casting to fast moving tuna

[TwoLightsKid]

So after about 8 trips this year looking for tuna, I finally ran across a couple of pods on the surface yesterday. The problem was that the fish would only be up for literally 5-10 seconds, then they'd be gone, and then I'd see gannets diving again 15 minutes later a couple of miles away. I'm new to the tuna game, so my first question is is this normal surface feeding behavior, or do they usually stay on top for more than a few seconds? Second question: What's the best way to target fast moving fish like this? Trolling? Running after birds and hoping you happen to get to the spot for the 10 secs the fish are on the surface? Jigging? Third question: Do you have any favorite plugs/jigs for casting to surface feeding fish? I tried a couple of butterfly-type jigs and a white pencil popper, but that didn't seem to arouse any interest.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[jackduckhunter]

So after about 8 trips this year looking for tuna, I finally ran across a couple of pods on the surface yesterday. The problem was that the fish would only be up for literally 5-10 seconds, then they'd be gone, and then I'd see gannets diving again 15 minutes later a couple of miles away. I'm new to the tuna game, so my first question is is this normal surface feeding behavior, or do they usually stay on top for more than a few seconds? Second question: What's the best way to target fast moving fish like this? Trolling? Running after birds and hoping you happen to get to the spot for the 10 secs the fish are on the surface? Jigging? Third question: Do you have any favorite plugs/jigs for casting to surface feeding fish? I tried a couple of butterfly-type jigs and a white pencil popper, but that didn't seem to arouse any interest.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Geez................201 views and no posts! I was going to be 202 but figured I can't complain if I don't offer any info myself. We've come across two distinctly different types of pods this year. Those that are up on top but lazily porposing for lack of better description. With these we've not had any success at all I can recall. The other type are much more active and I would say they are slashing the water more actively feeding. With these we've had good success with Yo-zuri hydropoppers, maria metal lures and pline metal lures. with the metal I've had good success casting into the melee and just keeping a tight line and letting it sink.

[TwoLightsKid]

Thanks for the tip!

[outnumbered]

For those real fast movrs that only stay up a short itme two things seem to work. One cast a metal wayb in front of the pack and let it sink a little then slowly reel it in. The second is to jig around the area. Shimanos web site has info on that as well as searching jigging in this forum.