Top 3 Jigs for Early Season Bluefin

The 2023 bluefin season around the Northeast had a ferocious jig bite. Large bodies of sand eels occupied the 30-40 fathom areas, bringing along chewing large recreational and giant class bluefin tuna, as well as massive yellowfin tuna later in the season. Here is our list of the best jigs for bluefin tuna from the 2023 season.

1. Diawa SK Jig

When it comes to fishing an early season bluefin tuna bite, usually fueled by sand eels, the SK is tough to beat. Its slender, shiny body mimics the popular springtime forage, and the asymmetrical profile gives the SK a flutter fall that is irresistible when worked close to the bottom.

The SK jig is also highly forgiving. It requires a slow action that reduces fatigue and is great for newcomers to the Jig/Pop scene. Best action is achieved when jigged from a slower action rod, closely matched to the jig weight. The slower action gives the jig a "fling" at the end of a stroke, which often triggers tunas to bite.

Our favorite colors are sardine and blue-pink (aka Katie Perry). Common weights are 150g and 200g, depending on tide and weather conditions. We also frequently switch out the assist hooks for a heavier duty setup.

Quick Tip: Remove the assist hooks from the bottom of the jig and install them at the line connection. The bottom assist hook frequently tangles with the main line.

2. Pt. Jude Deep Force Jig

The Deep Force jig by Pt. Jude Lures is a versatile lure designed to meet the functional needs of the Northeast angler. Its large, slender design gets the lure down deep quickly and reduces scope on high drift days. Its egg-shaped base keeps it upright when free-falling, further increasing its descent speed—a critical feature when targeting bluefin and yellowfin tuna feeding deep.

The body of the Deep Force has little built-in action; it sinks straight and has minimal flutter on the upstroke. This means the action of the lure is strictly based on the jigging action imparted by the angler. We found that a medium to fast bump/hi-pitch retrieve was most effective.

Our favorite color for early season is pearl and blue, and we particularly like pink in the fall. We almost exclusively fish these in the 310g (11oz) size, so make sure you're using a suitable rod (the 350g Ghost Hunter by Jigging World is our favorite).

These jigs also come pre-rigged with an excellent heavy-duty assist hook.

3. Chatter Lures Streaker Jig

During the 2023 season, the Chatter Lures Streaker in sandeel shined through as a late morning doldrum breaker. While also effective at first light, we found the Streaker to get bit when many other jigs were tapering off.

The jig's slender shape allows for quick sinking, enabling the angler to target deep sonar marks, and its unique curved body creates a darting motion on retrieve. We particularly found that a random variation of fast and slow cadence on the retrieve, jigged fully through the water column, was highly effective.

The Chatter Streaker comes pre-rigged with a single assist hook. While this hook is decent, we prefer to swap it for a heavier dyneema.

Our favorite color was the sandeel version, but we also found blue/white/pink to be equally effective.

Conslusion

These jigs are great early-season lures but can produce throughout the season. We highly recommend having multiple weights and colors of each in your arsenal at all times.

It's important to use each style of jig and learn the action that induces bites. Observe the time of day and tidal action as well since jigging style sometimes requires variation throughout the day.