What's the average size tuna being caught in the GOM? I would like to do a tuna trip sometime this year. So I need a rod and reel combo that would hold up to some tuna. What's the max drag need on the reel?

Avg Tx gulf yellowfin caught seem to be in the 40-70# range

Reel needs to hold 300y of 65# braid & make smooth, consistent 20# drag.

there are spots available on the TFF tuna trip out of Port A this november

Welcome to the TFF!

Thanks! One more question. Is a 2 speed reel needed for the tuna fishing in the GOM?

I agree with lite-liner

Two Speeds. They are not needed. A huge percent of the yellowfin caught on head boats in the GOM are caught on spinners obviously they are one speed. I have never owned a two speed because my income is limited so aside from the spinner I have caught tuna on a penn senator and a daiwa saltist. Now if you can afford a two speed they are a very nice upgrade.

If you decide to fish for the tuna, ask questions and try to borrow and fish gear before you buy your own. It's easy to buy and wish you had something else later.

If you were gonna fish out of Louisiana, where 100+ pound YFT are caught regularly, then I might say that a 2 speed would be a worthwhile investment. But for partyboat fishing from Texas, nah. A quality spinning or conventiaonl reel is plenty.

A 2-speed reel is not necessary most YFT, and definitely not for BlackFin Tun. However, it is nice to have a low gear when chunk fishing and a larger ( 80#�100# & up) yellowfin picks up your bait.
A common thought is when tuna are caught with a circle hook they have more fight because they can still open and close their mouth and breath, prolonging the fight. Hence a two speed reel might help out a little bit.
Same size tuna caught with a lure with big trebles often gets cooked where the fish can't breathe properly and succumbs "quicker". At least that's one theory.

Any recommendation on a reel?

I have a Shimano TLD-30 2 speed that I use for chunking/bait fishing, and a Newell 500 series for jigging.

If you're on a budget, look at a Penn Senator 113HL

What's the best way to store tuna? Freezer bags?

I just purchased a Penn Spinnfisher 6500 off ebay for $120 and used it on blackfin this weekend. I was impressed with it, and it handled the tuna, snapper, & kingfish wonderfully. Deckhands even commented on its' performance. I would not be afraid to go with the 7500 though, and I may just do so and use the 6500 as a second. Load up with 65# powerbraid with a mono top-off of 25-50 feet. The Williamsons jigs are killers (blue & pink), just add a heavy treble on the bottom ring.

Ohhh Gulfer you may get some passionate responses here if many people see the question.

My understanding of the premium method of freezing tuna for best results:
Clean the fish and allow zero contact between the meat and freshwater
Vacuum seal the tuna
Flash freeze the tuna
Keep in a freezer below 0 degree Fahrenheit
The freezer should NOT be a frost free

What I do which is likely most typical
clean the fish without freshwater contact
vacuum seal the tuna
place in a dedicated freezer (stays at 0 degree)

What I did before I was told it ruined the tuna...I ate it just fine :-), but it wasnt as good
cleaned tuna
froze it in water, in freezer bags

What I would recommend if you dont have a vacuum sealer
clean tuna without freshwater contact (the tuna actually changes color when it does)
purchase the special vacuum ziplock bags with hand pump http://www.ziploc.com/Products/Pages/VacuumFreezerSystem.aspx
Freeze in a frost free freezer if you have one, otherwise the freezer you have

Oldtrackster thanks for the info!

Where did you go out of for your tuna trip? Which boat?

I sent you a pm Gulfer. Any more questions just ask. Go get 'em!

I took my last trip for the foreseeable future in November. I have only been on the headboats out of Port Aransas. I prefer the Scat Cat out of fisherman's wharf, solid crew and nice riding comfortable boat. The others I have not fished in nearly 10 years, but Deep Sea Headquarters would be my second choice. They catch plenty of tuna and have a solid crew, I just like the other boat better. Dolphin Dock has been a distant third for a while but I started fishing on their boats because they are the most economical and I really like the convenience of having provided meals. BUT dolphin dock has just purchased a new boat. I called their office this morning and the bunks are installed on this boat and they are looking at starting tuna trips in September, but those plans are tentative. Other interesting note they are considering 5 day trips on the La Pesca. Prices have not been set for either of those trips yet.