THE BIG GUNS

In a previous article, I wrote about the benefits of using miniaturized big-game reels (see “Little Giants” at www.bdoutdoors.com/article/tuna-reels-big-drag). But the whole time I was writing that story, I couldn't help but think that it's still important to have some big guns in your arsenal.

The big gear features capabilities that smaller rigs just can't deliver. Once you get that bite and you settle in for a knock-down, drag-out battle against a giant yellowfin, the larger class outfits give the angler an advantage that even the toughest small reels can't match.

Between the massive drag surface of a bigger reel and the larger spool driven by a winch-like handle and tractor-like gears, the advantage when fighting a giant tuna on a big reel almost shifts in favor of the angler.

Make no mistake in considering the welfare of your opponent and calculating the “fairness” of utilizing big-game tackle. Believe it or not, even when using the biggest and best equipment available, giant yellowfin still manage to kick us on our rear a good percentage of the time. Some days we win, some days we lose, and overall the fish are still way ahead.

I come from the old school, when on a good day we landed about two out of 10 giant yellowfin. On a bad day we hooked 10 and landed zero. I freely admit my bias.

"My sympathy for the big brutes is none. Still, you've got to respect the tenacity of these spirited warriors."

If you can tilt the odds in your favor in any way, it's warranted. Using big gear places long-range tuna fishermen in the driver's seat by a significant margin — just the way it should be.

Combined with today's graphite/fiberglass rod blanks such as the Calstar Grafighter 770xxh or the Shimano Talus series, you've got incredible leverage and lifting power to compliment the extreme torque generated by a 50- or 80-pound class reel. The true advantage of using heavy-duty gear, however, takes place after the fish is hooked. But in some cases fishing with heavy tackle can be a detriment before you hook a fish, especially when using small finfish such as sardines and mackerel for bait.

It can be a real drag (literally) to lug around such a heavy outfit all day. Casting lighter baits is very difficult, feeding line or fly-lining takes considerable doing, and maintaining the feel of a swimming sardine is tough at best beyond 15 or 20 yards.