What Size Fishing Rod for Bluefin Tuna?

What Size Fishing Rod for Bluefin Tuna?

Bluefin Tuna can grow to enormous sizes, up to and maybe more than 1,500 lbs. The largest Bluefin Tuna caught on rod and reel was over 1,400 lbs. So to do battle with these monsters, you need the heaviest rod and reel you can buy. A 80/130 lb. S-Glass or S-Glass/Composite rod with a good set of heavy duty boat rod guides or roller guides will do the trick. Another option is a Tuna Rod in the unlimited class would be the best bet. You can use 200+ lb. braided fishing line and an 80 or 130 class trolling reel.

However, most Bluefin Tuna average around 200 - 300 lb. For these, you can equip yourself with a good 50 or 80 lb. rod and reel. The Tuna rod should have a heavy duty aluminum reel seat, heavy duty stainless steel boat rod guides like Fuji, Sea-Guide or ALPS with SiC or SiN ring inserts. Theses components are "Bullet Proof".

It's always a good idea to go a little heavier just in case you hook into something really big. I like to recommend a 80 lb. tuna rod for Bluefin. It gives you a margin for error. You will be set for anything up to 400 lbs. or a little heavier and not have a failure.

Load your 50 or 80 class trolling reel with a good 16 strand braided PE fishing line in either 50 lb. or 80 lb. test. 16 stand braided PE fishing line is the best you can buy and will stand up to a big bluefin. It's super strong, no stretch, no line memory and is very smooth so there isn't much friction through the rod guides.