The following is a preview of exclusive members-only content from My Fishing Cape Cod. Photos featured in this post were taken by Zento Slinger and Nick Coelho. You can learn more about Zento's photography by visiting zentoslinger.com
Picture this: You're offshore in the early morning light, scanning the horizon for signs of life. Suddenly, the ocean erupts as powerful bluefin tuna crash through the surface in a feeding frenzy. Your heart races as you position the boat and prepare to cast—not with conventional gear, but with a fly rod.
Is it possible to land one of the ocean's most powerful predators on fly tackle? According to local fly angler and captain Ian Bragdon, not only is it possible, it's the ultimate fly fishing achievement.
"Bluefin are the coolest fish ever," Ian explains in our exclusive podcast interview. "They're just powerful and fast and they just do everything cool."
After years of pursuing this dream, Ian and his fishing partners Zento Slinger and Nick Coelho succeeded in landing not just one, but two bluefin tuna on fly gear—including a 61-inch specimen that tested both equipment and anglers to their limits.
Our podcast guest Ian Bragdon (left) and Zento Slinger (right) holding up a bluefin tuna that snapped Zento's 14 weight fly rod. Despite the broken rod the guys were able to land this fish after an 80 minute battle. Continue reading below for the full story! Photo by Nick Coelho.
In our full members-only article and podcast, Ian breaks down:
- The specialized heavy-duty fly fishing setup required (including the exact rod weights, reel specifications, and line strengths)
- Where and when to find "fly rod feeds" that offer the best opportunity for success
- Critical tactical approaches that position you for the perfect cast
- The dramatic story of hooking and landing these powerful fish after years of trying
- Conservation considerations to ensure bluefin remain abundant for future anglers
As Ian describes the moment of success: "We were screaming, but then there was silence, and then we screamed again. I just sat there... I can't believe it. There's a bluefin with a fly right in its mouth. We did it."
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About the author
My dream …great write up and amazing dedication…tough not to cast a spinning road when you know you probably can hook up. Well done!
That’s how I started too, just the dream. Just keep going and always bring the fly rod! Very tough not to cast the spin, in bad weather or picky fish we did…But when it’s calm and the feed is right – fly or die! Thanks for reading! Cheers
Awesome read and writeup. Conquer with the above that tuna on spin is a great rewarding challenge- let alone on the fly. Looking forward to a great upcoming season from the inshore rips and beyond.
Thank you! Appreciate it, definitely worth the trials and tribulations. Hope you have a great and safe season! Cheers.
this is bad ass. i remember seeing them post this a while back
ian gave me some solid advice at goose when i first started out saltwater fishing and zento is a huge inspiration for me in terms of photography, good dudes in my book.
catching tuna on spin is back breaking…never mind a fly rod, i cant imagine the feeling on that boat when that thing hit the deck. seriously awesome
Glad I could help brother! Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Goose if we can help more or if you have any questions, fresh or salt! The high quality gear will definitely help save your body, but every fight is a workout that’s for sure. Thanks for your comment, have a great season!! Cheers
Fantastic podcast and write-up. Last season, I was out twice chasing the ultimate challenge without connecting. Hope to find one this upcoming season, and your write-up should improve my chances. Thank you! Currently a bit under gunned with my 12wt TFO blue water paired with an Echo Ion reel loaded with 350 yards of 50# backing.
Thank you Johan! Happy to hear you’re out there chasing the good chase! I do love TFO and Echo, they should hold up well. Hoping the smaller class of fish push in more as some 30-80 lbers were caught on jigs last year. Much better than the 150-300 lbers we usually see! Hope you have a great season! Cheers