I’ve been fishing more diligently and trying my hand at offshore fishing out of San Diego. Recent trip I went on lost three fish ( operator error) learned some lessons. Thanks Ali for your info and time .
silky i’m in san diego too i would love to go blue fin fishing if you need more crew i’ve been 100 miles out and caught yellows but had the blues jumping at the kite rigged gear i have a license and my own gear
Went down to SD on a private charter and landed 2 yellowfin +40 lbs and 1 bluefin that was at least +60 lbs. My baby Penn fathom with 25lb line didn't even get any play lol. Glad you made a video to guide me on getting the right set up. Keep up the great content 👍🤙
I think you nailed the set up for like not the Gucci guys like me. I’ll admit , I have the atd series 6,12,and 30. All on axis rods except the 6. But anyone listing here , he’s right. Fish on , fish hard.
Noticed you dangling a ringed circle hook. Was it a R39943NP-BN-7/0-25U RINGED DEMON® OFFSET CIRCLE HOOK by Mustad??? Like to hear your analytics on the ringed circle hooks as they pertain to tuna fishing. Thanks!!!
Mustad Demon Offset Circles are our go to hook. We like the bigger gap, the price and they just work. They are also made of a softer steel than a lot of designer hooks. If you pull too hard they have some give and don't just break. (read- Picky smaller YFT and BFT). They flat out work and that's why we use them.
Local Knowledge Fishing Show Going to try some of those hooks. I have almost the same setups. I have Fathom 30, 12, 16 and 20 VISX with 3 Carnagell rods and Calstar Grafighter 700H. I can’t wait to test them on some nice groupers and YFT over here on the east coast. Are the ringed circle hooks just for tuna? They look like they would work really good in other applications.
Local Knowledge Fishing Show Definitely! I’m an old school guy- old school like I tie my own sea witches and bucktails. I learned from old school guys too. I can’t keep up with what’s the latest and greatest. I also don’t want to be sold pretty-colored snake oil. I trust you guys and it’s nice to see if maybe there’s something I can throw in my spread or on the boat that works.
nice to see another penn fan i got a squall penn left hand 40wide on a eat my tackle blue marlin competition rod rated for 80# a jigg master pen 500 on a sturdy stick for 40# and a light action rod for baitfish or freshwater i’m in san diego south bay i’m interested in catching some halibut too
Hi, I enjoyed this video. Thinking to get into BFT in our area I saw some folks are getting them out of Santa Cruz CA. Also want to get albacore too. What rod and reel would you suggest today that is not too expensive?
Great video. How do you choose between capacity vs. test? More capacity is great, but the compromise is lower drag setting. More test allows greater drag, which should translate to less line capacity is needed. The accepted standard is to never exceed 1/3 of line test w/ drag. 60 lbs braid = 20 lbs. drag. 130 lbs. line = 40 lbs. drag. It is doubtful that anyone could actually fish a rod at 40 lbs. drag without a fighting chair and seat harness. Possibly on the rail, but not for any extended period of time. So what exactly would be the ideal -- more line, or more drag pressure ? Thanks !
We scale our line to the size of our reel and then use that reel for it's intended purpose. We start at 50W and put 130# braid on them. 30W get #100. 60s and 40's get 80#. and so on.
Love watching your videos. Great detail and insight. Why spend the big bucks if you don’t have to...if it works...it works. I have all my rigs dialed in for YT and mixed grade YFT...but just starting to get into the bigger gear for BFT and this was very helpful. Fished with a kite and yummy flyer for the 1st time last month. We were successful in learning the technique, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Can’t wait to get back out there and try again!
Do you think the 40 nld2 2speed would be sufficient. I plan to fish 1.5 days fish 100 to 250 pounds. Do you think the 60 or 40 would’ve best? Moreover I am left handed and they don’t make many conventional reels of that size in left. What should I do, do you think learning right orientation is possible if practiced. Thank you in advance I’m kind of knew to this clas
Question: say I have a wind on leader and it snaps or whatever,and don’t have another wind on or even time to put one on, what’s your go to solution? Surgeons or FG? To 100 + braid? Say fir tuna up to 200lbs
My son got his first 40 and we were wondering what pound braid to start out the season with and what to upgrade to later in the season. We’re going to be hitting the water in the next week or two and we want to get set up for the most versatility for what’s biting this early in the season. We are going to be going out of point Loma on a day and a half trip and I’m not sure of the distance.
Did not really talk over rod length with heavy sinker rig. I use Shimano Talica 20 with 60 or 80 top shot over the braid. Do you prefer a 6 1/2 rod 30-80 or 7ft rod 50-80. Short or long rod and why.
Thanks for this informative video, unfortunately I just watched it. The second set up with the penn fathom 40 nld it seems to be obsolete. Is there a replacement for it . Thanks
For jigging bluefin tuna at night where the fish can be over 200lb, which reel? The visx16 or is the high gear too slow for jigging? Is it possible to get away with the fathom 40n? I like a narrow reel also. Thank you!
I'd use a International 20 for some extra line capacity. The Fathom 40 is good for fish up to 150# but I'd prefer to have a bigger reel with bigger gearing to land the fish fast.
Thorough and expert advice Ali. I recently purchased an Inshore setup, Shimano Saragosa 8000 on 8foot Fenwick Hmg. 65lb power pro braid. I can't wait to use it in September. I really wanted the Penn Slammer IV DX but it only comes in the 6500 series. what are your thoughts on this matter?
i just purchased the Penn40NLD2 with 80lb braid and will start off with 60 fluoro. I was wondering for live bait what size hook would you use for the bluefin off the coast of San Diego
You need to match your hook to the bait size. Bigger sardines call for a 4/0 Mustad demon circle. The Smaller firecracker baits will usually need a 1 or 2/0 Mustad Demon circle. Best of luck.
Won’t braid as main line causes problems such as tangle when trolling ? I was told to use braid as the initial spooling then tie mono about 200 yards let it out to troll ? What’s your advise ?? Thanks
What knot do you guys use for braid to flouro? I dig the FG to cast longer leaders through guides but its still seems sketchy to tie on a boat without tension. I'm either looking for a backup knot that's nice to cast bait on, or some assurance that the tuna don't mind short leaders and I'll stick to a double uni haha.
We use a variety for different applications. For all around, general fishing the uni to uni is hard to beat. Easy to tie and plenty strong up to 80#. Over 80# we typically go to a wind on. The FG is great for poppers and stick baits but definitely not the easiest to tie. Hope that helps.
Hi Ali like to know if you could get more into detail on TH-cam video Tuna reels as far as set up with hooks Tie knots especially you mentioned you had a loop set up how does that work.thanks Alfredo San Digeo
Man thats crazy. We bring penn 50s for bluefin out here on the east coast. They would laugh at you if you took a penn 20 for blues. Yellows yea a 30w. Very interesting, than again we are trolling most of the time.
When you’re trolling do you go 80% hollowcore 20% mono? With these chunking set ups are you just throwing a wind on on top of the braid? I’ve been using my trolling rods for chunking for a while and I’m really just getting into it all. Thanks.
I’m trying to build a rig for a 1.5 next season. Stuck between a rig that can handle my typical 20-40lb yts and possible bft (which I have rigs for) and a rig that can handle 40-80. In my shopping cart is a daiwa proteus 8’ with a saltiga 50. Is this a good setup for 40-100lb bluefin?
@@LocalKnowledge appreciate the reply, I think I’ll do the saltiga40 for my 40-100 build and I’ll go with a penn fathom 40nld with the ally for the 50-150 🤙🏼🤙🏼
hello Ali I'm getting started with tuna and i purchased the penn torque 40nld2 & 25nld2 what two rods would you recommend for my two reels thank you also can you recommend a lingcod setup thank you so much
I’m needing a little advice, I picked up a Talica 25 ii and a Trinidad 20a, but cannot figure out what rods to pick up for them. I fish mostly on charter boats outta San Diego, on 1 to 2 1/2 day trips.
Ali is the hollow core braid a disadvantage when live lining sardines? Ive heard because its hollow it can hold air, harder for baits to pull? Currently using spider wire ocean camo. Thanks for the great info
Hi guys. Question plz.. on the penn 20 with 80lbs braid ( in your video the 3rd setup) what is the international rod kg or rated at? I have a Talica 20 2 speed with 80lbs but not sure if my rod is correct. I have Shimano game 24kg rod as my setup. Is this enough to catch those 200lbs tunas
The rod is rated 80-100 and that woudl be the lightest set up we'd use. The new Penn West Coast Rail Rods are what we are using today. I'd go with the 80-130 model for a Intl 20. Good luck.
Hi, I just purchased a Penn 25NLD reel to use as my medium set-up and am looking for a rod to pair it with. I was looking to get the Penn Carnage II 3080C70, but it looks like they are sold out everywhere. Do you have any recommendations for others rods that would pair well with this reel?
What length leader is needed for a 200 lb tuna? Do you use fluro carbon leader? Went fishing couple of weeks ago and lost 3 fishes, I think because I am guessing the leader not matching the wait of the fish or the quality (it was a Japanese brand)
I am looking to get a Calstar 90J and I’m trying to find a reel to put on it. I like the Trinidad, but I’m not trying to break the bank. Any suggestions?
Assuming you want a star drag [and not a 2-speed lever drag], check out the Penn Fathom FTHII25NSD. You can get it in 6-1 gear ratio, or 4.8-1 gear ratio.
That will absolutely work just fine. We prefer hollow core because it eliminates the knot but a lot of big fish have been caught on a bimini twist. We have a great video of an easy way to tie the knot here on our channel.
Makes me chuckle a bit , my reels are the Penn visx 12,16,20 and a Penn vis 70 Landed a 240 pound white sturgeon on the 20 My largest bluefin was a 500 pound , but that was with a 130 Tiagra ( charters reel, didn’t own the 70 yet ) My Penns have been bulletproof and crushed anything I’ve ever hooked up to . I like to fish the same way , lots of power to crush them quick... so I can release them in better shape then a long drawn out fight . Even released the 500 pound tuna As it swam away I just said “ go make babies “
We use a loop to loop or catspaw connection. We splice a loop into the main line and the windon has a loop on one end. There's a video here on our channel showing you how.
Bimini to leader we serve the leader in to hollow spectra and do a loop to loop connection. When tying straight spectra to flouro or mono we use the FG Knot. To the hook or jig with heavy line a San Diego Jam knot or Perfection Loop if you want action like a ringed hook.
Haven’t been out in years, mainly been bass fishing. Found a shimano Tld15 in my garage… how would I rig this? 65lb braid/60 fluoro? Good for bait n jigs/lures? Specs pretty similar to this 25nld
@@LocalKnowledge yea I'm going to save up for one. Went with my dad and his friend on the Legend couple weeks back and since my dad's old school, we were using a single-speed star drag/lever drag reels. We didn't expect to be fishing for cows tho. My dad's friend was using my dad's U.S. Senator and the crew kept calling it the '57 Chevy when he hooked up lol. Two broken reels later (anti reverses grinded out), by some miraculous, lucky, supernatural reason, two cows were on the deck. Pretty hard to beat for my first bluefin and I'm so stoked for the opportunity and fish of a lifetime. Thnx for all the info and advice and the great channel!
This video is perfect timing as some bigger bluefin are showing up in the north east. Was wondering what an entry level set up would look like for bluefin. Thank you for the great content as always.
Hi Ali. Looking for a new 100lb reel for flat falls, and bait. I want this reel specifically for cow tuna. Something i can hold for a long time and not get too tired. I don't really wanna spend another $1000 in a dedicated kite setup so I also want this reel to be capable of flying a kite. Tied between a 16 VISX and a 20. 20 is all around due to line capacity and everything but its a bit heavier than the 16. What are your thoughts?
if you want to use it on the kite you need a 20 minimum. You need that extra line capacity because you'll have so much line out at the bite. Good luck.
@@LocalKnowledge Do you prefer PENN bc they pay you??? A lot of the PENN stuff is garbage, especially the stuff made in Communist China. You can take a product like SHIMANO or AVET and they are night and day better than the PENN offerings.
Can the avet Mxl raptor can handle 100 pound tuna and any recommendations and advice on tackle or setups or on any avet reel I want a avet reel but I want it small but also offshore tuna fishing please help me
I've been fishing a bunch up here in New England and keep getting bit right behind the hook on live baits any chance you guys could do a rigging video of live bait rigs, I'm pulling my hair out trying different tactics with no success I'm putting the time in but fish don't seem to corporate...
Im fishing East of coronado islands in a few weeks for blue finn.. I was going to live bait my rig but Ive heard that they are very picky with live bait. What lure do you reccomended?
Hopefully WEST of the Coronados otherwise you'll be in Tijuana! Be prepared with a 30#, 40# and 60# rig. You could encounter anything from 20# school tuna to 150# big bluefin. As always check with the boat or landing before you depart.
Thank you for the video. I have a couple of questions on setup and rigging for for the Bluefins. I fish an annual charter trip out of San Diego on the Islander. We will be targeting the Bluefins during part of the trip this year. For my heavy BFT setups I will fish a Santiago 12, 25 and Marquesa 50T. I currently have Mono on both of the Santiagos 30lb on the 12 and 40 lb on the 25. The 50T is spooled with 85 lb dacron. None of this sound close to the correct setups. I could use some suggestions to help me set them up correctly. I also will be fishing two Penn Fathoms the 25 and 30 NLD2's. For my spinning setups I have a Penn Carnage II paired with the Slammer III. And Spinfisher V Live Liner ( and yes I have been laughed at for using this outfit, but it is fantastic for pitching live baits) it is paired to a 30-65 Battalion. Any suggestions on setups would be much appreciated. Thank you.
that's a really long question, but first things first. Get that mono off your reels. Smaller reels like the 25 and 30 fathoms should have 65 or 80# braid on them and a short 6' flouro top shot . this will make it easier for your bait to swim and look natural while giving you the line capacity you need for a bigger fish.,
Careful with that penn liveliner reel. My dad had one take a shit on a 50 lb bluefin last year, it basically exploded and would completely loose all drag when the fish was boatside. It was his first and only shot at a bluefin to date. I bought him a quality spinning reel so it hopefully won't happen again. Can't wait to get him back out there. It was a heart breaker. Id say bring the slammer and leave the live liner at home.
When you talk about the different leader sizes (if the fish are picky or they would bite anything fishing at night vs the day and so on) do you re rig when you are on the boat if so what knot do you use.
Palomar is good to attach a hook to your leader. To attach a lure I suggest to use the orvis knot, super simple and super strong. For mainline to leader I use the FG knot. Good luck, tight lines!
@@xprettylightsx Your welcome, to be honest im more into spinning reels. But I think the Shimano Tranx 400A could be interesting for you. A really good TH-cam channel about reels is tackle advisors, definitely check his video's. And a website by Alan Hawk, just google his name and you will find it. The last suggestion is more spinning reel orientated I'm afraid. A lot of good "how to" video's on knots I found on a TH-cam channel called Salt Strong ;) Good luck and tight lines!
I own a Penn Torque 25 Ld, same one as the one in the beginning of the video, and haven't been able to properly match it with the right rod. What would you recommend, and or what do you have it matched with?
Hey Ali, good video and I appreciate the time you put into these topics. I am from Florida and do a lot of land based fishing at home. I am currently traveling with my wife who is a travel nurse and she is working in Visalia, CA. I am planning a trip to San Diego to try my hand at Bluefin probably in June 2022 on one of those day and a half trips. I was hoping to pick up a rod and reel appropriate for Bluefin but I don't have lots of cash to dump into buying multiple setups. I'm looking for one rod and reel for that happy medium since it will likely just collect dust once I go back to Florida. I also love PENN spinning reels but I always reel with my left hand and don't want to buy a right hand retrieve reel. Was considering an AVET 30 2-speed lever drag with LH retrieve on a rod rated for 50-80# or 50-100#. I would likely use 80# braid and 60-100# fluoro top-shot. What is your recommendation for the amount of line I should have on the reel such as total number of yards? I don't want to be severely under-gunned with a 20-40# rig but I also don't want to be catching 30-80# tuna on a rig designed to winch in small automobiles. Sorry for the long-winded comment. I look forward to hearing your opinion. Thanks.
On a 30 we go with 100# and get 700 plus yards. That will give you plenty of insurance if you do hook a big one. 80# will work fine as well but you don’t really need all that line. Good luck.
@@LocalKnowledge It is the 22 of June and I'm just now reading your post. Fishing bluefin is a ball and if you're on a day and half trip get a lot of rest before the trip. You'll probably be fishing 2-3 hours after you leave the dock and you will fish all night, all day and probably into the second night until the captain says it is time to head back. Brutal is the word but if you get into the right school you'll find yourself in fisherman Heaven!!! I have been on three i.5 day trips and have had my arms, knees, and shoulders tested to the max. But please get some rental gear. The spinner reels are not tough enough for these bruisers that can and often do go over 200lbs. you need a reel that is high capacity and strong enough to handle these guys. A Shimano Speedmaster 25 2 speed is around $350 and a heavy rail rod like a 700xh . anything less you may be disappointed in the outcome. There are other reels able to handle these big guys but most of them are in the 5-6 hundred range. Call ahead and find out if your landing has rental gear. I know some of the landings do rent. Good luck to you if this is catching you before you go fishing..
@@lpsnbds The line capacity seems to be comparable to a Penn fathom or torque 60. Any advantage in drag? I have the fathom 40 and know that the fathom 60 has the same drag system with the 40, which doesn't get a full 40lb drag without some washer job. I rented from fisherman's landing, their 100lb rig is a torque 60 LD2 on a seeker rod.
Checked the wrong box when I ordered. Doesn't really make a big difference. We rarely use low gear. I want the angler to be able to keep up with the fish if it charges the boat. Thanks. Ali
![How to FLYLINE for Bluefin Tuna Fishing [FULL BREAKDOWN]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LuxvBaJztCQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve been fishing more diligently and trying my hand at offshore fishing out of San Diego. Recent trip I went on lost three fish ( operator error) learned some lessons. Thanks Ali for your info and time .
You'll get them next time!
silky i’m in san diego too
i would love to go blue fin fishing if you need more crew
i’ve been 100 miles out and caught yellows but had the blues jumping at the kite rigged gear
i have a license and my own gear
Went down to SD on a private charter and landed 2 yellowfin +40 lbs and 1 bluefin that was at least +60 lbs. My baby Penn fathom with 25lb line didn't even get any play lol. Glad you made a video to guide me on getting the right set up. Keep up the great content 👍🤙
Nice work! Hope this all helps.
Nice work!
Helps out a lot, thanks again buddy😎
This is the seaguar blue that we know and love. Yes, it is difficult to knot, but it works.
We like it for the heavy stuff.
I think you nailed the set up for like not the Gucci guys like me. I’ll admit , I have the atd series 6,12,and 30. All on axis rods except the 6. But anyone listing here , he’s right. Fish on , fish hard.
Thank you sir. We try to hit all budgets.
Reading sonar and electronics for rockfish and or gamefish would be cool!
Definitely on the list.
Noticed you dangling a ringed circle hook.
Was it a R39943NP-BN-7/0-25U
RINGED DEMON® OFFSET CIRCLE HOOK
by Mustad??? Like to hear your analytics on
the ringed circle hooks as they pertain to
tuna fishing. Thanks!!!
Mustad Demon Offset Circles are our go to hook. We like the bigger gap, the price and they just work. They are also made of a softer steel than a lot of designer hooks. If you pull too hard they have some give and don't just break. (read- Picky smaller YFT and BFT). They flat out work and that's why we use them.
Thanks ...
Local Knowledge Fishing Show Going to try some of those hooks. I have almost the same setups. I have Fathom 30, 12, 16 and 20 VISX with 3 Carnagell rods and Calstar Grafighter 700H. I can’t wait to test them on some nice groupers and YFT over here on the east coast. Are the ringed circle hooks just for tuna? They look like they would work really good in other applications.
Can you specify rod lengths, power and actions you use on all these setups? Thank You!!!
Its' all there in the description. Click View More.
Any info on the rod for the 50VISX?
Good stuff, saving this video for a rigging day
Rad! Stoked it helps.
Local Knowledge Fishing Show Definitely! I’m an old school guy- old school like I tie my own sea witches and bucktails. I learned from old school guys too. I can’t keep up with what’s the latest and greatest. I also don’t want to be sold pretty-colored snake oil. I trust you guys and it’s nice to see if maybe there’s something I can throw in my spread or on the boat that works.
Where can I find the tools that you used on your segment on how to make a loop in your holocaur, braid
The line vise is available at www.blueseasfab.com and the needle kit can be bought at most tackley shops.
Liked and subscribed. I was shocked to see nothing but penn reels in there.
PENN is our rod and reel parnter and they make great stuff. That said, feel free to substitute your favorite brand.
nice to see another penn fan
i got a squall penn left hand 40wide on a eat my tackle blue marlin competition rod rated for 80#
a jigg master pen 500 on a sturdy stick for 40#
and a light action rod for baitfish or freshwater
i’m in san diego south bay
i’m interested in catching some halibut too
Nice, we love our PENN gear.
You are such a pro. I'm lucky and glad that I came across your channel. Awesome video
Welcome aboard!
@@LocalKnowledge thank you
Hi, I enjoyed this video. Thinking to get into BFT in our area I saw some folks are getting them out of Santa Cruz CA. Also want to get albacore too. What rod and reel would you suggest today that is not too expensive?
For 150#+ BFT you really want to have an international 50. For smaller stuff a Fathom 40 2 speed on a sturdy rod works great.
Great video. How do you choose between capacity vs. test? More capacity is great, but the compromise is lower drag setting. More test allows greater drag, which should translate to less line capacity is needed. The accepted standard is to never exceed 1/3 of line test w/ drag. 60 lbs braid = 20 lbs. drag. 130 lbs. line = 40 lbs. drag. It is doubtful that anyone could actually fish a rod at 40 lbs. drag without a fighting chair and seat harness. Possibly on the rail, but not for any extended period of time. So what exactly would be the ideal -- more line, or more drag pressure ? Thanks !
We scale our line to the size of our reel and then use that reel for it's intended purpose. We start at 50W and put 130# braid on them. 30W get #100. 60s and 40's get 80#. and so on.
Love watching your videos. Great detail and insight. Why spend the big bucks if you don’t have to...if it works...it works. I have all my rigs dialed in for YT and mixed grade YFT...but just starting to get into the bigger gear for BFT and this was very helpful. Fished with a kite and yummy flyer for the 1st time last month. We were successful in learning the technique, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Can’t wait to get back out there and try again!
Right on. That's what it's all about. Keep trying, learning and getting better!
Do you think the 40 nld2 2speed would be sufficient. I plan to fish 1.5 days fish 100 to 250 pounds. Do you think the 60 or 40 would’ve best? Moreover I am left handed and they don’t make many conventional reels of that size in left. What should I do, do you think learning right orientation is possible if practiced. Thank you in advance I’m kind of knew to this clas
For fish over 150# we switch to an International 20 or bigger. You could get away with a Fathom 60 or Torque 60 but it's going to be a bit of work.
Question: say I have a wind on leader and it snaps or whatever,and don’t have another wind on or even time to put one on, what’s your go to solution? Surgeons or FG? To 100 + braid? Say fir tuna up to 200lbs
They don't break very often but if we mess one up, we cut it and tie a new leader with an FG knot usually. We also carry backups.
What weight of braided line do you have on the Phathom 40NLD?
80# Threadlock.
My son got his first 40 and we were wondering what pound braid to start out the season with and what to upgrade to later in the season. We’re going to be hitting the water in the next week or two and we want to get set up for the most versatility for what’s biting this early in the season. We are going to be going out of point Loma on a day and a half trip and I’m not sure of the distance.
80lb braid
80# for sure.
Super informative video 🔥👌🏼💯. What pound like you put on the penn fathom 40 narrow ?
Thank you. 80# braid for the Fathom 40s. They are work horses.
Did not really talk over rod length with heavy sinker rig. I use Shimano Talica 20 with 60 or 80 top shot over the braid. Do you prefer a 6 1/2 rod 30-80 or 7ft rod 50-80. Short or long rod and why.
We use both. Lighter setups will be 7' (INTL 12) and the heavier stuff is 6.5' (INTL 30 and 50)
Awesome video Ali!
Glad you enjoyed it
Are you using a knot connection to connect the hollow to the leader or top shot on the 20 and down?
Everything 80# and over gets a wind on. Everything under 80# gets a uni to uni knot.
show us what knot you tie on to your leader or braid to mono please
There's a video in our channel with just that. It's a uni to uni and we have a few other connections coming.
Awesome instructional video, would love to see more of these for different types of fishing!
More to come!
Love these type of videos
Rad. We will keep them coming!
interesting video. Here in the northeast when the big fish are around I wont put anything less than a 70 in the water and fish all 130's when I can!
Interesting! We just dont' get them over 400# so we don't need the big, big stuff.
Thanks for this informative video, unfortunately I just watched it. The second set up with the penn fathom 40 nld it seems to be obsolete. Is there a replacement for it . Thanks
Yep. Fathom II 40 is a great reel.
Please specifically tell me the models of the three reels and rods you have showed in this video.
It's all in the description amigo
Great video... thanks for the very good information
Glad it was helpful!
How much 130 braid were you able to fit on that 50 VISX?
750 yards.
Hi, Ali. Thanks for your helpful video.
Thanks for watching!
For jigging bluefin tuna at night where the fish can be over 200lb, which reel? The visx16 or is the high gear too slow for jigging? Is it possible to get away with the fathom 40n? I like a narrow reel also. Thank you!
I'd use a International 20 for some extra line capacity. The Fathom 40 is good for fish up to 150# but I'd prefer to have a bigger reel with bigger gearing to land the fish fast.
Need the east coast spinner video for the jigging and casting lures 🤙🏼
Roger!
Thorough and expert advice Ali. I recently purchased an Inshore setup, Shimano Saragosa 8000 on 8foot Fenwick Hmg. 65lb power pro braid. I can't wait to use it in September. I really wanted the Penn Slammer IV DX but it only comes in the 6500 series. what are your thoughts on this matter?
Good stuff! I think they are both great reels. We just love our PENN gear.
I'm fishing for sharks in Florida what size reel 80 or 50 also what pound braid to mono do you recommend 👍🦈🦈🦈🦈
A 50VISX with some 130# Seaguar Threadlock braid will land just about anything you can hook. Good luck!
i just purchased the Penn40NLD2 with 80lb braid and will start off with 60 fluoro. I was wondering for live bait what size hook would you use for the bluefin off the coast of San Diego
You need to match your hook to the bait size. Bigger sardines call for a 4/0 Mustad demon circle. The Smaller firecracker baits will usually need a 1 or 2/0 Mustad Demon circle. Best of luck.
Won’t braid as main line causes problems such as tangle when trolling ? I was told to use braid as the initial spooling then tie mono about 200 yards let it out to troll ? What’s your advise ?? Thanks
WE usually troll with just short, 30' wind-on leader connected directly to our braid.
Have you ever used Gomexus reels. I have 1 everything else is Penn. But for the money it's 2 to 1 because international reels are expensive
We have not. HArd to beat PENN for reliability and value.
With the penn fathom 25n how many yards of the 65 lb test do you spool the reel up to. And how much of a leader of the 80lb
about 375 from memory. WE just use a 5' Top shot of Seaguar flouro
hi, (sorry for bad english) I noticed you don' t use rods with roller, are they more weak or another point making you not pick it ?
With braided line you don't need them anymore. There is very little friction because the line is so slick. Good luck.
Awesome!!! Man, I'm a huge fan. Thanks for the details and description of all gear utilized along with the source sites. I want all that stuff.
Awesome, thank you!
What knot do you guys use for braid to flouro? I dig the FG to cast longer leaders through guides but its still seems sketchy to tie on a boat without tension. I'm either looking for a backup knot that's nice to cast bait on, or some assurance that the tuna don't mind short leaders and I'll stick to a double uni haha.
We use a variety for different applications. For all around, general fishing the uni to uni is hard to beat. Easy to tie and plenty strong up to 80#. Over 80# we typically go to a wind on. The FG is great for poppers and stick baits but definitely not the easiest to tie. Hope that helps.
Local Knowledge Fishing Show Yea that’s great I appreciate the info!
Hi Ali like to know if you could get more into detail on TH-cam video Tuna reels as far as set up with hooks Tie knots especially you mentioned you had a loop set up how does that work.thanks Alfredo San Digeo
Dig around in our channel. All of those questions have been covered. Thanks.
Man thats crazy. We bring penn 50s for bluefin out here on the east coast. They would laugh at you if you took a penn 20 for blues. Yellows yea a 30w. Very interesting, than again we are trolling most of the time.
When you’re trolling do you go 80% hollowcore 20% mono? With these chunking set ups are you just throwing a wind on on top of the braid? I’ve been using my trolling rods for chunking for a while and I’m really just getting into it all. Thanks.
We use the same 30' wind on leaders for trolling, chunking or live bait fishing. Thanks for watching.
Great info
I’m trying to build a rig for a 1.5 next season. Stuck between a rig that can handle my typical 20-40lb yts and possible bft (which I have rigs for) and a rig that can handle 40-80. In my shopping cart is a daiwa proteus 8’ with a saltiga 50. Is this a good setup for 40-100lb bluefin?
Sorry. We only fish PENN so I'm not familar with all the Diawa stuff. I'd use a PENN Fathom 40 for 40-100# bluefin.
@@LocalKnowledge appreciate the reply, I think I’ll do the saltiga40 for my 40-100 build and I’ll go with a penn fathom 40nld with the ally for the 50-150 🤙🏼🤙🏼
hello Ali I'm getting started with tuna and i purchased the penn torque 40nld2 & 25nld2 what two rods would you recommend for my two reels thank you also can you recommend a lingcod setup thank you so much
For the 25NLD I'd use a Carnage II CARBWII3080C70 and CARBWII50130C70 for the 40NLD. Best of luck.
Great video, Ali!
Glad you enjoyed it
I’m needing a little advice, I picked up a Talica 25 ii and a Trinidad 20a, but cannot figure out what rods to pick up for them. I fish mostly on charter boats outta San Diego, on 1 to 2 1/2 day trips.
THat's a great question for your local tackle shop. Go explain how you like to fish and pull on a few rods. They can get you set up.
Ali is the hollow core braid a disadvantage when live lining sardines? Ive heard because its hollow it can hold air, harder for baits to pull? Currently using spider wire ocean camo. Thanks for the great info
Not at all in my experience. Threadlock lays flat and comes off the reel like mono. We love it.
Ally I just got a penn 16visx mated with a phenix 40-100lb rod. Is this rod too lite?
Sounds about right!
Another great video. Thanks for the info!
Our pleasure!
Any time!
Hi guys. Question plz.. on the penn 20 with 80lbs braid ( in your video the 3rd setup) what is the international rod kg or rated at? I have a Talica 20 2 speed with 80lbs but not sure if my rod is correct. I have Shimano game 24kg rod as my setup. Is this enough to catch those 200lbs tunas
The rod is rated 80-100 and that woudl be the lightest set up we'd use. The new Penn West Coast Rail Rods are what we are using today. I'd go with the 80-130 model for a Intl 20. Good luck.
Rule of thumb is have line rating near middle of the rod line rating. Similar with lure weight.
Hi, I just purchased a Penn 25NLD reel to use as my medium set-up and am looking for a rod to pair it with. I was looking to get the Penn Carnage II 3080C70, but it looks like they are sold out everywhere. Do you have any recommendations for others rods that would pair well with this reel?
A solid 7' or 7'6" rod in the 30-40 pound class will work just fine.
I can’t find the Penn Vi international rod
We are now using the PENN West Coast Series Rail rods that we helped design. Model #CARWCIII80150C70 will get you dialed in.
Idk if u guys have done it before, but maybe a thresher tackle/setup video would be a cool addition to the channel?
Good on for the spring!
What would you think about jigging with a Penn International VISX20? too big?
For flatfall stuff, perfect. For tradtional jigging you want something like a Torque 25 or a Torque 40.
Ali, what do you think about the Okuma Makairas. I'm looking for something for the 100 pound range
Great reels, but PENN is #1 IMO.
Great video, thanks for getting to the point and staying on point. How do I fish with you guys?
Rush runs chargers out of Key West. Check out odysseysportfishing.com.
when your in target with a flat fall what do u suggest to do ? jig the rod up and let it fall while you wind?
Drop to the propper depth, jig a few times if that doesn't provide a bite, lift and wind for 100'. Then drop and repeat.
What length leader is needed for a 200 lb tuna? Do you use fluro carbon leader? Went fishing couple of weeks ago and lost 3 fishes, I think because I am guessing the leader not matching the wait of the fish or the quality (it was a Japanese brand)
WE use 30' Top shots for kite fishing made of 300#. For lighter set ups, we use 130# leader at about 20' long. Hope this helps.
I am looking to get a Calstar 90J and I’m trying to find a reel to put on it. I like the Trinidad, but I’m not trying to break the bank. Any suggestions?
Assuming you want a star drag [and not a 2-speed lever drag], check out the Penn Fathom FTHII25NSD. You can get it in 6-1 gear ratio, or 4.8-1 gear ratio.
See below. Fathom 25NSD is the perfect choice.
Is hollow core a must? Cant we just use regular spectra with a bimini at the end
That will absolutely work just fine. We prefer hollow core because it eliminates the knot but a lot of big fish have been caught on a bimini twist. We have a great video of an easy way to tie the knot here on our channel.
what knots do you use for heavy leader 130Lb + between mono to bread or mono to mono. thanks
We use wind-on leaders for anything over 100#. For 80 and 100# we use an FG knot.
Makes me chuckle a bit , my reels are the Penn visx 12,16,20 and a Penn vis 70
Landed a 240 pound white sturgeon on the 20
My largest bluefin was a 500 pound , but that was with a 130 Tiagra ( charters reel, didn’t own the 70 yet )
My Penns have been bulletproof and crushed anything I’ve ever hooked up to .
I like to fish the same way , lots of power to crush them quick... so I can release them in better shape then a long drawn out fight . Even released the 500 pound tuna
As it swam away I just said “ go make babies “
Nice lineup! Hard to beat that stable.
What do you mean "slip on a wind on"? i thread into my hollow core but dont know about the loop, what is the technique for attaching to a loop?
We use a loop to loop or catspaw connection. We splice a loop into the main line and the windon has a loop on one end. There's a video here on our channel showing you how.
For the heavier mono for flat falls and kite if you don’t crimp what’s your go to knot from the Bimini to leader and from leader to hook or jig?
Bimini to leader we serve the leader in to hollow spectra and do a loop to loop connection. When tying straight spectra to flouro or mono we use the FG Knot. To the hook or jig with heavy line a San Diego Jam knot or Perfection Loop if you want action like a ringed hook.
Do u back that braid up on your reels or just straight braid
We fill them with straight braid. Thakns for watching.
Haven’t been out in years, mainly been bass fishing. Found a shimano Tld15 in my garage… how would I rig this? 65lb braid/60 fluoro? Good for bait n jigs/lures? Specs pretty similar to this 25nld
That's more of a 20-40# reel. I'd have it serviced as well if it hasn't been used in a long time.
Can anyone tell me how I would do with an ugly stick GX 30-50 paired with a TLD 20, with 80lb braid please, thanks in advance 🛥️🙋♂️🎣
Lots of the last Gen penn reels are on or going on sale. Only way someone like me on a budget can get a decent 60lb tuna set up.
They are great reels!
Would you say the SQL 30VSW be a good budget cow reel? Open to suggestions, just looking for a reel with tons of capacity and is fairly cheap.
The squalls are hard to beat for value. But for the fish of a lifetime, I really tryst my Internationals.
@@LocalKnowledge yea I'm going to save up for one. Went with my dad and his friend on the Legend couple weeks back and since my dad's old school, we were using a single-speed star drag/lever drag reels. We didn't expect to be fishing for cows tho. My dad's friend was using my dad's U.S. Senator and the crew kept calling it the '57 Chevy when he hooked up lol. Two broken reels later (anti reverses grinded out), by some miraculous, lucky, supernatural reason, two cows were on the deck. Pretty hard to beat for my first bluefin and I'm so stoked for the opportunity and fish of a lifetime. Thnx for all the info and advice and the great channel!
This video is perfect timing as some bigger bluefin are showing up in the north east. Was wondering what an entry level set up would look like for bluefin. Thank you for the great content as always.
Good question! For bigger fish a 50W is really the bare minimum with a 130# + class rod. For the smaller fish, check out some of our earlier videos.
Hi Ali.
Looking for a new 100lb reel for flat falls, and bait. I want this reel specifically for cow tuna. Something i can hold for a long time and not get too tired. I don't really wanna spend another $1000 in a dedicated kite setup so I also want this reel to be capable of flying a kite. Tied between a 16 VISX and a 20. 20 is all around due to line capacity and everything but its a bit heavier than the 16. What are your thoughts?
if you want to use it on the kite you need a 20 minimum. You need that extra line capacity because you'll have so much line out at the bite. Good luck.
@@LocalKnowledge That's what I was thinking. Thank you very much for the response. Ill be grabbing it very soon. Let you know what ill go with.
@@LocalKnowledge What setup do you think would be the most important overall?
7:57 -- What is the purpose of the kite?
To suspend a big flying fish and it's rigging way off the side of the boat to entice a bite.
What rod would you recommend for the Penn 50VISX for kite fishing pacific BFT?
WE have been using the new PENN rail rods and LOVE them. The CARWCIII80130C70 is a beast for big bluefin.
What do you guys think about Avet reels?
Great reels but we prefer PENN.
@@LocalKnowledge Do you prefer PENN bc they pay you??? A lot of the PENN stuff is garbage, especially the stuff made in Communist China. You can take a product like SHIMANO or AVET and they are night and day better than the PENN offerings.
Sir, what's the size of that ally rod? 5'6 or more than that? Thank you.
6' I believe.
@@LocalKnowledge, Thank you Ali Hussainy sir, May Allah bless you. Eid mubarak 💖🇧🇩
Can the avet Mxl raptor can handle 100 pound tuna and any recommendations and advice on tackle or setups or on any avet reel I want a avet reel but I want it small but also offshore tuna fishing please help me
Way too small for 100#. You want to use one of their 30w or 50w for 100# line applications.
How about a jx raptor?
I've been fishing a bunch up here in New England and keep getting bit right behind the hook on live baits any chance you guys could do a rigging video of live bait rigs, I'm pulling my hair out trying different tactics with no success I'm putting the time in but fish don't seem to corporate...
Good topic. We'll add it to the list.
I see your running the 40nld full of braid. What size braid do you use?
80# Seaguar Threadlock
I will go with the one you said s cheaper. Also if where i go fish there is 200 lbs tuna how much drag on your reel do you recommend ?
We set our bigger reels at 25# of drag at strike. That equals about 32# at full. Perfect for the fish we are catching.
Im fishing East of coronado islands in a few weeks for blue finn.. I was going to live bait my rig but Ive heard that they are very picky with live bait. What lure do you reccomended?
Hopefully WEST of the Coronados otherwise you'll be in Tijuana! Be prepared with a 30#, 40# and 60# rig. You could encounter anything from 20# school tuna to 150# big bluefin. As always check with the boat or landing before you depart.
If you are allowed to say, What rail rod do you have the 50 visx on? I know it’s a saltydawg build but what blank?
It's a SaltyDawg custom blank that we cut down. Tell him you want the heavy rail rod like Ali's.
do you ready need floro for jigs ? I was thought that when fishing the jigs you don't need floro🧐
We like to use it because of it's abrasion resistance. It doesn't get chewed up as easily.
@@LocalKnowledge ohh gottcha , thanks for the reply 👍
Thank you for the video. I have a couple of questions on setup and rigging for for the Bluefins. I fish an annual charter trip out of San Diego on the Islander. We will be targeting the Bluefins during part of the trip this year. For my heavy BFT setups I will fish a Santiago 12, 25 and Marquesa 50T. I currently have Mono on both of the Santiagos 30lb on the 12 and 40 lb on the 25. The 50T is spooled with 85 lb dacron. None of this sound close to the correct setups. I could use some suggestions to help me set them up correctly. I also will be fishing two Penn Fathoms the 25 and 30 NLD2's. For my spinning setups I have a Penn Carnage II paired with the Slammer III. And Spinfisher V Live Liner ( and yes I have been laughed at for using this outfit, but it is fantastic for pitching live baits) it is paired to a 30-65 Battalion. Any suggestions on setups would be much appreciated. Thank you.
that's a really long question, but first things first. Get that mono off your reels. Smaller reels like the 25 and 30 fathoms should have 65 or 80# braid on them and a short 6' flouro top shot . this will make it easier for your bait to swim and look natural while giving you the line capacity you need for a bigger fish.,
Careful with that penn liveliner reel. My dad had one take a shit on a 50 lb bluefin last year, it basically exploded and would completely loose all drag when the fish was boatside. It was his first and only shot at a bluefin to date. I bought him a quality spinning reel so it hopefully won't happen again. Can't wait to get him back out there. It was a heart breaker. Id say bring the slammer and leave the live liner at home.
Thanks for this info! Well received Sir!
Thanks for watching!
What is the jig stick rod with the 25N in this video? Thanks Jeff
Looks like a Phenix Axis. We have a few new jigsticks coming this year from PENN that will be killers!
@@LocalKnowledge Awesome, thanks!
Love the narrow Penn.
Us too!
Great video
Thanks!
What rod was paired up with that penn torque 25. The jig setup
That's an axis jig stick from Phenix.
Nice video/ any beginner tuna Fishing Setup u recommend?
Start with the lightest rig and work your way up.
When you talk about the different leader sizes (if the fish are picky or they would bite anything fishing at night vs the day and so on) do you re rig when you are on the boat if so what knot do you use.
Palomar
Palomar is good to attach a hook to your leader. To attach a lure I suggest to use the orvis knot, super simple and super strong. For mainline to leader I use the FG knot. Good luck, tight lines!
Robert thank you, what’s a good real to replace my old sl-20 any suggestions?
@@xprettylightsx Your welcome, to be honest im more into spinning reels. But I think the Shimano Tranx 400A could be interesting for you. A really good TH-cam channel about reels is tackle advisors, definitely check his video's. And a website by Alan Hawk, just google his name and you will find it. The last suggestion is more spinning reel orientated I'm afraid. A lot of good "how to" video's on knots I found on a TH-cam channel called Salt Strong ;) Good luck and tight lines!
Robert your awesome man thanks for taking the time to reply with some really sweet info. Good luck to you stay safe and stay well. HOOK UP!
I own a Penn Torque 25 Ld, same one as the one in the beginning of the video, and haven't been able to properly match it with the right rod. What would you recommend, and or what do you have it matched with?
Depends on what you want to do but a Carnage 2 rated from 30-80# is a great start.
UC Wahoo 90, UC Reaper 90, Phenix PSW 909XHJ, all are great iron rods. Would match that reel perfect
Hey Ali, good video and I appreciate the time you put into these topics. I am from Florida and do a lot of land based fishing at home. I am currently traveling with my wife who is a travel nurse and she is working in Visalia, CA. I am planning a trip to San Diego to try my hand at Bluefin probably in June 2022 on one of those day and a half trips. I was hoping to pick up a rod and reel appropriate for Bluefin but I don't have lots of cash to dump into buying multiple setups. I'm looking for one rod and reel for that happy medium since it will likely just collect dust once I go back to Florida. I also love PENN spinning reels but I always reel with my left hand and don't want to buy a right hand retrieve reel. Was considering an AVET 30 2-speed lever drag with LH retrieve on a rod rated for 50-80# or 50-100#. I would likely use 80# braid and 60-100# fluoro top-shot. What is your recommendation for the amount of line I should have on the reel such as total number of yards? I don't want to be severely under-gunned with a 20-40# rig but I also don't want to be catching 30-80# tuna on a rig designed to winch in small automobiles. Sorry for the long-winded comment. I look forward to hearing your opinion. Thanks.
On a 30 we go with 100# and get 700 plus yards. That will give you plenty of insurance if you do hook a big one. 80# will work fine as well but you don’t really need all that line. Good luck.
@@LocalKnowledge It is the 22 of June and I'm just now reading your post. Fishing bluefin is a ball and if you're on a day and half trip get a lot of rest before the trip. You'll probably be fishing 2-3 hours after you leave the dock and you will fish all night, all day and probably into the second night until the captain says it is time to head back. Brutal is the word but if you get into the right school you'll find yourself in fisherman Heaven!!! I have been on three i.5 day trips and have had my arms, knees, and shoulders tested to the max. But please get some rental gear. The spinner reels are not tough enough for these bruisers that can and often do go over 200lbs. you need a reel that is high capacity and strong enough to handle these guys. A Shimano Speedmaster 25 2 speed is around $350 and a heavy rail rod like a 700xh . anything less you may be disappointed in the outcome. There are other reels able to handle these big guys but most of them are in the 5-6 hundred range. Call ahead and find out if your landing has rental gear. I know some of the landings do rent. Good luck to you if this is catching you before you go fishing..
@@lpsnbds The line capacity seems to be comparable to a Penn fathom or torque 60. Any advantage in drag? I have the fathom 40 and know that the fathom 60 has the same drag system with the 40, which doesn't get a full 40lb drag without some washer job. I rented from fisherman's landing, their 100lb rig is a torque 60 LD2 on a seeker rod.
Ali, I’m wondering why you go with the single speed 40nld and not the two speed on your bait stick?
Checked the wrong box when I ordered. Doesn't really make a big difference. We rarely use low gear. I want the angler to be able to keep up with the fish if it charges the boat. Thanks. Ali
Is that ally rod a conventional rod or casting looking to purchase
Conventional and a great bargain for what it does.
Thank you for the info
No worries! Best of luck!