Big_Rob

Use a 6/0 or 7/0 on 80 lb flouro (you may have to drop down to 60, or even 40 at times). Hook the hard tail in the shoulders (behind the head and in front of the dorsal fin). I have been using the Frenzy ocean camo circle hooks lately and they have been deadly.

Using a lever drag reel with the clicker on, feed them back while moving the boat forward. Once they are out a ways (50 ft or better) set the drag where they can run with it but not backlash the reel. Most people get excited and go to soon. LEt them run a good 3 mississippi count (it will seem like longer) then move it to strike and crank the handle. Now reel in your tuna.

I haven't had the problem you described with tuna.

Sharks, cudasmost likely (or in your case maybe kings, sounds like a king bite really).

Good luck.

-Rob