Tilefish Tackle

The 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

Please contact us if you have questions about our recommendations!

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