[vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#566678″ bg_image=”5718″ bg_image_type=”default” bg_position=”center center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”6%” bottom_padding=”6%” left_padding_desktop=”15%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”15%” top_padding_tablet=”10%” constrain_group_3=”yes” bottom_padding_tablet=”10%” left_padding_tablet=”0px” constrain_group_4=”yes” right_padding_tablet=”0px” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” color_overlay=”#122954″ advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.8″ gradient_direction=”top_to_bottom” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”zoom-out-slow” parallax_bg=”true” parallax_bg_speed=”fast” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”0px” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”none” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bottom_padding=”20px” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” zindex=”100″ overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default”][split_line_heading line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”letter-reveal-bottom” font_style=”h1″ stagger_animation=”true” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” link_target=”_self” text_content=”Tilefish Tackle” font_size=”5vw” text_direction=”default”][/split_line_heading][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” constrain_group_2=”yes” left_padding_tablet=”15%” constrain_group_4=”yes” right_padding_tablet=”15%” left_padding_phone=”8%” constrain_group_6=”yes” right_padding_phone=”8%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]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.
For tilefish fishing, a rod that is between 6'6" and 7'6" in length with fast to extra-fast action is recommended. The rod should be sturdy enough to handle large sinkers weighing up to 24 ounces.
The reel should have at least a 5:1 gear ratio to efficiently handle the deep depths where tilefish are found. While levelwind reels are easier to use, they may slow down line release in fast currents, so consider this when choosing your reel.
A 50lb braided fishing line is preferred for tilefish because its thinner diameter and reduced water resistance allow anglers to fish with heavier sinkers more effectively while maintaining sensitivity to detect even the softest bites.
The ideal rig is a simple hi-lo rig made with a 4-foot length of 50lb fluorocarbon leader featuring standoff dropper loops located 12 and 36 inches above the sinker. It uses 7/0 beak baitholder hooks baited with clams, and a 12-24 ounce bank sinker is attached to keep the rig on the bottom.
Heavier braid, such as 50lb, is preferred when using large sinkers up to 24oz because it has a thinner diameter yet is strong enough to hold the rig on bottom in strong currents. The lack of stretch in braided line also helps anglers feel even the lightest bites.
Lure weight specifications on tilefish rods usually pertain to the casting capabilities rather than the strength needed for bottom fishing with heavy sinkers. Therefore, anglers should prioritize rod power and action suited for heavy sinkers over lure weight ratings when targeting tilefish.
You can access a complete tilefish tackle checklist, where to buy recommended gear, and a variety of tilefish-related news, tips, and techniques on the website. Additionally, free tilefish video clips are available on YouTube through the provided playlist link.