East coast help for West coast bluefin

[THE HAT]

I fish off the California coast each summer for albacore. Occasionally I get a bluefin in the mix. The Pacific bluefin are much smaller than the Atlantic variety with the larger fish running up to about 200#. Fishing methods include mainly trolling and drifting live bait.

The few bluefin that I have caught have come on the troll using Zuker feathers and Rapalas. Though the fish have been small, 20# to 30#, I am hoping to hook into one of these rare larger bluefin.

I am looking for some input on tactics that might help catch more and bigger bluefin. Do spreader bars or daisy chains make a difference in your spread? What kind and brand of lures work well?

All input is greatly appreciated.

THE HAT

[Alan]

A pink Islander with a pink head has always worked for me. Put a horse ballyhoo behind it and hold on! Another color is Blue and white, but pink works the best for me with the bluefins. Good Luck

Alan

[Harpoon]

BFT have great vision and are leader shy. Use clean. unchaffed un scratched flourocarbon leaders.

Mix your bait in with the chum line and keep it there.

good luck

[reelfast123]

Try trolling at 3 to 4 kts with spreader bars with 10 to 16 squids on them with the last one a differant colar and farther back use floral carbon 2oo lb test.


Capt. Al

[THE HAT]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am sure that I will try everything except the Iland lure with the ballyhoo. The west coast doesn't have ballyhoo, but I am sure that a nice fresh sardine will substitute just fine.