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. Read more about
saltwater fishing at Worldwide Charters and Guides.
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