The Two Most Important Rigs For Tuna Fishing

Long-range fishing expert Steve Carson discusses the top tuna rigs with captain Rocco Sanchez.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that evoke the explosive energy and movement of tuna fish leaping from the ocean.Tuna fishing in San Diego is an adrenaline-fueled pursuit, with anglers seeking to land the biggest and most powerful specimens.San Diego Today

In the latest episode of the Long Range Report, host Steve Carson interviews Rocco Sanchez, captain and deckhand on the American Angler, about the two most important rigs for tuna fishing in the San Diego area during the summer season. They cover the best setups for catching both school-size and larger-grade tuna on long-range fishing trips.

Why it matters

Tuna fishing is a major draw for anglers in Southern California, with many taking multi-day long-range trips to target these prized game fish. Understanding the optimal rigs and techniques can help fishermen improve their chances of success and bring home a bountiful catch.

The details

Rocco Sanchez, an experienced captain and deckhand on the American Angler, shared his expertise on the two most important tuna fishing rigs for the San Diego region. The first rig is designed for school-size tuna, while the second targets the larger, trophy-class fish that anglers hope to land.

  • The Long Range Report videos are a new addition to the bdoutdoors.com fishing reports this year, providing up-to-date information throughout the summer and fall tuna fishing seasons.

The players

Steve Carson

The host of the Long Range Report videos and a long-time advocate and employee of PENN fishing gear.

Rocco Sanchez

The captain and deckhand on the American Angler, a vessel that takes anglers on long-range fishing trips out of San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“These two rigs cover the school-size and larger-grade tuna that you can expect to catch on any length trip during the summer here in SD.”

— Rocco Sanchez, Captain and Deckhand, American Angler

The takeaway

By learning the optimal tuna fishing rigs and techniques from experienced captains like Rocco Sanchez, anglers can improve their chances of success and bring home impressive catches during the summer tuna fishing season in San Diego.