| Serious anglers know that the best chance to catch a | | | | and reputation you should evaluate their boat and the |
| giant tuna will require planning and traveling to areas | | | | equipment that will be provided. Most tuna fishing |
| known where tuna spawn or feed. | | | | charters operate with small maneuverable boats that |
| Finding and selecting a charter boat specializing in tuna | | | | are about 30 to 40 feet in length. They can carry |
| fishing will give you the best opportunity for catching | | | | about 10 to 12 passengers and operate 8 to 10 hours |
| this prized fish. | | | | daily during the fishing season. These boats generally |
| There are many areas where tuna fishing is possible. | | | | will also have on-board amenities (toilet, eating galley) |
| The Northeast coast of the United States offers great | | | | and an area for storage and refrigeration. |
| choice locations for catching bluefin and albacore. | | | | International maritime law require that all boats operate |
| Ireland's Northwestern coast also offers excellent | | | | with safety devices (life jackets, signal flares, etc.), |
| opportunities for catching the giant bluefin tuna. | | | | navigational equipment and a communications radio. |
| You should do some simple investigative work as part | | | | Newer boats will normally be equipped with the latest |
| of your holiday planning process. This investigation | | | | maritime gear while older boats may only have the |
| should be done before you commit to a tuna fishing | | | | minimal safety gear required by law. Always ask the |
| adventure. Doing your research prior to confirming your | | | | boat operator what safety equipment will be onboard. |
| tuna charter can save you time, money and potential | | | | You should select another boat charter operator if you |
| disappointments. | | | | are unsatisfied or uncomfortable with the answer. |
| The first thing you should do is ask for references | | | | Lastly, the fishing gear that will be used during the |
| from the tuna charter boat operator. Any reputable | | | | charter is a critical factor. Big game angling requires |
| fishing charter skipper should be able to produce | | | | heavy-duty fishing tackle (rod, reel, fishing line, fighting |
| contact information from recent customers who | | | | chair, etc) that is designed specifically for this purpose. |
| booked similar charters. If you get favorable feedback | | | | Try to determine the make and model of the gear that |
| from these references, this is a good indication that | | | | will be provided to you. Also determine if there are |
| your charter holiday will be worth the effort and | | | | additional charges or fees for using this gear. Most |
| expense. If you can not get references or if you can | | | | reputable tuna charter operators will include the rental |
| not get any timely responses, it is most likely these | | | | and usage of the fishing gear into the cost of the |
| customers are bogus or not fully satisfied with their | | | | charter. If there is an extra charge for the fishing gear, |
| fishing trip. Any competent tuna fishing skipper will have | | | | ask about fees for damages or loss. You should try to |
| had years of experience with finding and catching tuna. | | | | determine any and all additional costs or fees |
| If the skipper can provide realistic stories, photos and | | | | associated with your charter. |
| references of their tuna fishing experiences, then this | | | | Verifying the reputation and experience of the boat |
| should give you the confidence to confirm your | | | | skipper and familiarizing yourself with the equipment |
| charter. | | | | provided will make your angling trip more enjoyable |
| After you've prescreened the skipper for experience | | | | and hassle free. |