ABOUT TUNA TACKLE UK
Where did it begin?
It was during my first season crewing onboard a charter boat that was selected to be part of the Thunnus programme in 2021 that it became clear there was a lack of suitable blue fin terminal tackle easily available within the UK. So, it was late 2021 that I started importing items from all over the world thanks to plenty of contacts within the tackle industry and more investigations into sourcing products made specifically for Tuna Tackle UK as it was to become. Having spoken with several experienced skippers the first bars were constructed for the boat. It is at this time I realised that it was possible to build robust bars but with a level of finesse so they not only perform well but are built for the battle.
Very quickly other skippers involved in the scientific tagging programmes asked if they could use items that had been sourced due to their quality and price point! From here the thought of creating an online tuna specific tackle shop was born and Tuna Tackle UK went live in Spring 2023. By this time, I had seen the weaknesses and stress points in some tackle out there in terms of trolling bars so tweaks to builds were made and several years later we haven’t had to modify the bars other than when customers ask for something custom built. Even then, the backbone of the bars remains the same and just the squid pattern varies.
As time went by our bars and tackle have quickly gained a reputation for being of high quality and made to last despite the stresses and strains placed on them during some epic battles with tuna of over 700lbs. Indeed, one skipper landed over 35 tuna in a week period on one of our bars and in that time the only thing that needed replacing was the stinger and trace as they were battered! No snapped side tracker vanes or ripped bar squid and a stainless bar that was simply bent back into shape after the fight!
Since the launch of the recreational and commercial licences we have expanded our range of items to cover everything from outriggers to circle hooks so becoming a one stop shop for many customers.
TT UK is very proud to stock items from highly respected brands such as Black Magic, AFW, BKK, Carlson Offshore, FUKU, WolfPack Tackle, Chatter Lures, Seaguar, Fudo Hooks, Bristow Hooks, Momoi Japan, Explorer Tackle, Asso, Tailwalk Rods, Fiiish and AFTCO along with our own TT branded terminal tackle items.
I am a firm believer in not only quality products that I would use myself but that the customer experience is utmost. Whether that’s purchasing online right through to speedy dispatch times but also being honest with pricing and any issues.
I hope you enjoy the website and always welcoming on calls and enquiries if you want more information or some suggestions as to what works!
Tight lines and hope that next one is the fish of your dreams
Viv
Owner – Tuna Tackle UK