How to Reel in a Tuna

Tuna, which can weigh hundreds of pounds, are one of the most commonly sought fish species among saltwater anglers. Not only are they delicious to eat, but they also put up a good fight when hooked. They are strong fish and can break the line or empty a reel of line if anglers do not reel them in properly.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set the hook with a hard, upward motion.

    • 2

      Loosen the drag so the fish can make runs without breaking your line. The drag should be just loose enough that it takes a firm, steady pull for the tuna to pull line off of the reel.

    • 3

      Hold your rod at the 2 o'clock position anytime the fish makes a run. When it quits running, reel line in as you drop the rod tip so it is pointed at the fish. Raise the rod tip to the 1 o'clock position, and then drop the rod tip toward the fish and reel in line.

    • 4

      Reel as fast as you can anytime the fish swims toward the boat.

    • 5

      Move the boat if the tuna is directly beneath it. It is very difficult to reel tuna vertically, so moving the boat so your line is at about a 45-degree angle with the water will help bring the fish to the surface.

    • 6

      Continue reeling until the fish is at the boat.