Bluefin tuna, a major adversary
Every fisherman dreams one day to catch a very big fish. The number 1 target in France is without any doubt the bluefin tuna, the biggest and most combative fish in Metropolitan France. From the top of my 1m70 and 55 kilos, I had the opportunity to meet and take out on several occasions, bluefin tuna heavier and bigger than me.
Fortunately for me, strength is an asset that is not mandatory if you take into account the way your body works and the fighting technique you use. Of course, on fishes over 100 kilos, strength is necessary in addition to technique if you want to keep the rod in hand during the whole fight. On fishes of less than 80 kilos, it is quite simple to carry out the whole fight by yourself if you respect some rules.
A muscular arm is not worth a thigh
All anglers who are new to or have not mastered fighting big fish make the same mistake, forcing their arms. Your arm muscles, no matter how strong you think they are, are only matches for a big bluefin tuna. Pumping a rod with your arms alone will tire you out in less than 15 minutes in an intense fight. Using your joint lock and body weight is much more effective.
In the fighting position, place your right hand (for right-handers) 30 to 40 cm above the reel and extend your arm. Lock your elbow joint to avoid straining your biceps. Your left hand will then be free to assist your right hand on the rod and reel. Your legs will then be able to flex to lean back as if you were sitting in a chair. It is the tension applied by the fish that will hold you back.
Fighting a bluefin tuna intelligently
Knowing your own limits is very important when you want to tackle something bigger than yourself. Bluefin tuna is a fantastic fighter that will not be easily brought back. Avoid bending your back and leaning forward as much as possible, your lumbar vertebrae will get tired very quickly. When the fish pulls with all its strength and takes you from the line, let it do so, lock your right arm and let it finish its rush.
As soon as the fish slows down, it's a good time to start pumping and trying to get it to turn its head toward you. Don't forget that you can rest during the fight by changing arms or positions, but the tension should never let up. Don't shoot like a brute at the beginning of the fight, the big tuna fight is more like a marathon than a sprint.
