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The Fishing News
00000177-ba84-d5f4-a5ff-bbfc9abb0000 with Steve JunkerEach week during saltwater fishing season Steve Junker checks in with the folks at On the Water magazine and others to find out who's catching what where around the Cape and Islands—and how they're doing it. 00000177-ba84-d5f4-a5ff-bbfc9abc0000For a detailed weekly Fishing Forecast, check out On the Water.00000177-ba84-d5f4-a5ff-bbfc9abb0001

Catching Tuna on Light Tackle: South of the Vineyard the Bite is On

Tom Puchner / fickr

Fishing for tuna doesn't always mean a trip to Stellwagen Bank and lashing yourself to the fighting chair to do battle with a 600-lb fish. South of Martha's Vineyard the action is very good this season for smaller bluefin, in the 40-lb range, from 40-to-45".  I spoke with Kevin Blinkoff, of On The Water Magazine, about a recent trip to target these "football" bluefin. Heading 10 to 15 miles south of the Vineyard, the crew was fishing in depths of about 140 feet. Key to locating the tuna schools was finding a seam of water where temperature transitioned sharply - in this case from 68 degrees to about 72 degrees.  

The tuna are fished on relatively light gear, similar to what you might use to target big bluefish and striped bass. Topwater lures are trolled at about 7 kts, creating enough splash and fuss to draw the bluefin up to strike. 

As a highly migratory species, bluefin tuna are carefully regulated, andspecific permits are required to fish them.  

There's more information about going for bluefin, including rigging details and encouragement to check with local charters, in the audio posted above. Also in the audio, you'll find a complete rundown of local fishing action - including the latest on the recent surprise bonanza of big striped bass - fish in the 40-lb range - landed at the Cape Cod Canal in early August! Give it a listen. 

   

Steve is Managing Editor of News. He came to WCAI in 2007. He also hosts the weekly News Roundup on Friday mornings and produces The Fishing News.