With a proven track record of 290kg super-sized bluefin tuna BIG TUNA 76 JAPAN SP and 2024 NEW Model

Series has been developed for bluefin tuna

Ripple Fisher’s BIG TUNA tuna casting rod series has been developed for catching large bluefin tuna. The history of this series is about 14 years since the first model was released. If the testing period is included, it is more than 14 years. The BIG TUNA series has evolved in line with the history of the bluefin tuna casting game. This is due to various factors such as changes in the environment, evolution of tackle other than rods, and changes in technology, but above all, it is Ripplefisher’s challenge to increase the catch rate of tuna as much as possible.

In February and April, the BIG TUNA lineup will be updated with three new models for 2024: BIG TUNA 70 JAPAN Special / POWER CLASS, BIG TUNA 710RT JAPAN Special / HEAVY CLASS, and BIG TUNA 86 JAPAN Special / HEAVY CLASS. These models will be explained in the latter half of this article, but the first one we would like to introduce here is the BIG TUNA 76 JAPAN SP 2024 Special Edition, which was announced at the end of November in two designs as a completely limited production model for Christmas 2024 and attracted much attention. The lottery for this 2024 Special Edition model has already ended and it is no longer available, but the normal BIG TUNA 76 JAPAN SP is still available on the market. Check out its performance below.

BIG TUNA 76 JAPAN SP 2024 Special Edition model. Unfortunately, the application has been closed, but the normal 76 JAPAN SP is still on the market. Why not try its capabilities in 2025?

The power of BIG TUNA 76 JAPAN SP

Currently, BIG TUNA has eight models. The BIG TUNA 76 JAPAN SP is in the power class. The reason for releasing the 76 JAPAN SP as a Special Edition was because a 290 kg bluefin tuna was caught in a single fight with this rod in 2023.

So what kind of performance does it have?　First of all, this rod targets 200 kg class bluefin tuna. In order to handle large tuna, PE No. 8-12 is used, allowing anglers to cast large lures in order to target bluefin tuna that prey on dolphinfish. However, the lure casting specs are 60-180g, which means that not only large lures but also lightweight lures of 60g can be cast and manipulated. Furthermore, the blanks are designed so that the rod bends toward the angler’s side when fighting gimbals, while providing butt power to put pressure on large tuna. This bend is designed to prevent the rod from being stretched by the sudden running of the tuna and to reduce the burden on the angler’s upper body and lower back. The bend curve design is said to make it easier to fight for long periods of time.

BIG TUNA 70 JAPAN Special

The next model to be introduced is the 70 JAPAN Special, which went on sale in April 2024. This model is also in the same power class as the 76 JAPAN SP, targeting super-large tuna in the 200 kg class, and is designed for anglers who fight with straight pumping as well as with high-loaded gimbal fighting with the rod upright after a hit. Incidentally, the rod power is designed to be more powerful than the 76 JAPAN SP. It can also be used with large lures in the dolphin pattern. The length has been shortened to reduce the burden on the angler by moving the pivot point of bending even closer to the angler’s side. This model can be used with lures from 80 to 220g and PE 10 to 12, making it truly a model for super-sized bluefin tuna.

Designed with an emphasis on fight. The length of the rod makes it unsuitable for long casts, but when fighting, the belly portion of the rod is also inserted, and the more load is applied, the more the fulcrum is shifted to the hand side, making it possible to easily interact with the lure.

BIG TUNA 710RT JAPAN Special

This model was released in February 2024. This model is a retuned version of the 710 model, which was previously released and laid the foundation for the BIG TUNA series. It has been redesigned to respond to the changing tuna casting game, with a tapered design that not only improves ease of use, but also demonstrates more resilience to float in extreme conditions, and more robust butt power. The taper design is designed to bend the butt to catch fish, allowing anglers to efficiently use the butt’s power to float fish. Despite its heavy class, this model is designed to be easy to handle in luring and fighting. It can be used with lures from 40 to 160g, and PE 8 to 12.

This model is easy to use during the season when you cannot choose the size of lure. Compared to the 70, 73, and 76 power class lures of the same length, this model has a lighter feel and is easier to handle when luring lures out for long periods of time. By dropping the line class, it is also possible to select lures with small baits.

BIG TUNA 86 JAPAN Special

This is the model for those who seek long casts and casting accuracy with a heavy class rod. This is also a retuned model of the previously released 86 model in February 2024, reconditioned with the latest technology and materials. Of course, both casting performance and ease of use have been improved compared to the previous model. This model is useful in situations where the bait is small and the angler has no choice but to target specific fish. The flexible tip allows for a wider selection of lures and longer casts with less effort than the previous model. The butt power is strong enough to catch the power of tuna while the fulcrum is at the hand side during a fight. For lures from 40 to 160g, compatible with PE No. 8 to 12.

Middle class model with enough power to fight with confidence even when large tuna hit the water. Its length also provides excellent long casting performance.

Summary: Angler’s Time Editorial Department