The fall butterfish tuna bite often provides frequent visuals with tuna breaking on bait pods near the surface, but as many anglers find, these fish can be extremely picky, requiring a bit more finesses with smaller lure presentations to get bit. Generally, most of these fish are under 100lb, so light tackle MH outfits packed with 50-60lb braid and 50-80lb fluoro not only reduce visibility but also allow for super long-range casting.

Here's how we fish the Protail Paddles:

1. Make long casts across or downwind while leading the cast ahead of breaking tuna

2. Point the rod tip at the lure and begin a steady medium to medium-fast retrieve. Occasionally stop and pause, allowing the Protail Paddle to sink a few feet, then resume the retrieve

3. If possible, avoid casting directly into surface feeds, while this seems like the most likely area to get bit, focusing your casting along the outsides edges will have less of a chance to spook the school and send them down.

Gear List:

Rod: Shimano Terez 7' Heavy Spin

Reel: Shimano Stella 20000

Line: 65lb Power Pro

Leader: 80lb Fluoro Wind-On