Luna Tubes & Live Bonito
Luna Tubes & Live Bonito: Keeping Your Bait Alive on a Jetski
Luna Tubes, often called Tuna Tubes, are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep Bonito and even small Yellowfin Tuna alive while fishing from a Jetski.
When I say alive, I mean properly alive — you catch the bait and get it head first into the Luna Tube as quickly as possible. If the bait goes into the Luna Tube quickly and the correct water flow is maintained, it can quite happily swim in there for a few hours.
But if you take the bait out of the water and waste too much time, it will almost certainly die.
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
Why Bonito Are Such Good Live Bait
The number one bait for local Couta, also known as King Mackerel, and old scissor jaws himself, Mr Wahoo, is definitely a feisty little Bonito.
Rigged correctly and promptly, or kept alive in Luna Tubes and still kicking when you put a hook in him, a lively Bonito is almost guaranteed to produce a reel screamer.
For serious Jetski Fishing, keeping live bait in good condition can make a massive difference.
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
Catching Bonito for Luna Tubes
One of the most important parts of the process is how you catch the Bonito.
Don’t waste time using a small flexible fishing rod and thin line. You are not looking for sport here. You are looking to get that Bonito to the Jetski quickly and into the Luna Tube with as little stress as possible.
I prefer using strong tackle, around 50lb braid, so you can bounce that thing across the water and get it into the Luna Tube fast.
The less stress the Bonito goes through, the better chance it has of staying alive. You definitely do not want it to bleed, as it will almost certainly die.
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
Correct Water Flow for Luna Tubes
Once the Bonito is in the Luna Tube, water flow becomes very important.
A good flow rate is usually between:
750 GPH and 1100 GPH
I prefer using a valve so the flow can be adjusted. Through trial and error, you will find the best flow rate for your own setup.
Too little water flow and the bait will not survive properly. Too much water flow and you may stress the bait. The correct balance is what keeps the Bonito swimming and in good condition.
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
Let the Bonito Settle Down
Once I have caught a couple of Bonito and placed them in the Luna Tubes, I like to go and pull hard body lures or something similar for at least 15 minutes.
This gives the Bonito time to settle down, recover, and get back into shape before the next part of its journey.
A calm, healthy bait is always better than one that has been rushed, damaged, or over-handled.
Handling the Bonito Before Rigging
When you are ready to fish, grab the Bonito carefully by the tail between your index and middle fingers.
I find it is better to turn the Bonito upside down. It usually makes less fuss, and there is less chance of it doing the dreaded death wobble.
If you don’t know what the death wobble is, you will find out soon enough!
Once your Bonito is released back into the water with a hook in its head and it is still lively, your Luna Tubes have done their job.
Well done!
Maintaining Luna Tubes on a Jetski
Looking after Luna Tubes on a Jetski is quite straightforward.
You just need to make sure that:
- All valves are working correctly
- Water flow is not restricted
- Sand is not blocking the Luna Tubes or piping
- The pump or feed system is supplying enough water
- The bait is placed into the tube quickly and correctly
If your water flow is restricted, your bait will suffer. Always check the system before and during your fishing session.
Luna Tube Size Options
Luna Tubes generally come in three popular sizes:
110mm Luna Tubes
The 110mm tubes are a great option for standard inshore game fishing and smaller Bonito.
125mm Luna Tubes
The 125mm tubes are, in my opinion, the best all-round option for most Jetski Fishing applications. You can fit those slightly larger Bonito in there, which are absolute candy for the razor gang fish.
160mm Luna Tubes
If you are expecting to keep small Yellowfin Tuna alive for Marlin fishing, then 160mm Luna Tubes are the better choice.
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
Luna Tube Colours
The common colour options are:
- 110mm: Usually white
- 125mm: Usually blue
- 160mm: Usually white
The reason the 125mm tubes are usually blue is simple: 125mm pipe is generally not manufactured in white.
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
Single, Twin, and Custom Luna Tube Setups
Luna Tubes are available in:
- Single Luna Tube setups
- Twin Luna Tube setups
- Custom banks of 4 to 8 Luna Tubes
- Independently operated custom systems
For most Jetski anglers, a single or twin setup is ideal. For serious live bait fishing, custom multi-tube systems can be built to suit your fishing style and target species.
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
Do Hot Jet Pump Water and Bubbles Kill Bonito?
A question I often get asked is:
“Does the hot jet pump water not kill the Bonito?”
This comes from the fact that many anglers, myself included, run Luna Tubes from the jet pump outlet that was originally used for the safety spout.
In my experience, this does not kill the Bonito.
The most important things are still getting the Bonito into the Luna Tube quickly and maintaining the correct water flow.
Another common question is:
“Do the bubbles kill the Bonito?”
Again, in my experience, no they don’t.
Poor handling, bleeding, slow transfer time, and poor water flow are much bigger problems than bubbles.
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
Final Thoughts
Luna Tubes are a simple but highly effective upgrade for any serious Jetski Fishing setup.
If you want to keep Bonito alive and ready for Couta, Wahoo, Marlin, or other game fish, Luna Tubes are one of the best tools you can have on your Jetski.
For general inshore fishing, 110mm or 125mm Luna Tubes are the preferred choice. Personally, I like the 125mm option because it gives you room for slightly larger Bonito.
For small Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin bait, go with 160mm Luna Tubes.
And don’t stress too much if a few Bonito die. You can always use them as dead bait and catch more fresh ones!
Tight Lines
Codfather
If you would like to purchase Luna Tubes they are available in White or Blue. Also Single & Twin are available.
White 110mm, Single & Twin
Blue 125mm, Single & Twin
White 160mm, Single & Twin
Place order or check prices here…..LUNA TUBES
