Rigging Tips for Deep‑Water Drops

Dropping into 250’-500’ of water for trophy tuna  is a different game. Your rig needs to get  down to the fish as fast as possible.  . Here’s how the pros rig their Tungsten Bombs and Tuna Bombs for deep‑water drops:

1. **Choose the right weight:** deep drops call for 250g to 600g jigs depending on current and wind. Ask the Captain or a deckhand how heavy to start. A compact tungsten profile drops 1/3  faster than lead.
   2. Use assist hooks: Attach high quality BKK assist hooks (size  9/0 or 7/0) on the bottom eye of the jig using a split ring. Assist hooks provide better hook penetration and reduce leverage so big fish can’t pry them out. Many anglers add a second assist on the top for short‑biting fish but many sport boat crews frown at this tactic.
   3. **Use a heavy leader:** connect a 200 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to your braid using a strong connection (FG or PR knot) or directly to the swivel on your short jig leader.  150lb can get bit off easily and 300lb dosen't  get as many bites.
   4. **Use Tuna Bomb Depot Leaders :**We have made thousands of Leaders always with the best swivels and split rings available. Each one is hand crimped with care and accuracy. You can be confident these will not fail.
   5. **Mark your spectra line every 100 feet. I use 3 different colored sharpies and make 3 foot marks so i can easily see where im at at all times.
   6. **Tie sturdy knots:**  If your not confident in you knot tying skills ask a deckhand to tie it for you. Watch and ask questions.
   7. **Check your hooks:**  New, sharp  hooks are important! When a fish inhales your jig he immediately tries to spit it out. You want that hook to stick asap. If your bleeding after handling you jig the hooks are sharp. 

## Execution matters

When you drop a Tungsten Bomb  it needs to get there fast and straight. Slow the spool with your thumb as the jig free‑falls so you can feel a bite or you jig bouncing off the fish. Once you pass the zone by about 30 feet , put the reel in gear and start winding fast until your about 30 feet over the zone . Then repeat. If you feel anything at all put the reel in gear and start winding as fast as you can. Sometimes the fish swims straight for the boat and if he doesn't have the jig yet this can cause a reaction bite. Set the hook with a few hard fast turns of the handle rather than swinging the rod. Keep you line tight! Congratulations your on a fresh one.

Kamren from the Constitution reports he’s used all sizes of Tuna Bombs from 200g to 500g with great success and zero hook failures. Captain Jeff Spafford likes to rig Little Shorty Tungstens on loaner rods for clients because they “bomb down fast and get to the zone quick.” Follow these rigging tips and you’ll be ready when the deep‑water giants come calling.