Bluefin Tuna Fishing Glossary
Bait Balls / Bubble Nets:
A bait ball is technique used by whales in the ocean. It is the term used for the process of whales circling a large amount of baitfish into a concentrated area through the use of bubble nets. Bubble nets are a hunting technique that whales utilize by blowing air up towards the surface of the water thereby creating a type of impassible wall to the baitfish. The whales then take turns coming up through the center of the bait ball and feeding.
Live Lined:
Live lined bait is a fish that is kept alive in order to make use of the natural swimming patterns it exhibits when swimming in the ocean. Typically, in respect to bluefin tuna fishing, bluefish are live lined in order to attract giant bluefin tuna. The reason for this is because giant bluefin hunt these bluefish and by using live bait it portrays a more realistic and convincing prey for them. Live lined bluefish are normally staggered in different depths of the water column in order to spread the bait through the ocean while drifting.
Outriggers:
Outriggers are long steel poles that extend off the top of the boat that are used to spread apart lures when trolling. Outriggers range in size, shape, and durability but all have the same functionality. If fishing more than 3 rods, we highly suggest looking into outriggers for the boat.
Prop Wash:
Prop wash is the water that is kicked up from the propeller while trolling. Bluefin tuna are greatly attracted to the commotion that is made by the engines and tend to come up to investigate. The most rational explanation for this is that it mimics baitfish struggling on the surface of the water. However, it is always best to keep lures out of the prop wash in order to increase the visibility. This way, the bluefin will be able to focus directly on the spread when it is raised.
Side Riggers:
Side riggers are the smaller boat alternative to outriggers. They are smaller and cheaper but do a great job for center console boats. They have the same use and functionality as outriggers.
Stunning Fish:
Another technique used by whales in order to hunt baitfish. This process can be seen when whales jump out of the water and land on their backs thereby stunning the baitfish in the vicinity. After this happens other whales will come from below and feed on the stunned and helpless baitfish.
Shotgun Position:
Shotgun position, also known as center position, is the rod that is typically trolled far behind the boat straight down the middle of the spread. The idea for this position is that if a tuna misses a strike on a close up bar it will have another opportunity farther back in the spread. Usually the shotgun position is run off of a center rigger which is an outrigger that points straight off the back of the boat. The allows the shotgun position line to be lifted high out of the water and decrease the chance of tangling with the rest of the spread.