Upper Banner Ad

Tilefish Tackle

Short URL: https://neangling.com/?p=115 - Views: 33740

TilefishThe rod and reel combo we recommend for tilefish should be capable of handling 50lb braid. The rod should be 6’6″-7’6″ with a fast to extra-fast action.  We prefer a rod that has a little more beef to the rod to handle large sinkers up to 24oz.  The reel should have at least a 5:1 ratio because the depths are so extreme.  Levelwind reels are certainly easier to use, but may present a handicap when dropping the bait down in fast currents (because the line goes out more slowly).   Do not be confused by the suggested lure weights specified on the rod blanks.  These weights pertain to the size of lures that can be cast effectively using that rod.

Tilefish Fishing Techniques and Tips

The reel should be loaded with 50lb braid.  The heavier braid is preferred when fishing bouncing sinkers up to 24oz on the bottom.  Since braided lines have a thinner diameter and less water resistance, they provide an added advantage and allow the angler to hold bottom with lighter sinkers.  The lack of stretch transmits even the softest of hits back to the angler.

Tilefish Rigs

The rig we recommend is a simple hi-lo rig that consists of a 4ft length of 50lb fluorocarbon leader with a standoff dropper loops at 12 inches above the sinker and again at 36 inches above the sinker. A standard 12-24oz bank sinker should be used to ensure the rig was on the bottom. The dropper loops get threaded through 7/0 beak baitholder hooks that are tipped with clams.  The rig is attached ot the main line using a 100lb barrel swivel.

Tilefish Tackle Checklist

  • 6’6″ to 7’6″ fast to extra-fast conventional rod rated for 50lb braid
  • Conventional reel with/without levelwind rated for 30-50lb braid
  • 50lb braid
  • 100lb barrel swivel
  • 50-80lb fluorocarbon leader
  • 12oz to 24oz bank sinkers
  • 7/0 beak baitholder hook

Please contact us if you have questions about our recommendations!

Click here to see all of our Tilefish Content (news, video, techniques, tips, and locations)

CLICK HERE FOR FREE TILEFISH VIDEO CLIPS!


Tackle Recommendations
Click on any of the images or names to visit the manufacturer's website.  Click on the links or retailer logo to see prices or purchase.  If you can't find the product you want, try searching Amazon. Please contact us if you find any broken links!

DISCLOSURE: This following section contains affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Rods
Penn Bluewater Carnage Casting Penn Bluewater Carnage Casting
Casting (conventional) rod - graphite composite - 6'6" - 7'10 - multiple models suitable for 10-130lb braid or mono
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct

Penn Bluewater Carnage Casting
Shimano Teramar Northeast Inshore Casting Shimano Teramar Northeast Inshore Casting
Inshore conventional rod - 6'6" to 7'6" - multiple models suitable for 12-50lb braid or mono - medium to fast actions - lure weights from 1/2oz to 6oz
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct
Learn more and buy on Amazon
Shimano Teramar Northeast Inshore Casting Shimano Teramar Northeast Inshore Casting
Reels
Penn Fathom Penn Fathom
Star drag conventional reel (no level wind) - models rated for 10-50lb mono and 15-80lb braid - 6:1 gear ratio - 5 ball bearings - HT100 drag washers
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct
Learn more and buy direct from Amazon
Penn Fathom Penn Fathom
Penn Torque Conventional Penn Torque Conventional
Star drag conventional reel (no level wind) - models rated for 10-50lb mono and 15-80lb braid - 6:1 gear ratio - 7 ball bearings - HT100 drag washers
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct
Learn more and buy on Amazon
Penn Torque Conventional Penn Torque Conventional
Shimano Torium Shimano Torium
Star drag conventional reel (no level wind) - models rated for 14-50lb mono and 40-100lb braid - 6.2:1 gear ratio - 3 ball bearings - aluminum frame and side plates
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct
Learn more and buy direct at Amazon
Shimano Torium Shimano Torium
Shimano Talica Shimano Talica
Lever drag conventional reel - models rated for 40-150lb braid - 3.8:1  and 6.2:1 gear ratios - 7 ball bearings - great for butterfly jigging (this reel essentially replaced the Torsa)
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct
Learn more and buy on Amazon
Shimano Talica Shimano Talica
Line
Berkley Fireline Braid Berkley Fireline Braid
Braided line - virtually no stretch - moss green color - very thin line diameter - available 6 to 80lb test and 110, 300, and 1500 yard spools
Learn more and buy at Berkley
Learn more and buy at Amazon
Berkley Fireline Braid Berkley Fireline Braid
Hooks
Mustad Beak Baitholder Hook Mustad Beak Baitholder Hook
92661-NI - Forged, Reversed, 2 Slices in special long shank, Ringed, Nickel
Learn more and buy at Amazon

Mustad Beak Baitholder Hook
Terminal Tackle
Mustad Rolling Swivel Mustad Rolling Swivel
77900 - Black Rolling Swivel w/round eye - available sizes/rating: 4/144lb, 6/118lb, 8/104lb, 9/77lb, 10/70lb, 12/49lb, and 14/42lb


Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon Leader Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon Leader
Fluorocarbon leader  - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear  and disappearing pink colors - 4-200lb test and 30/100yd spools
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct
Learn more and buy on Amazon
Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon Leader Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon Leader
Yo-Zuri TopKnot Fluorocarbon Leader Yo-Zuri TopKnot Fluorocarbon Leader
Fluorocarbon leader - additional abrassion resistance, lower diameter, invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 8-200lb test and 30/100yd spools
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct
Learn more and buy on Amazon
Yo-Zuri TopKnot Fluorocarbon Leader Yo-Zuri TopKnot Fluorocarbon Leader
Berkley Prospec Leader Berkley Prospec Leader
Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear, blue, pink, brown colors - 20-200lb test and 25/33/75/100yd coils
Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct
Learn more and buy on Amazon
Berkley Prospec Leader Berkley Prospec Leader
Tackle Direct Tackle Direct Tackle Direct Tackle Direct