Food lovers appreciate tuna dishes. This fish is cooked in different versions, and the result never disappoints. But for a fisherman, fishing for tuna is a real test. It is not easy to catch large and strong fish, but the trophy is all the more valuable.
What do we know about tuna
Tuna is a group of marine fish from the mackerel family. They form a special tribe, that is, the union of the next birth. There are 5 genera in this tribe, which are divided into 15 species. The name of the group comes from the ancient Greek word thynô. Its meaning is to "throw" or "rush" at something.
All tuna belong to schooling pelagic fish. This means that they do not sink to the sea soil, but are settled along the upper layers of the oceans. All tuna are predators, their diet consists of smaller fish, shellfish and crustaceans.
The body of the tuna is in the form of a spindle. On two sides along the caudal peduncle there is a leathery keel. Crescent-shaped dorsal fin. Mass can be very diverse. From 1.7 kg (mackerel tuna) to 600 kg (Pacific tuna). The largest trophy was caught near New Zealand; its weight was 335 kg.
How to catch tuna
Experienced fishermen begin the hunt for tuna with complementary foods. They go into the fishing area and throw overboard a large number of fresh or frozen fish trifles.
In addition to complementary foods, this type of fish is attracted by air bubbles. To lure a school of tuna, many use spray installations that create a stain of bubbles behind the stern. It seems to predators that this is a group of fry, scurrying around in the process of eating. In this case, tuna fishing is carried out on spinners, which are thrown directly into the spot of bubbles. But the method only works in the absence of wind in clear weather.
Another way of fishing is trolling. This means that a heavy lure is buried by about 5 m and pulled behind a moving boat on a thick cord. Squids or octopuses are suitable as a live bait, you can use mackerel. And if you use wobblers, then they should be as bright and quite large.
Tuna fishing in the open sea can take place on oudu. This is a durable rod, which is used in conjunction with a wide belt. There is a recess in the belt for stopping the butt of the rod. When catching fish, you can’t do without stopping. In this method, a polished hook without a beard is used. Bait is not used.
Tuna fishing differs from fishing of another species in that the trophies are large and heavy. They are not difficult to hook, but fighting turns into a real adventure, full of struggle and despair. To extract some species, a hook and a winch are required.
Features of catching different species: yellowfin tuna
Yellowfin tuna is an attractive trophy for all lovers of sea hunting. In this case, fishing for wild tuna occurs on trolling gear. Fishermen use baits with fish bait or wobblers.
It is difficult to catch yellow tuna. He does not surrender to the mercy of the winner, but desperately tries to go into the depths.
Yellowfin tuna is produced not only by amateur fishermen, but also by industrial companies. Commercial mining is carried out in the tropics and temperate latitudes.
Blackfin tuna
This type of tuna is also called Atlantic or black. This is a relatively small form, the maximum mass is 20 kg. Catching tuna of this species occurs in the seas of the western Atlantic. Spinning and trolling are used as gear, and the bait is light bait, streamer or octopus.
Bluefin tuna
This is a large species, for fishing which requires special permission. In addition, you need a large boat with a winch, special gear and other equipment. For beginners, having an experienced instructor can be helpful. Lives a view in the Atlantic Ocean.
Most often, fishermen catch bluefin tuna out of sports interest. After measuring and photographing the trophy is released. The weight of bluefin tuna can exceed 350 kg. Catching this “monster” guarantees a powerful adrenaline rush and a long fight.
Albacore
Albacore tuna is also called white, long-winged or long-toed. The meat of this species is considered the fattest and most tender. The average weight of the fish was about 20 kg, and the maximum trophy weighed more than 40 kg. A world record was recorded in the Canary Islands. The species inhabits the open ocean, very rarely approaches the shores. Active tuna fishing is in the Mediterranean Sea, where tropical and temperate latitudes of the World Ocean are located.
Big-eyed tuna
Bigeye tuna is also considered a large species. Their weight is from 100 to 200 kg. It is most convenient to catch trolling gear. Bait - squid and small fish. Fishing for big-eyed tuna can last more than an hour. All this time the fisherman is in suspense and must be careful. Big-eyed handsome man does not allow to gain easy victories.
Some useful facts
- Licenses and permits for catching rare species (bluefin tuna, redfin tuna) must be obtained before going to sea. Otherwise, the fisherman has to pay heavy fines. Always check quotas and rules where you intend to fish.
- In order not to damage the skin of the palms, when fishing for large individuals, it is necessary to wear gloves.
- Tuna fish can be used to make sushi. It almost never contains parasites.