Live Bait for Giant Tuna
LIVELY TeamBlue Runners:
- Size: 8-12 inches
- Usage: Durable and capable of attracting big strikes from giant tuna when live-lined or slow-trolled. Known for their durability and active swimming, which can handle aggressive strikes.
Bluefish:
- Size: 8-14 inches
- Usage: Can be used both as live bait or cut bait. Live bluefish are highly active, creating an enticing presentation. Larger specimens can be used when targeting very large tuna, matching the local forage size.
Bonito/Skipjack:
- Size: 10-20 inches
- Usage: Versatile and highly effective, especially for larger giant tuna. Using bigger bonito can match the natural prey size.
Herring:
- Size: 6-10 inches
- Usage: Excellent choice, particularly in colder waters. Hooked similarly to mackerel, with size adjustments based on the target tuna's size and feeding behavior.
Mackerel:
- Size: 8-12 inches
- Usage: One of the best live baits for giant tuna. Can be bridled through the nose or back and used while drifting or slow-trolling. Larger mackerel are suitable for targeting bigger tuna, like Bluefin.
Sardines/Pilchards:
- Size: 4-8 inches
- Usage: Effective when tuna are feeding on small baitfish. They work well when chummed and then presented as live bait. Smaller baits are ideal when targeting tuna feeding on smaller prey.
Analysis
Live Bait Preference: Live bait is more popular, especially in trophy fisheries, as it offers a natural presentation that is critical for enticing large, cautious tuna.