Any bluefin sighted this year yet?

[anthony2carr]

Anyone sighted any bluefin of Donegal this year yet?

[Tanglerat]

Was 3 miles N of the Limeburner on Saturday, didn't see a thing. Haven't heard anything on the grapevine as yet, either.

[Viper]

I'm heading out for them the weekend after next weather permitting was wondering the same question! Also is it only bluefin that are fished for in Ireland, never heard of boats targetting albacore etc...

[brianbru]

the irish albacore record was caught out of waterville last year

[anthony2carr]

I have never fished for them.

But I believe they are much farther off the coast.

[tomi]

never heard of boats targetting albacore etc...

http://www.cfb.ie/fishing_in_ireland/se ... ishing.htm

I'm heading out for them the weekend after next...

You'll be on board, private or charter boat?

[anthony2carr]

Here's my answer

http://www.rosguill.com/category/tuna-news/

[anthony2carr]

I haven't had a chance to get out on a charter boat from Donegal yet for them, 'cause they are normally booked out.

One thing i'm surprised at is that they are still using large squid spreader bars, when the bluefin are gorging themselves on the saury.There are guys out there that are successfully catching them on relatively small flies. Could be something to try!!

http://www.flyfishsaltwaters.com/tigers ... B_guns.htm

[Tom H]

Two off us have spent £££££££££££ over the last 12 years fishing for them.
Smallest BFT we have seen is round the 400lb mark biggest 1000lb plus
Must say its some sight to see them busting on top The problem is with BFT in are waters is they are a bit on the big side for the fly

[anthony2carr]

I'm not suggesting that you try a 400lb+ bluefin tuna on a fly rod

I am Just suggesting that perhaps downsizing on the lures might be more successful.

Bluefin tuna are just big mackeral.

[Tanglerat]

I'm not suggesting that you try a 400lb+ bluefin tuna on a fly rod

Yeah, but, I wouldn't be surprised if i heard that certain board members were thinking about it at least......

[anthony2carr]

Believe me, if the smaller fish start coming in I will be the first person buying a Cam Sigler 14wt and a Tibor Pacific fly reel

The max you could handle would be in the 200lb range.

[Tom H]

Bet a certain board member would get a free holiday back around to the Med

anthony I know what you are saying a bout smaller lures. But the problem is how to rig them on say a 600lb leader and geting them to swim right Also when the smaller stuff has been tried ( on a lighter leader ) the BFT,s are still not looking at them and the big squid bars have worked well in the past but are not now why It would drive you mad to see hundreds of BFT,s a round the boat feeding like mad and you are trolling for hours though them and there are not looking at any thing that you are showing them...











A harpoon may be the answer

[anthony2carr]

I can't find it now, but I have heard of them being caught on bare hooks when they are in a finicky mood.

They may be feeding on very, very small fish!!

Elephants eat Peanuts.

[dan]

shouldnt be any harder to catch than a mackerel. dont get me wrong as it is the fish that i know the least about and the one i'll probable never get one. well maybe i shoudn't say NEVER.

[Neil]

Was out of Downings this last weekend sharking - we saw a blue fin broach - I saw the second jump, and it was a huge splash!. Trevor the skipper whipped out a 130lb broomstick, with an unfeasibly large reel in desperate hope, but it wasn't seen again.

Is nobody trolling mackeral or saurie deadbaits?

[Tom H]

Is nobody trolling mackeral or saurie deadbaits?[/quote]

the problem is gannets

[Tom H]

[quote="dan"]shouldnt be any harder to catch than a mackerel. YES THEY ARE