First SoCal Tuna Trip! Report on page 3

On the Okuma rod, I typically look at 20-50 as a solid 30 pound rod.  If you're looking more for a 40, go up one size to ax XH.  I don't have direct experience with this particular rod though, but me personally, I'm using 40 for flyline for BFT.

Got it. I bought the XH. Would the Alijos 12N have enough line capacity for this set up?  Supposedly it holds 400 yards of 60 pound braid.

I'd fish it, but I'd go down to 50# braid myself.  For reference, I'll been bringing an Avet MXJ Raptor with a line capacity of 470/50 (I think).

-Allen

Shall we talk lures now?

I started using Jager jigs from Ocean Tackle International last year.  For night time jigging, 300g in any color is where I'd start.  I'd have a 400g or 2 just in case it there is a faster drift.  Can't beat the price at $8.99 each.  Considering other 300g jigs list at ~$20 online, and would probably cost closer to $30 if you bought at the landing.

It doesn't seem to make any difference on color.  As for shape, whatever gets down the fastest.  Eddie Bombs are all the rage these days.  They are essentially unpainted 16 ounce torpedo sinkers, through wired for strength.

https://oceantackle.net/ocean-tackle-international-jager-jigs/

-Allen

Lures…..I haven’t even seen day-time flyline, light flyline, paddy hopping, yo-yo, jig sticks, speed jigging or slow pitch setups discussed. 

Lures…..I haven’t even seen day-time flyline, light flyline, paddy hopping, yo-yo, jig sticks, speed jigging or slow pitch setups discussed.

I’ll let you lead these discussions.  This should be interesting.

-Allen

I started using Jager jigs from Ocean Tackle International last year.

Those look like a great deal. Do they all glow, or only some colors? Does glow matter?

Lures…..I haven’t even seen day-time flyline, light flyline, paddy hopping, yo-yo, jig sticks, speed jigging or slow pitch setups discussed. 

Buying two whole new setups is probably all I'm going to do for this trip (currently planned: 100 LB night jigging and 40 LB live bait/everything else), but I'm eager to hear any wisdom you want to share.

I'm guessing it is better to keep all the discussion in this thread but let me know if multiple threads would be preferred.

I started using Jager jigs from Ocean Tackle International last year.

Those look like a great deal. Do they all glow, or only some colors? Does glow matter?

It doesn't matter.  IMO.  Same rational behind why straight 16 ounce torpedo sinkers work.

What we need to talk about is how to rig the hooks.  We've seen it all over the years.  These days on the Islander we do not recommend hooks on the top and bottom.  We've seen too many fish mouth hooked on the rear hooks only to get head hooked on the front hooks.  It's very hard to fight a fish with reduced leverage over turning it.  These days many are using 2 singles on the bottom. Still, some have different preferences.

-Allen

Oh interesting. Two hooks on the bottom also seems like it would reduce the chances of getting chewed off since it leaves more distance between the hooks and the delicate 200 pound leader.

What are your preferred assist hooks?

What are your preferred assist hooks?

OTI has good hooks at a good price too.

https://oceantackle.net/ocean-tackle-raptor-assist-hooks-glow/

I use the following:
6/0 with the 300g
8/0 with the 400g

I just noticed they are out of stock on the 6/0.  I wouldn't hesitate to use the 8/0 on the 300g too.

Although they have the 6/0 without the bling.  https://oceantackle.net/ocean-tackle-raptor-assist-hooks/

-Allen

Lures…..I haven’t even seen day-time flyline, light flyline, paddy hopping, yo-yo, jig sticks, speed jigging or slow pitch setups discussed. 

Buying two whole new setups is probably all I'm going to do for this trip (currently planned: 100 LB night jigging and 40 LB live bait/everything else), but I'm eager to hear any wisdom you want to share.

I'm guessing it is better to keep all the discussion in this thread but let me know if multiple threads would be preferred.

 
You have your bases covered with those two rigs, you’ll be set for day and night fishing, the others fall into the niche situations, nice to haves, and making adjustments for the scratch bite.
 
If 40 isn’t getting bit, or they’re biting wide open and then it slows to a pick bite, you can stretch the outfit out bump just downsizing your floro leader and hooks.  I’ve used 30lb and 25lb, with circle hooks in sizes 1,2,4.  I also bring j hooks in 1 and 2 if the yellows show. 

Bring a couple yo-yo jigs for the yellows, a couple colt snipers for daytime when you get bored of sinker rig fishing and the new “must have”….a 300g tungsten jig…..small profile that drops fast. 

Color…doesn’t matter……but Katy Perry kills

You have your bases covered with those two rigs, you’ll be set for day and night fishing, the others fall into the niche situations, nice to haves, and making adjustments for the scratch bite.
 
If 40 isn’t getting bit, or they’re biting wide open and then it slows to a pick bite, you can stretch the outfit out bump just downsizing your floro leader and hooks.  I’ve used 30lb and 25lb, with circle hooks in sizes 1,2,4.  I also bring j hooks in 1 and 2 if the yellows show. 

Bring a couple yo-yo jigs for the yellows, a couple colt snipers for daytime when you get bored of sinker rig fishing and the new “must have”….a 300g tungsten jig…..small profile that drops fast. 

Color…doesn’t matter……but Katy Perry kills

Thank you! I'm doing more tackle shopping today.

I saw this store is having a sale on Mustad Rip Rollers, so I got several: https://seattlefishingco.com/products/rip-roller-slow-fall-jigs

I saw this store is having a sale on Mustad Rip Rollers, so I got several: https://seattlefishingco.com/products/rip-roller-slow-fall-jigs

Make sure to replace the hooks on those.

-Allen

I just got back from a 3 day on The Shogun. Great trip. I landed 4 BFT in the 110-140 pound range and lost 2. We made a stop at Cortez Bank for rockfish and I landed about 15 vermillion. One tip I would add, right now the 350g tungsten jig was definitely getting bit the most for night jigging. I wasn't going to buy one because of the $100 price, but glad I did.

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