Sinking Stickbaits for Bluefin Tuna Fishing

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Instructor: Seth Hartwick
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Shearwaters and birds interfering with topwater bluefin fishing demand tactical switches to sinking stickbaits that place presentations below bird activity zones. Seth Hartwick's experience reveals how lure size, color, and natural action matching bluefin forage overcome selectivity from discerning tuna, requiring precise rigging and boat positioning that maximizes opportunities when birds dominate surface feeding scenarios.

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Why Do Sinking Stickbaits Solve Bird Interference Problems During Bluefin Fishing?

Sinking stickbaits represent a tactical response to shearwater and other bird presence during bluefin tuna fishing. These birds, attracted by commotion of baitfish being attacked, interfere with fishing by going after lures near the surface before tuna can strike. By using lures that sink, you effectively place presentations below the zone of bird activity, increasing chances of reaching tuna without disturbance.

Seth Hartwick, an experienced tuna fisherman, explains how this technique solves problems topwater presentations create when birds dominate feeding zones. Understanding when to switch from surface lures to sinking stickbaits separates productive sessions from frustrating battles with birds rather than fish.

How Do Lure Characteristics Affect Discerning Bluefin Selectivity?

Bluefin tuna behave as discerning big game species where precision in lure selection proves crucial for successful fishing. Size, color, and resemblance to what tuna feed on determine whether fish commit to presentations or refuse offerings that don't match forage profiles they're targeting.


Hartwick provides insights on natural presentations including:

  • Lure sizes matching baitfish dimensions bluefin encounter
  • Color selections appropriate for water clarity and light conditions
  • Action characteristics mimicking wounded or fleeing prey

Understanding these specifics allows strategic lure choices rather than hoping random selections trigger strikes from selective fish.

What Rigging and Tackle Specifications Support Sinking Stickbait Fishing?

Optimal hooks and rigging techniques affect both sinking stickbait action and hookup success when bluefin strike. Hartwick covers essential gear including reels and rods matched to casting requirements and fighting capabilities needed for big tuna.

This fishing video serves as valuable learning tool for anglers interested in casting lures to bluefin, explaining boat positioning relative to feeding activity and how to read bird behavior for tactical decisions about when sinking presentations outproduce surface offerings.

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Seth Hartwick

Seth Hartwick is a topwater fishing enthusiast, traveling worldwide to catch GTs and Tuna using big poppers and stickbaits. He values the natural state of the ocean and far off reefs, and has made over 83 overseas trips. Seth has shared adventures with his dad and works as a journeyman lineman for a power company in SE Michigan.

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