Jigging for Yellowfin Tuna | South of Martha's Vineyard

Capt. Mike from Salty Cape and Hogy Lures loads up his 28' Contender and steams South of MV in anticipation of fishing some of the warmer water pushing into the area. With fish holding in deeper water and feeding on sand eels, the name of the game was jigging for yellowfin and bluefin tuna.

The area South of MV (Martha's Vineyard) is a renowned and highly sought-after destination for tuna fishing. With notable spots like "The Claw" and "The Dump," this region offers exceptional opportunities for targeting both yellowfin and bluefin tuna. Its unique combination of underwater plateaus and swift currents creates the perfect habitat for tuna populations, attracting them in large numbers. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream, coupled with the proximity to the continental shelf, contribute to the abundance of baitfish and seasonal tuna migrations. Whether targeting bluefin or yellowfin, anglers can expect a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience in the waters South of MV.

Maneuvering The Fleet

When tuna are pinpointed on tight bait schools, like they were today, proper boat etiquette while drifting and repositioning on the school by completing a full drift, then idling out and around the fleet to begin a new drift, not only is the right thing to do, but negates overcrowding and loose tempers within the fleet.

Fast Jigging Technique

Today, the fast jigging technique produced the best for us. This faster speed retrieve allows the angler to cover the entire water column using an erratic twitching retrieve.

Slow Twitch Style Jigging

Often, the most productive method for fishing sand eel imitating softbaits, like the Hogy Harness Jig, this technique allows anglers to methodically work imitative baits tight to the bottom where tuna often "grub" for bait.