So, you’ve got ahi on the brain, huh? Can’t say I blame you—those yellowfin tuna are absolute beasts, and catching one? Well, let’s just say it’s like reeling in a small car with fins. If you’re about to head out on an ahi fishing adventure, whether you’re a newbie heading out with Steady Pressure Sportfishing for the first time or you’ve been at this for a while, there are a few key ahi fishing tips you need to keep in your back pocket. And no, “just hold on tight” is not the only tip, though, spoiler alert: it helps.
Some Top Ahi Fishing Tips in Hawaii
Timing Is Everything, Like Literally
Let’s start with the basics: when you’re fishing for ahi matters just as much as where. These fish love warm water, which means your best bet for catching them is in the warmer months. Think late spring through early fall. But don’t just roll out of bed at noon and think you’re going to hook an ahi. No, no. The magic happens early—like, “set your alarm for 5 AM” early. Ahi tend to feed at dawn and dusk, so plan to be out on the water as the sun is rising or setting. Bonus: catching a fish and watching the sun rise? Chef’s kiss.
It’s Not About Speed, It’s About Depth
When you’re trolling for ahi, it’s tempting to crank up the speed and blast through the water like you’re in an action movie, but slow your roll. Literally. Ahi tend to hang out in deeper water—think anywhere from 100 to 300 feet down. You’re going to want to drop your bait down to where they’re lurking. Most seasoned anglers use weighted lines to keep the bait at the right depth, and trolling speeds between 5 to 8 knots work best. The goal is to mimic the natural movement of their prey, not create a tuna-themed rollercoaster ride.
Get Ready for a Battle
Here’s some ahi fishing tips: Ahi don’t just let themselves get reeled in like some casual catch. No, these fish put up a fight—and when I say “fight,” I mean fight. Hooking an ahi is one thing, but getting it on the boat? That’s a whole different story. These fish are fast and strong, with some weighing in at over 200 pounds. So when you get one on the line, brace yourself for what will feel like an intense arm workout that never ends. Keep steady pressure on the line, let the fish tire itself out, and don’t try to rush it.
And a little bonus ahi fishing tip here? Wear gloves. Trust me, when you’re dealing with a fish that’s trying to pull you overboard, you’ll be grateful for the extra grip.
Know the Signs
Here’s something you may not know: ahi often travel in schools, and one of the easiest ways to spot them is to keep an eye on birds. Yeah, birds. Specifically, birds that are diving or hovering over the water. Why? Because they’re usually feeding on smaller fish that the ahi are chasing. If you see birds diving, you can bet ahi are lurking somewhere beneath the surface. This is your signal to get those lines in the water and be ready for action.
So, Are You Ready for an Ahi Fishing Trip?
There you have it—your ultimate guide to ahi fishing tips that’ll help you gear up for one epic adventure.
Ready to book your fishing adventure? Contact Steady Pressure Sportfishing today!
