Using weights for bluefin
 

Guys, whenever I go bluefin fishing I usually just sent the baits below the ballon at varying depths and assume they stay there. Obviously using weights would guarantee the baits stay at the proper depth so a few questions:

If I'm marking fish at say 80' do I set me weight at 80 feet?

If I do the above how far from my bait do I set my sinker?

Thanks for any help.

Here in NC we normally Troll baits up top or on down riggers at an shallow depths. But here they are in 100 feet or less of water, sometimes way less. I got a peen torque 9 (50lb drag, 500ft/80lb braid) set up for free jigging them and can use the jig wait to get them in front of the fish by letting it drop. You better be built up to handle it. Some guys drag tires across the yard with the reel to build there body up to the task. I know up north they do a lot of anchored sets for Blue Fin using balloons so they may can help better than I could.

Google in video section or U-tube "sami free jigging bluefin tuna" if you got time, you can see how they do that here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByiAunMpsjY

Thanks Friz. I'm familiar with vertical jigging like the style you mention I was more curious about live bait while using weights.

For example if I'm marking fish at 80' in 200' of water do I set me weight for 80' and leave say 30' until my bait. If I do than theoretically my bait could be anywhere between 50' deep or 110' depending if it swims for the surface or digs for the bottom. The big question is how far from my bait do I set my weight

No one goes Tuna fishing??

We run 30 leaders so we put the weight in front of the swivel connecting main line to the leader.

Tough (tuna) crowd...
 

Chance,

You want to start with a leader length of 10-20' depending on your taste. I personally fish 12-15' leaders. Leaders then go to a swivel to connect mainline.

Hook the bait, put it in the water. Use a #82 rubber band to connect the weight to the line roughly 20-30' from the bait (on mainline side of swivel). You want the bait to be appear free swimming! Next count out your line or measure however you like best while dropping weight in water column. When it gets to your depth, tie on the balloon. Then set as far from the boat as you like.

Fished on a couple of well known boats in the northeast and they all do it the same. Spent a summer before college fishing on a legendary boat and all I can say is, even when you are being paid to be on the boat, some secrets are still well guarded. Lots of hullabaloo around this tuna fishery. As well as witchery and piracy...

Thanks Holigan. That's what I imagined but just wanted some confirmation. Thanks again