In the past couple of months, the world of offshore tuna fishing in the United States has delivered one headline after another, captivating big-game anglers and fans alike. Along the East Coast, several remarkable catches and tournament feats have set the bar higher than ever. For instance, in Massachusetts this August a Nantucket charter boat aptly named Topspin landed a colossal 118-inch bluefin tuna estimated at over 1,000 pounds. The captain, Carl Bois, called it an “epic day” after convincing his clients to target tuna – and they ended up battling a true sea monster.
Further north in Gloucester, the 2025 Bluefin Blowout – touted as the world’s largest bluefin tuna tournament – saw Jimmy Rig Charters claim victory with a massive 728-pound bluefin on day one, a catch that held its lead against entries from over 100 competing boats. High-profile excitement isn’t limited to tuna either; even NBA legend Michael Jordan made waves by taking his 82-foot sportfisher Catch 23 to the venerable
White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland, where his crew snagged second place with a 71-pound billfish, earning a hefty $400,000 prize. From New England down to the Mid-Atlantic, these events underscore a simple fact: offshore sportfishing is booming, with record-breaking tuna, big-money tournaments and affluent anglers all chasing that next big bite.
Why elite anglers choose handcrafted lures with stainless steel cores
In this era of trophy tuna and fierce competition, having the right gear can spell the difference between a legendary catch and “the one that got away.” That’s where handcrafted wooden lures with stainless-steel cores come into play as game-changers. Unlike mass produced plastic lures, artisanal lures are lovingly built and tuned by hand, resulting in more lifelike action in the water and superior toughness. Their finishes are often meticulously detailed: rich hand-painted colors with holographic flakes, ultra-realistic 3D eyes and scale patterns that mimic real baitfish, all of which trigger the predatory instincts of big tuna and other pelagics. The wooden body (or high-density resin) of a custom lure, reinforced with a through-body steel core wire, gives it exceptional strength and durability. This means when you’re hooked into a rampaging bluefin the size of a piano, you can trust your lure to hold together – no straightened hook hangers or split bodies that sometimes plague lesser lures. For high end anglers who regularly invest in the best reels, rods, and boats, it makes perfect sense to also use lures that match that quality. A handcrafted lure offers confidence: confidence that you can cast farther, work the lure aggressively, and endure violent strikes without equipment failure. There’s also an exclusivity factor; using a bespoke lure that not every other angler has can provide a strategic edge and a bit of pride. In short, artisanal lures marry art and engineering to tempt the most coveted fish, giving serious anglers both practical performance and the satisfaction of owning a functional piece of art.
Hooked Elite 130 – a lure that merges art and performance
One standout example of these premium handcrafted lures is the Hooked Elite 130, which has been gaining praise for its blend of striking aesthetics and technical prowess. Purpose-built for anglers seeking exclusivity and top-tier performance, the Hooked Elite 130 is a stickbait measuring 13 cm (about 5 inches) and weighing 50 g. Don’t let its refined looks fool you – this lure is engineered to take on the toughest predators of the open sea, from hefty tuna and marauding jacks to trophy roosterfish and beyond. Its deep navy-blue finish with holographic accents is not just for show; it shimmers like a wounded baitfish in sunlight, flashing naturally to draw strikes . Add to that the high-contrast 3D eyes, and you have a lure that practically calls to any hunter lurking in the blue.
The Hooked Elite 130 artisanal lure, featuring a wooden core with a blue holographic finish and a stainless steel through-wire.
On the water, the Elite 130 is designed for an exaggerated “walking the dog” action across the surface. Each sweep of the rod sends the lure gliding side-to-side enticingly, imitating a panicked fish – a presentation that giant tuna and other pelagics find hard to resist. Thanks to its balanced 50 g weight and aerodynamic shape, this lure casts like a bullet, giving you the range to reach boiling tuna schools from a distance. Whether you’re on the shoreline or the bow of a sportfisher, you can deliver the Hooked Elite 130 right into the strike zone with precision. And when that anticipated strike happens, you’ll be glad to have the Elite 130 tied on: its handcrafted build features a tough wooden/resin body and a full stainless steel wire frame running through it , which together ensure it can withstand bone-jarring hits and prolonged fights in saltwater conditions. Every Hooked Elite 130 is hand-painted and coated with a protective finish, so its vivid colors and detail won’t fade after just a few battles. In essence, this lure isn’t just tackle – it’s a collectible piece of gear made for passionate anglers who demand the very best . Holding it in your hand, you can feel the craftsmanship, and that inspires the confidence to throw it on the line when a tournament (or personal best) is on the line.
Embrace the passion with the right tools in hand
Offshore sportfishing for tuna is more than a hobby – it’s an adventure fueled by passion, precision, and often a fair bit of investment. The recent news of record tuna and high-stakes tournaments underscores a thrilling truth: there’s never been a better time to be a part of this scene. But to turn opportunities into successes, you need both skill and equipment that you can rely on when crunch time comes. That means pairing your determination and knowledge with tools that won’t falter. High-caliber, artisanal lures like the Hooked Elite 130 are built for those who refuse to compromise on quality. They allow you to fish with trust in your lure, knowing it’s capable of enticing that fish-of-a lifetime and strong enough to bring it boat-side.
If you’re dreaming of carving your own story into the tuna record books – or simply craving the adrenaline of that next big strike – it might be time to upgrade what’s in your tackle box. Take a cue from the pros and enthusiasts who spare no effort in pursuing excellence. After all, when you’re hooked up to a bluefin that could pay out a tournament or break a personal record, you want every advantage on your side. Are you ready to reel in your giant? Make sure you’re equipped for the challenge. Explore the Hooked Elite 130 and other exclusive handcrafted lures on the official Hooked store and get ready to elevate your offshore fishing experience. With the right lure and an inspired mindset, your next trip could become the story of a lifetime – so gear up, head out, and tight lines!