When it comes to catching yellowfin tuna, chunking is one of the most effective techniques. However, if you’re going to have any success, bait selection is critical. Over the years, I’ve learned a few key lessons about what works and what doesn’t, and I want to share those with you.

Choosing the Right Bait

Bait selection is more than just a matter of preference—it’s a science. In my experience, using bunker as bait can attract sharks due to the blood in the water. Sharks love the scent, and before you know it, they’ll be circling your boat. To avoid this, I recommend using sardines and butterfish instead. These baits not only draw in yellowfin tuna but also seem to keep the sharks at bay, making them a much better option for chunking.

Sizing Down Your Gear

When chunking for yellowfin, I always size down my leader and hooks to increase the chances of getting more bites. This technique might seem counterintuitive since you’re targeting big fish, but it’s actually effective. By using lighter gear, the bait looks more natural, and yellowfin are more likely to strike. Of course, you need to adjust your drag accordingly to avoid breaking off the fish—too much pressure can cause a snap, so finesse is key.

One of the critical pieces of equipment I use is the Shimano Speedmaster 2. It’s a lighter reel that pairs well with 50# braided line, giving you the perfect balance of strength and sensitivity. For hooks, I prefer the 4/0 and 5/0 ringed Gorilla Hooks by Owner. These hooks are incredibly strong, perfect for enduring long fights with tuna, but they’re also easy to hide inside the bait, which is important when you want a stealthy presentation.

Leader Line

As for leader line, I usually go with a 40# fluorocarbon leader for yellowfin in the 50-100 pound range. However, I’ve learned that sometimes starting with a 50# leader works better if the fish are less leader-shy. If I’m not getting bites, I’ll drop down to 30# fluorocarbon. This helps me attract more bites by presenting a more natural, unobtrusive offering. The key is to adjust according to the fish’s behavior and the water conditions.

Feeding the Bait

A big part of chunking is getting your bait to look natural and enticing. When I’m chunking, I keep the clicker off on my reel, and I leave the bail open. This allows me to feed the bait out with the current, mimicking the natural drift of a wounded fish. It’s all about making your presentation as realistic as possible. When you’re chunking, the bait should be swimming with the current, and if you’re not getting bites, you might need to slow down and fine-tune your technique.

Additionally, I’m not shy about tossing some extra bait into the water to help attract tuna. This creates a feeding frenzy, which can draw in the big fish. But be careful here—it’s a delicate balance. You don’t want to overfeed them and fill them up before you have a chance to hook one. The key is to keep them interested without giving them too much.

Patience and Persistence

Chunking for yellowfin tuna is a game of patience and strategy. You need to keep the fish interested without giving them everything they want. As you continue chunking, keep an eye on the water and be ready to strike when you see the fish approaching. Be mindful of your drag and leader strength, and always stay alert for that moment when the fish finally takes the bait.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having successful chunking sessions that land yellowfin tuna. So, next time you head out on the water, remember that the right bait, the right gear, and the right techniques are the keys to success.

Happy fishing, and remember—when you’re out there with the tuna, it’s all about getting the bite just right.