Skip to content
RigMyFishFind a Rig

How to Rig for Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

Bigeye tuna feed deeper than yellowfin, rising toward the surface mainly at dawn, dusk, and night, which is why deep chunking and early starts are key. They are caught far offshore along canyon edges and seamounts off the US East Coast, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. Their large eyes and plump shape set them apart from similar-sized yellowfin.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Heavy Live Bait Rig
Best bait
Chunk or live bait dropped deep in a chunk slick, often at night or at first light
Where
boat
Typical size
40–80 in
Season
Peak season: summer, fall
Heavy main lineSwivel or wind-onLeader60-200 lbCircle hookLive bait, floss bridlethrough the nose or eye sockets
#1 Best Match

Heavy Live Bait Rig

advancedboat

A big non-offset circle hook is bridled through the nose or eye sockets of a live mackerel, scad, or small tuna with floss, so the bait swims freely and the hook stays clear to set in the corner of the jaw. Fished on heavy line from boats or rocks, it targets marlin, bluefin, kingfish, and giant trevally.

  • Main line30-80 lb monofilament or 50-130 lb braid
  • Leader60-200 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament
  • Leader length6-15ft of leader to the hook, joined with a wind-on or strong swivel
  • Hooks7/0 - 9/0 circle hook on 100 - 150lb fluorocarbon
  • WeightNone for surface baits; a 1-4oz sliding sinker or balloon for depth control
  • Line to sinkerUsually no weight; if used, a sliding sinker sits above the leader swivel
  • BaitChunk or live bait dropped deep in a chunk slick, often at night or at first light
Open complete guide →
Realistic Leadhead Jig Rig fishing rig setup
Leadhead Jig Rig
A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure.
View rig →
Main line from outriggerBall-bearing swivelWind-on leader 12-20ftCrimpSkirted lureHookTowed at 6-9 knots
Offshore Lure Trolling Rig
Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting.
View rig →
Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Bigeye Tuna?

The Heavy Live Bait Rig is the top recommendation for Bigeye Tuna. A big non-offset circle hook is bridled through the nose or eye sockets of a live mackerel, scad, or small tuna with floss, so the bait swims freely and the hook stays clear to set in the corner of the jaw. Fished on heavy line from boats or rocks, it targets marlin, bluefin, kingfish, and giant trevally.

What bait works for Bigeye Tuna?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Bigeye Tuna.

When is the best time to catch Bigeye Tuna?

Peak season: summer, fall. Typical size runs 40–80 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Bigeye Tuna?

Bigeye Tuna is caught while boat fishing. Bigeye tuna feed deeper than yellowfin, rising toward the surface mainly at dawn, dusk, and night, which is why deep chunking and early starts are key. They are caught far offshore along canyon edges and seamounts off the US East Coast, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. Their large eyes and plump shape set them apart from similar-sized yellowfin.