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How to Rig for Skipjack Tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Skipjack are small, fast tuna that travel in huge surface schools in warm offshore water, often mixed with yellowfin and under working birds. They hit small, fast metal lures and feathers readily, and are prized both as food and as live or rigged bait for marlin and big tuna. Look for splashing schools and diving birds and cast ahead of their path.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Leadhead Jig Rig
Best bait
Small metal lure cast into surface boils and wound back fast
Where
boat
Typical size
16–28 in
Season
Peak season: summer
Realistic Leadhead Jig Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Leadhead Jig Rig

intermediateboat

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. Heavier than a dropshot and fished actively rather than held still, built for punching through current to reach lingcod and cabezon holding tight to reef.

  • Main line50-65 lb braid
  • Leader40-60 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length3-5ft from braid to jig via a leader knot or swivel
  • Hooks1 - 2oz metal slice or small jig
  • WeightJig head itself, no separate sinker
  • Line to sinkerNot applicable, weight is molded into the jig head
  • BaitSmall metal lure cast into surface boils and wound back fast
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Realistic Sabiki Rig fishing rig setup
Sabiki Rig
A pre-tied string of small flasher hooks that catches live bait like anchovies and sardines, often several at once.
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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.
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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 Skipjack Tuna?

The Leadhead Jig Rig is the top recommendation for Skipjack Tuna. 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. Heavier than a dropshot and fished actively rather than held still, built for punching through current to reach lingcod and cabezon holding tight to reef.

What bait works for Skipjack Tuna?

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

When is the best time to catch Skipjack Tuna?

Peak season: summer. Typical size runs 16–28 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Skipjack Tuna?

Skipjack Tuna is caught while boat fishing. Skipjack are small, fast tuna that travel in huge surface schools in warm offshore water, often mixed with yellowfin and under working birds. They hit small, fast metal lures and feathers readily, and are prized both as food and as live or rigged bait for marlin and big tuna. Look for splashing schools and diving birds and cast ahead of their path.