What is the best lure for large tuna (ahi), and small tuna(aku)? How can we learn how to make these lures?

Question

I'm starting a fishing venture, and what to learn how to make small/large tuna lures? What is the best colors in the lure to purchase? I will be fishing in Hawaii.

Answer 1

Brother, thats a TALL Q!

I use to know the boys over at C&H Lure, (Dave Workman) company, and I can tell you that trying to "make" a Tuna trolling lure would cost you more than just buying one.

C & H Lure Comp use's a special "fiberglass/resin-mixture" to make their lures. They "fussed" with the mixture until it was "just right", (not too "cloudy", not too "soft" ETC). I saw the process by which these lures were made and I can tell you that it would cost FAR more to experiment with resin, insert's,colors, etc, THAN it would to just buy a couple "Wahoo Whacker's" or "Ahi Slayer's".

Try C & H brand offshore trolling lures. Also Iland Lures are great trolling lures, (Iland's are more expensive but do tend to last a bit longer.).

(Color is a "toughy". Esp since I'm from FLA and your on the "Big Island". Greens, Blues, Purples, ETC. Your "best bet" is to go to your local offshore tackle dealer and ask him/her. From what I understand, variations of Blues & Purple work well, but I could be TOTALLY wrong! lol)

Aloha Bra! What are the waves like at the "Pipe"? (I grew up fishing, hunting, AND surfing in FLA. I know, I know, we don't have decent waves! LOL)

PS: Just an "after-thought" about making lures. If you know a dude that makes surfboards, you might have the correct facility's to make lures "for personal use". An "insert" of thin wood with crafter's "wobble eye's", and a good "mold" to pour resin in , and you've got yourself a lure.

Carve the "proto-mold" out of wood, then get a company to "make" a plastic-mold out of a "stick-proof" substance. Thats the beginning, anyway!

Good fishing!

Answer 2

Ahi Lures

Answer 3

There are too many to choose.I use different size Iland Lures,Zuker Tuna Lures,Braidrunners,Cedar Plugs etc.I use many,many different color combinations.Start experimenting with the style and trolling action then get local feedback(By giving some away) on preferred colors

Answer 4

I think you may need to do lots of research on this because there are many types of good trolling baits for tuna and like styles the color patterns change often!
And the sweetener can be boon or the bust with rigged bait with mullet or whatever!
Good luck!