Tips needed for chasing Longtails

[SummerTrance]

Was moving between spots in the bay yesterday when I stumbled upon a school of Longtails feeding and a small flock of birds picking up the scraps.
Having seen a school last week I was prepared with 2 rigs to go, but I have no experience chasing palegics and really dont know what im doing.

There were no other boats in the area, so I thought I'd try a few things to try and get them. First I tried creeping close enough to cast a metal slug at them, but only got close enough close twice. I think I was scaring them away. It seemed as I got close they were ok, but when I cut the motor they disappeared. (or maybe it was just cause I was too close)
Next I tried trolling a Halco king brown past the side of the school, again with no luck. I followed small schools around for about 2 hours trying these methods with no luck. There was no other boat chasing these schools, so I wasnt getting in anyone's way.

Please help me with advice of how to best target these speedsters. I have read On-the-chew's report from yesterday and got some good tips, but need futher help.

Whats the best method of creeping up on schools. Creep in very slowing untill your close enough to cast? or try to get in front of them and wait for the school to come close to the boat?

Also I see that they were using plastics. Are these better then metal slugs? Also On-the-chew suggested 30lb leader. Im assuming thats mono? Is wire not required?

He also mentioned using the boat to chase the fish on it's first run. Is this always needed

Is trolling an option?

I was out solo that day aswell, Am i dreaming trying to catch longtails with no deckie on board for help? Any other advice would be much appreciated.

[frankgrimes]

No need to cut the motor mate.....stopping the motor(As you have found out!) scares them.

Check out posts from "The BeaR" for great tips on targetting LT's....especially with plastics. (Example: http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/sho...d.php?t=114524)

Mick

[STUIE63]

Mate i just use 15lb main line doubled to a knight metal slug in the blue colour I come in fast and stop but don't turn the motor off and cast as far as I can into the boil let the slice sink for 2-3 seconds and wind like crazy hang onto your rod though .alot of fun , great reef bait. you don't need a deckie but if you have one get him to drive the boat so you have the fun
Stuie

[Scott nthQld]

Stuie's got the good oil there, but in regards to chasing a hooke fish, you should only ever need to do that when you are seriously undergunned, chasing a fish should be a last resort IMO, try just tightening your drag, and don't panic too soon, the fish will run like crazy, its what they are born to do, so don't just assume that when a fish takes a screamer, it will spool you straight up, but also be in mind of what gear you are using and make a call as to how big you think the fish is, this will help in decided whether to make cahse or not.

[Leighton]

LT Tuna generally feed into the wind, this will help when positioning your boat. If they are hitting in the area I think you are talking about the LT's will be pushing the bait against the banks of Naval reservre, using the ledge to round up the bait.
Throw what ever you have at them, long casts to the other side of the school, dragging your lure through them.
I prefer plastics to metal lures, most important thing when fishing slugs is matching the slug to the bait size. I have had good succes with Gillies Pillies in 25g.
Naturel colour plastics, clear, crystal, light purples, white.
Zoom Super Flukes in Baby Bass, Opening Night, Bait Fish in 4-7" all work on there day.
Like the boys said, keep your motor running

[Noelm]

probably the best info given is the matching the size of the baitfish they are eating, these can usually be seen zooming around looking for a place to hide, then when that has been done, just approach a feeding school and cast slightly in front of them (not always the best, but usually is) wind like buggery and be prepared for a sudden hit, they will usually run for a bit first off, but with suitable tackle (say about 6 to 10KG) most will be easily played to the Boat, this applies to most of the smaller Tuna species, regardless of where you are or what type they are, Mackeral Tuna make great bait and will save you quite a lot of money if you get a few and freeze them for later.