BLUEFIN FOR BEGINNERS

WHAT TO EXPECT ON DAYAND-A-HALF-LONG TUNA TRIPS OUT OF SAN DIEGO

By Joe Sarmiento

Maybe it’s because of the popularity of NatGeo’s long-running Wicked Tuna television show, but hundreds of people visit San Diego annually in hopes of landing a big bluefin tuna.

We don’t get them quite as big here as they do on the East Coast, but landing a 200-plus-pound cow bluefin is not that uncommon either. Fish weighing more than triple digits get caught on just about every trip in the day-and-a-half range these days.

And since most people have not pulled in a fish of this size ever in their lives, preparing for one of these trips can set off some serious anxiety. It will also cause people to bring/buy a bunch of gear that they won’t even use. I’ll try to demystify it all here so you don’t waste your money on stuff you don’t need. You will rest easier and gain confidence that you have the right gear for a successful trip.

When To Go

There have been years when bluefin have been caught every month of the year. If you’re going to spend the requisite $500 or so to go on one of these 36-hour trips, though, you want to maximize your chances and go when the opportunity is best. Most visitors come in the summer. That’s not my favorite time to go. No offense, but the crowds are highest and talent level lowest on the boats in summer. The bait is also at its worst during the