Greenstick Method for Tuna

Type: Ocean
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Green sticking is a method of fishing for tuna that can be seen on both coasts of the United States as well as Hawaii and most likely other parts of the world�s oceans. A long fiberglass pole measuring anywhere from 24� to 46� and is made up of long tapered sections that fit together to make a vertical pole that is very flexible at the top. The top of most green sticks are about 36� above the surface of the water and usually placed mid-ships. Basically, a main line runs from the top of the pole to an object called a bird that is best described as a wooden sled device about 3� long that churns the water up as it is trolled about 800� behind the boat. Plastic squids rigged on dropper lines are clipped to the main line with long line clips and dangle from the main line about 3� to 4� above the surface of the water about 35 to 40 yards behind the boat. Most green stick operations target large yellowfin or bluefin tuna over 100 pounds.

Locating large pods of dolphins offshore is usually a key factor in finding yellowfin tuna and once found, the bird is deployed and the dropper lines with the plastic squids are set so they dangle about 3� to 4� above the surface of the water. The main line is attached to the tip of the green stick with a 200� break away piece of Dacron attached to a loop in the main line and that loop is also connected to the line running from a rod and reel.

The line from the rod and reel to the main line is pulled in a jigging fashion to make the plastic squid dance across the surface of the water and then go about 3� into the air above the surface of the water. Most times the tuna leap from the water to snatch the plastic squid in mid-air. The breakaway piece of Dacron snaps and the main line transfers to the rod and reel. The tuna are fought from a boat dead in the water and once the tuna is in the boat, the boat gets under way, the main line and dropper lines are reset, and the operation starts once again.