Bluefin tuna's immense size and unparalleled power have captivated anglers for generations. From the early days of sport fishing to the modern techniques employed today, the pursuit of these magnificent gamefish has evolved. Among the various jigging methods, whether slow-pitch or speed jigging, has emerged as a highly effective approach in Southern California waters. Understanding the importance of a streamlined leader system is critical to enhancing your jigging experience and increasing your likelihood of landing the fish of a lifetime.
While people have been fishing for tuna for decades, adding bite leaders is a recent phenomenon. Anglers quickly recognized the need for a heavy leader to withstand the sharp teeth of these voracious predators. A heavy leader was traditionally crimped to the jig with a chaffing tube, providing strength and abrasion resistance. However, as techniques advanced, so has the rigging.
Our streamlined leader system for knife jigs has revolutionized how anglers approach bluefin tuna jigging. By simplifying the process and optimizing gear, this system offers numerous benefits. It eliminates critical weak spots in your connection, such as "the pinch" caused by a sharp bend in your leader under load where the jig and leader connect, and unnecessary jewelry in the form of chaffing tubes and springs.
Start with a 36" section of heavy line, such as Izor Line First String or Seaguar 200 or 300# Blue Label. Additionally, you'll need a barrel swivel with a grommet, a solid ring with a grommet, two long aluminum crimps, a crimper, and a lighter.
Begin by sliding the appropriate-sized crimp over your line, followed by the barrel swivel and grommet. Pull the tagline tightly through the crimp, ensuring your line fits snugly in the grommet. For 200# leaders, the line should naturally fall into place. Leave a 1/8" space between the crimp and swivel to prevent the line from rubbing. Crimp both ends, leaving a 1/16" space at the end, and rotate it 180 degrees before crimping the middle. Clip the tag end to roughly 1/4" and use a lighter to heat it until it mushrooms. Tap it with the side of the lighter to create a slight flare, providing added security.
Repeat the process on the other side of the leader, replacing the barrel swivel with the grommeted solid ring. Adding a split ring and ringed assist hook will make your connection impervious to rubbing while allowing you to swap out jigs quickly, adapting to changing conditions and preferences.
While we at SPJigging stand behind our method, we understand that your experience and confidence will ultimately dictate what works best for you. Whether you adopt our system or stick with your tried and true methods, go with what you're most confident in and, most importantly, enjoy your time on the water.
All the Best,
SPJigging
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