San Clemente Basin. Over the past 100 years there were times when the local fishery would get a taste of these trophies but not to the extent and consistency we have seen over the last 5+ seasons.. At the turn of the 20th century the legends of the Avalon Tuna Club put their old gear to the test and were able to land some beautiful tuna, which most of us have dreamed about our entire lives, knowing quite well that we just would not have the same opportunity they did in years past and how wrong we were! Growing up in San Diego during the 80’s and 90’s, a 40lb Bluefin was a trophy. We had great Albacore fishing and some nice Bigeye Tuna on occasion, but nothing even close to the steady 100-300 lb fish today. With the innovation and progression of fishing tackle over the last few decades, landing a trophy tuna is possible for even a novice angler. The last several seasons has brought the type of fishing that many of us have dreamed of our entire lives and that “fish of a lifetime” has now become somewhat of a common occurrence. With the proper gear and a ride to the fishing grounds anyone has a shot at that “fish of a lifetime”.
Since the beginning of the current fishing cycle, the West Coast fishing community has been focused on adapting and revising techniques that have been used for decades on the East Coast. With Bluefin often being picky, the Kite/flyer method has been one of the most if not the most productive methods for hooking cow Bluefin Tuna on the West Coast. Other methods still have yet to be widely used here. One method that has been very productive over the last several decades on the East Coast, is the use of the “Tuna Spreader Bar”. The Spreader Bar consists of a small diameter bar usually anywhere from 18-48 inches in length. Attached to the bar are several teasers that when trolled behind the boat resemble a school of bait. The spreader bar makes a ton of commotion on the surface and tuna cant seem to resist it. There are many variations of the spreader bar out there for different target species and conditions. We have found that the classic straight tracking bar works best here in Southern California. Each day on the water is different and some days the fish will only eat live bait, some days a Madmac, maybe chunking, while others they may only hit the spreader bars. It is imperative to have every tool at your disposal to have the highest chance of hooking a fish.
During the summer months when Bluefin Tuna venture closest to our California coastline, utilizing one of these techniques provides an opportunity for even novice anglers to have a shot at a trophy model tuna. Trolling a spreader bar or daisy chain can be a very simple and effective method and is a “must have” tool in every fisherman’s arsenal. Odyssea Tackle Company appreciated your support and we hope to bring some well made products to the market to help you put more fish in the boat.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Send us an email @ Odysseatackleco@gmail.com or call @ 760-845-3084
Tight Lines,
Ethan @
Odyssea Tackle Company
