Dawson Resort
Manitoulin Island Ontario

Tuna Fishing off the Coast of Virginia

by: John Banks

June marks the start of tuna fishing off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. Most anglers begin the tuna season fishing inshore for bluefin tuna. Often anglers pull a bird, several vinyl squid and a green machine daisy chain on the center line way-way-way back. The other lines may consist of triple cedar plugs; sets of black, blue and white, red and white, and also natural. Other lures include small feathers, tuna clones and green machines. For the most part the beginning of the season is a matter of picking thru dozens of big mean bluefish, so simple durable lures are a must. The fancy spreader bars and high dollar lures have to wait until the bluefish move on.

The best fishing is often very early on the inshore humps and hills. Hookups can be one after another for a couple hours or more. By 9 am the bite is often over and usually lot's of boats are around which can run the fish down. This is a good time to pull a #3 1/2 drone spoon on a #2 planer. The leader should be #100 or even #50 line if possible and 30 feet long with a swivel at mid-point.

As warm water appears, there is trolling for yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dolphinfish and billfish. Popular lures include ballyhoo in a variety of configurations, cedar plugs, squid daisy chains, spreader bars and various artificials.

While some of the mid and late season fishing can be inside the 20 fathom line, most anglers will work areas deeper. Many years the fish are most plentiful in the areas from 30-50 fathoms. The fish may orient to undersea structure, weed lines, clean water, temperature breaks or areas teaming with baitfish.

Finding the fish is an ever changing task and time of day, lures, and weather all play a role in success.

About The Author John Banks is a web designer and recreational angler. Read more about saltwater fishing in Maryland and Virginia at http://www.daybreakfishing.com/

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