How to Kite Fish For Bluefin Tuna

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Get in line for the fun-filled tuna fishing technique, which will make you feel like the king of the waters! When Bluefin tuna fishing becomes a sport of choice, many anglers want to push their game forward and learn how to kite fish for Bluefin tuna.

How to Kite Fish For Bluefin Tuna

Kite fishing is the technique in which a drop line hangs from a kite and helium balloon that flies several feet away from the boat. This line dropping down has a lure attached to its end. The idea is to make the Bluefin tuna come closer to the lure that looks like a flying fish and gets caught.

An image of a bluefin tuna

The line that is attaching the kite to the boat is also connected to the line with the lure. If we were to draw a string diagram, the triangle of lines has one corner at the boat, where the two lines meet.

These lines are opening up as one goes down to the lure and the other leads to the kite. The line going downwards from the kite, and the one connecting the boat to the lure meet at the water surface. Some anglers spice it up by adding more lines and spreading multiple lures.

The Right Equipment for Kite Fishing

The fishing gear for this technique is more than just a reliable rod and the best reels. Take a look at the right equipment before you plan the big adventure!

  • Kite reels
  • Kite rods
  • Lures
  • Kite balloon
  • Kite for kite fishing
  • Release clips
  • Lure rods
  • Lure reels
  • Binoculars

The tackle shops in areas where Bluefin fishing is common, offer the equipment for kite fishing, so once you know what to get, you are all set. However, you can always buy the equipment online. Many anglers prefer online purchases since they can compare the prices and features of the various kites, reels, and other items.

The tackle used in kite fishing is light, so you need a release kite clip to keep the lines sorted and avoid tangles. When you are attaching the clip, the bar releases towards the boat. Always remember attaching lures and lines will take the most time and is the most critical step.

A close-up image of a bluefin tuna

The Step-By-Step Guide for Kite Fishing

  • Getting the kite airborne is an easy step when you are in the boat and must come after you have attached the lure and lines.
  • Now that the kite is flying and the lure and lines are in place, you can get hold of the lines by the clip and push away the lure.
  • As the lure floats away on the water surface, get ready with your binoculars! A closer view of the lure will confirm that you got the lure in its correct position. Simultaneously, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the spectacular splash when Bluefin tuna gets hooked!
  • As soon as the splash occurs, it is time to release the line from the kite and take it up at the fishing rod!
  • From here on, you know the drill-pull hard and win the fight against the giant Bluefin tuna. As you pull the fish closer to the boat, use a harpoon or a gaff to get your big win into the boat!

Factors to Consider for Kite Fishing

For kite fishing, anglers have to consider the angle of the kite, and the wind. The boat sails must be at a 90 degrees angle with the wind direction. This will ensure that the lure will not float close to the boat.

The angle of the kite with the boat should be less. The farther the kite will be from the boat, the better! You will need more line for the lure, and that means a stronger release clip is needed to tolerate the wind force. The angle of the line should be less than 60 degrees with the boat.

The lure must imitate the behavior of a flying fish, and for that, the boat speed cannot be slow. Furthermore, the line has to be strong. Anglers have to be careful that the lines do not tangle while the boat goes fast enough to keep the kite flying high, and the bait remains afloat.

The Kinds of Kites for Bluefin Tuna

Kite fishing is a popular technique and anglers enjoy the experience. The kite you use on a particular tuna fishing trip makes a lot of difference! Every kite cannot tolerate the weather conditions out there.

If the wind is light, you can use a polyester kite with sides measuring between 28 inches and 38 inches. If the wind is heavy, a kite with holes can sustain the wind pressure.. You can purchase all-weather, heavy wind, all-purpose and light wind fishing kites to match the weather.

A man shows how to fish for bluefin tuna

Kite Fishing Is Easy

Many anglers are trying to learn how to kite fish for Bluefin tuna, and as hard as it may seem, this technique is easier. Make sure you check all the tackle items on the list. Preparation for kite fishing may require some special items, and each of them is essential.

In recent years, the Pacific Bluefin Tuna have grown in size and number, and they are pretty boat shy. The Bluefin tuna in Southern California is thriving because of the restrictions on commercial Bluefin fishing. The wariness of tuna has led to an increase in the use of kites!

This technique calls for help, so if you plan to go all alone and get the trophy, it might not work. The captain requires additional support to let out the kite on one pole and lure on the other. Moreover, you will need people to help you spot the lure in the water as well.

Conclusion

Anglers often want to learn how to kite fish for Bluefin tuna. The method might seem technical. However, it is easy and can get you the trophy you always wanted! Make sure you have the right tackle and understand the technique to win big every time.