For light tackle blackfish (tautog) we recommend a spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 20lb fused line. The optimal rod is 6’6″ to 7′ feet long with a fast to extra-fast action and capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce. Some anglers prefer to use 20lb fused line as opposed to 30lb fused line because the slightly decreased line diameter can provide additional casting distance when flipping small jigs away from the boat in search if the best structure. Other anglers use 30lb fused line to ensure they can pull even the biggest fish hooked fish off the bottom before they find safety in the structure.
Recommended Line, Leader, and Terminal Tackle
We recommend loading the reel with 20-30lb fused line as opposed to braided line or mono. Fused and braided lines allow for much greater casting distance than mono. This is because is the much smaller line diameter of fused and braided lines. In addition, the fused and braided lines have virtually no stretch which allows the angler to carefully work even the most difficult lures, feel the softest hits, and easily set the hook. Fused line is preferred to braided line because it has better abrasion resistance.
The line should be attached to a 3ft length of 30lb fluorocarbon leader use a 50lb barrel swivel. The small profile of the swivel virtually eliminates any chance of picking up debris and provides an easy connection point between the line and the leader. The angler needs to be careful not to reel the swivel into the rod as it can damage the guides. Some anglers use an albright or uni-knot instead of a swivel. This knot can be tricky to tie properly with braided and fused lines.
Light Tackle Blackfish Jigs
We recommend using jigs that are just heavy enough to hold the bottom. The greater the depth and current. the heavier the jig that is required. Jig weights from 1/4oz all the way up to 4oz can be used. If you purchase jigs with hair, simply remove the hair before using it. The preferred colors are green, orange, green/orange, and yellow.
Frequently Asked Questions
For light tackle blackfish fishing, a spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 20lb fused line is recommended. The optimal rod length ranges from 6’6" to 7’ with fast to extra-fast action, and it should be capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce.
Fused line is preferred because it has a smaller diameter than monofilament, allowing greater casting distance. It also has virtually no stretch, which enhances lure control and hook setting. Compared to braided line, fused line offers better abrasion resistance, making it more durable in structure-filled environments.
A 3-foot length of 30lb fluorocarbon leader attached to the main line via a 50lb barrel swivel is recommended. The small-profile swivel reduces debris pickup and simplifies connection. Care should be taken not to reel the swivel into the rod guides to avoid damage. Some anglers also use albright or uni-knots, but those can be difficult to tie with fused or braided lines.
Anglers typically use 20-30lb fused line for light tackle blackfish fishing. Twenty-pound line provides a smaller diameter for better casting, while 30-pound line offers extra strength to pull bigger fish from structure.
Jig weights from 1/4oz up to 4oz can be used based on water depth and current strength. The jig should be just heavy enough to hold the bottom. If jigs have hair, it should be removed before use. Preferred colors include green, orange, green/orange, and yellow.
Some anglers choose 20lb fused line because its slightly smaller diameter allows for greater casting distance. This is beneficial when flipping small jigs away from the boat to find the best structure without spooking fish.
To prevent damage, avoid reeling the barrel swivel into the rod guides. The swivel should remain outside to ensure it doesn’t scrape or harm the rod's guides during fishing.