Tips for Successfully Trolling Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin pic
Bluefin
Image: worldwildlife.org

With more than 25 years working in the media industry, Richard Graziano is the president and general manager of New York City’s WPIX PIX 11, a Tribune Media flagship channel of the CW television network. When not in the office, Richard Graziano loves to fish off Cape Cod, particularly for bluefin tuna.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, bluefin is the largest species of tuna and can live as long as 40 years. Sleek and made for speed, these fish have retractable fins and eyes flush with their body. They are considered extremely efficient predators of the sea and tend to seek out schools of fish such as mackerel and herring.

Considered one of the most difficult types of fish to catch off the coast of New England, bluefin tuna are typically caught while anglers troll. The World Fishing Network states that this technique outperforms any other method by a wide margin. To successfully troll for bluefin, anglers should keep a few tips in mind.

* Get the speed just right. The typical speed when trolling for tuna is around five to ten miles per hour. Start at the slowest speed and then increase it if the fish aren’t biting.

* Choose the right bait. The best types to use include mackerel, menhaden, balao, skipjack, and squid. Use a number nine or ten hook.

* Fish along the edges of a school of smaller fish. Ignore the temptation to troll right over the middle of a school, since most tuna found at this point are near the end of their feeding frenzy. Troll along the outer edges so as not to disturb the school.

Two Low-Cost Activities to Do While in Zurich

ZurichCARDs pic
ZurichCARDs
Image: zuerich.com

Richard Graziano serves as president and general manager of WPIX-TV, where he is responsible for all of the studio’s day-to-day operations. In his leisure time, Richard Graziano has traveled to several European destinations, including Switzerland.

Traveling in Europe can be somewhat expensive. That’s why it can be helpful to find low-cost (or free) activities and attractions. For those visiting Zurich, here are several activities that won’t put a dent in the wallet.

Strolling along the promenades of Lake Zurich provides some of the best views the city has to offer. In warm weather, one can find a large amount of boats on the lake, with the banks full of families and tourists taking picnics and sunbathing. To get a good look at the city and the nearby Alps Mountains, consider a boat ride. Tours are offered year-long and are free for those who have ZurichCARDs. Available in 24- and 72-hour denominations, ZurichCARDs cost 13.50 to 40 EUR and provide a variety of accommodations, from free public transportation to discounts on guided tours and shopping.

The Old Town is the heart of Zurich’s history and cultural heritage. This portion of the city is rife with Medieval architecture and design, with cobblestone roads that lead to popular spots, such as Lindenhof, Bahnhofstrasse, and the Minister of Our Lady Church. The Swiss National Museum, as well as the Museum of Art, are located in Old Town as well.