Why is popping addictive?
A few sharp tugs, a BOOM! that explodes across the surface of the water, and the reel's drag screams mercilessly. Nothing can match the adrenaline rush of watching a tuna burst through your popper or trolling line. This is why thousands of anglers wake up early, drive as many hours as it takes, take planes, and scream "birdieeee!" to experience those unforgettable moments.
Where does the surface explosion occur?
Tuna are nomads. Today they can stir up foam in a volcanic corner of the Atlantic, tomorrow they can chase bait in a narrow, current-laden passage, and the next day they'll land on a school of sardines in the middle of the Mediterranean. The key isn't the exact coordinate, but rather the trio of infallible signals : birds, schools of baitfish, and a sea that always allows you to navigate safely. Although, well, the latter... If this holds true, your popper has a chance of being the spark that ignites the hunt.
Tuna Popping Equipment
We won't go into brands or technicalities here: every angler has his own quirks, and as a good friend of mine from the Canary Islands says, "Captain, if something works, don't touch it, don't touch it!" Broadly speaking, this is what you need:
- Rod: 7-8 feet, minimum power PE 6-8.
- Reel: that accompanies in brake and capacity.
- Braided: 65 lb and up.
- Wind-On Leader: 100-130 lb as a starting point.
- Lures: poppers or walkers according to the power of the set.
- Accessories: a combat belt and a good boga grip; your kidneys (and the fish) will thank you.
Obviously, fighting 30-40 kg tuna isn't the same as fighting 150 kg or larger tuna. Everything has to be balanced: if you're using a PE 6 rod, don't rig a giant reel with 500 m of 150 lb braid and a 300 lb wind-on line... or conversely. I'm sure most of you already know what I'm talking about.
Do you have questions or are you just starting out? Don't worry, write to me and we'll answer them. We've all been newbies at some point; this is about helping each other and enjoying the game.
Ritual for combat
1. Position yourself well
Position yourself to leeward and never cross the aviary. If the frenzy is intense and you get in the way, it might hold… but don't take any chances. Use the wind to your advantage, lower your revs or, better yet, stop the engine, and remember: underwater everything is amplified. If you think tuna don't learn, try scaring them twice in a row. The best weapon here is patience: wait until the shot is effective and don't rush.
2. Throw long and make the popper sing
Popper on the horizon, POP-POP, and a brief pause for the bubble to go "gulp." I won't tell you how to move it; every angler has his or her own signature... and superstition.
3. Blast, breathe, and dunk!
The surface explodes and your heart stops. Turn up the helm, hit three shots, and say a prayer before the first stroke. Adjust the brakes when you need to and let the blue missile run. Breathe—literally—because you'll need to. Oh, and most importantly: enjoy!
4. Shall we dance?
Rod out of the danger zone and start the waltz around the tub: a breakdown, a crusaito, a moonwalk if necessary. The tuna leads; you follow. Keep your tip low, knees bent, and keep turning until the fish slacks off... or your legs ask for a change of partner.
The Wind-on Leader
For me, it is one of the four essential elements of quality: rod, reel, wind-on leader and lure.
What advantages does it have?
Many!
- Express rigging: Loop-to-Loop rigging. No knots, just a clean connection. You gain speed on your rigging, the leader passes smoothly through the rings, and you maximize the line's strength. Remember: your line is only as strong as its weakest point, and a knot always reduces its strength.
- Premium lines: Jerry Brown, Delta, Momoi, Black Magic…
- Handmade in Spain: I take care of every detail. Stock on the website is limited, as you might imagine, but I work on commission and, when I have a gap, I add available units to the stock. If you can't find the wind-on leader you need—or it doesn't exist at all—write to me and I'll make it to your liking, with the specifications required by your rods and your fish.
If you want to take a look, here you will see what is available right now on the web .
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