Nighttime Bluefin Tactics

If you’re hunting SoCal bluefin in the dark, you’ve already learned the hard lesson: these fish aren’t on the surface sipping sardines. They’re down deep chasing squid and mackerel, and the only way to get bit is to get your lure in their face fast. That’s where Tungsten Bombs come in handy.

Our compact tungsten jigs drop like a stone – even in heavy current. On those moonless nights, charge the glow dots with a flashlight before you send it and stay ready. The bite can come on the sink or after a few lifts. Guys swear by a spread of 200g up to 500g weights depending on where the fish are holding. Light current, shallow fish? A 200–250g will get down. Heavy current or fish parked at 300' plus? Bomb down a 400–500g and hang on.

The key to nighttime bluefin fishing is staying in the zone. Let your jig free‑fall until you’re 30–50 ft above the marks and then work it slowly with long lifts and controlled drops. Most of the time you won’t feel the bite – the line just stops or goes slack. Crank into gear and start winding. Keep your drag tight (20–30 lbs) and don’t pump the rod too much – these fish fight deep.

Pro tips for the night bite

• Glow up: charge your glow dots often. A quick hit with a UV flashlight keeps the jig lit and helps fish home in on it.
• Use heaLearn how to target bluefin tuna at night with fast-sinking Tungsten Bomb jigs, glow-charge tactics, and captain-approved tips.vy gear: 80–130 lb braided mainline with a 150–200 lb leader keeps you connected when the fish surges. Captains recommend BKK assist hooks rigged up the way they fish them.
• Stay organized: tie on a fresh leader before the sun goes down and have your 200g, 300g, and 400g rigs rigged and ready. The bite window can be short.
• Keep the boat quiet: bluefin are spooky. Turn off deck lights and avoid banging around. Let your jig do the glowing.
• Listen to the deckhands: they’re watching the sonar and can tell you when to drop. If they say drop to 300’, do it quick.

Captains Andrew Viola and Rick both say their best fish in 2024 came on dark purple and red glow‑dot jigs at night. M.L. landed a 100 lb-plus model on the 300g Katy Perry jig – the only fish of the night. So load up on multiple colors, keep charging your glow dots, and be ready when the line stops.