An Oregon Coast Albacore Tuna Adventure
Aboard the 42’ El Jefe, we steamed out of the port of Garibaldi, destined for the tuna grounds, 50 miles offshore. At 32 knots, the Oregon coastline vanished quickly, and soon, we were entirely surrounded by big blue.
Just an hour later, the crew of El Jefe sprang into action, deploying trolling rigs while Captain Mike Susse eased off the throttle. The reel on the port rod lit up first, and Brandon grabbed the rod from the holder. The starboard reel began to sing, and Shawn followed suit. We soon had our first two albacore aboard.
The boat slowed to idle, and the deckhand addressed our group of six. “This is a flutter jig, and here’s how you work it”.
His brief demonstration was interrupted by a fish. Lesson postponed. For the next two hours, we rotated into position at the stern, refining our flutter jig technique while steadily filling Yeti 110s with hard-fighting Oregon albacore.
Mastering the Flutter Jig Presentation for Tuna
When tuna key in on flutter jigs, they’re not just feeding, they’re reacting. A properly worked flutter jig doesn’t just imitate a wounded baitfish; it triggers a predatory response. And if you get the presentation right, tuna of all sizes will climb all over it.
Here’s how to make your flutter jig work harder (and get eaten faster).
Why Flutter Jigs Work So Well for Tuna
Flutter jigs fall with a side-to-side wobble that screams “easy meal.” Tuna often strike on the drop, when the jig is darting and flashing unpredictably. Once you understand that, your whole strategy changes: you’re not just jigging vertically, you’re creating a controlled free-fall that tuna can’t resist.
Step 1: Control the Drop
Most hits come during the descent, so the drop is everything.
- Keep light contact with the jig as it falls (not tight, just aware).
- Use a high-vis braid or finger on the spool to detect ticks or pauses.
- If the line stops early or jumps… wind into it. You’re bit.
The goal: let the jig fall naturally, but never blindly.
Step 2: Keep The Lift Subtle
Flutter jigs aren’t speed jigs. Overworking kills the presentation. Instead, think slow lift, controlled slack, then let the jig fall again.
Try this cadence:
- Lift the rod tip from waist to chest.
- Drop the rod while picking up just enough slack to feel the jig.
- Repeat with small variations until you find the rhythm the fish want.
Tuna love that wounded “kick out” as the jig falls after each lift.
Step 3: Vary Your Cadence
Changing your rhythm keeps your presentation unpredictable, just like real bait. Mix in:
- Short lifts for fast-reactive fish
- Long sweeps for slower, deeper marks
- Three quick pops to trigger followers
- Complete free-fall when fish are mid-water and aggressive
If the marks are rising on the sonar but not committing, cadence changes can seal the deal.
Step 4: Stay Vertical (As Much as Possible)
Flutter jigs are designed to fall straight down. Once your line angle increases, the jig stops fluttering and starts dragging - tuna lose interest quickly.
To stay vertical:
- Drop to bottom and reset
- Move to the upwind side of the school
- Adjust boat position if possible
- Or switch to a heavier jig to maintain depth
If you’re at a hard angle, the jig stops fluttering and starts dragging, and tuna won’t touch it.
Step 5: Hookset Strategy
Tuna hit jigs differently than surface baits. Instead of swinging, reel into pressure.
Most tuna crush the jig and turn immediately - your job is only to come tight.
Most tuna crush the jig and turn immediately - your job is only to come tight.
Once the rod loads, you’re in.
Gear Considerations
- Rod: ALLSALT #2 or #3, depending on fish size
- Line: 40–65 lb braid, depending on depth and fish size
- Leader: 30–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Jigs: 40–120 g flutter-style, depending on depth and current
When Flutter Jigs Outperform Everything
There are times when tuna ignore everything… except a flutter jig:
- When they’re keyed on microbait
- When the school is deep
- When the current is moderate
- When they’re pressured and shy
When the bite gets weird, flutter jigs can save the day.
Final Thoughts
The magic of the flutter jig isn’t the lift — it’s the fall.
Master the drop, keep your cadence natural, and let the jig look wounded, lazy, and lost. Tuna can’t resist an easy target. Dial in that presentation, and you’ll turn marks into hook-ups all day long.