Top 5 Blackfish Reels & Rods

Powerful Drag System

Blackfish can be incredibly strong and stubborn fighters, especially when hooked near rocky structures. A reel with a powerful drag system that can apply significant stopping power is essential to prevent them from diving back into the cover. Look for reels with at least 15 - 20 pounds of drag capacity, as this will give you the muscle needed to pull those Togs away from their rocky homes.

Gear Ratio

A lower gear ratio is beneficial for providing the extra torque needed to bully fish away from structure. A ratio around 5:1 and 5.5:1 is often ideal, providing the right balance of speed and power for Tog fishing in most applications.

Durability

Saltwater can be tough on gear, and fishing in rocky environments can be even tougher. It's important to choose a reel made from corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum or stainless steel. Additionally, look for reels with sealed bearings to protect internal components from saltwater damage.

Comfortable Handle

A reel handle that provides a secure grip is essential, especially when you're cranking hard to keep a Tog from breaking off. Oversized EVA or rubberized grips give you better control and comfort when fighting powerful fish.

Strong Backbone with a Sensitive Tip

A quality Blackfish rod should have a strong backbone to handle the weight and pulling power of large Tautog, yet still offer a sensitive tip to detect those subtle bites. Blackfish are notorious for nibbling at baits before committing, and a rod that allows you to feel these delicate taps will help improve your hookset ratio.

Length and Power

Rods between 6'6" and 7'6" are commonly used for Blackfish, providing the right combination of control and leverage. Medium-heavy to heavy power rods are ideal, as they offer the strength needed to pull Tautog out of structure. The extra power is particularly helpful when fishing in deeper waters or areas with strong currents.

Durability and Construction

Given the harsh environments where Blackfish live, durability is key. Look for rods made from high-quality materials like graphite or a graphite/fiberglass blend. These materials provide the necessary strength while remaining lightweight. Additionally, consider rods with reinforced guides and sturdy reel seats that can withstand the rigors of Tog fishing.

Comfortable Grip and Handle Design

Since Tautog fishing often involves holding the rod for extended periods, comfort is crucial. Handles with non-slip EVA foam or cork grips are popular choices because they provide a secure hold even when wet. Split-grip or full-grip handle designs can both work well, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

The Shimano Stradic FM series is well-known for its smoothness and reliability. These reels feature Shimano's advanced MicroModule Gear II technology, which delivers ultra-smooth retrievals, and X-Protect for superior water resistance. The 4000 and 5000 sizes provide a solid balance of strength and lightweight handling, making them versatile enough for various inshore applications, including Blackfish fishing. With a combination of upgraded drag systems and increased gear durability, these reels are built to handle the stress of pulling stubborn Tautog from rocky cover.

Why they're great for blackfish: The Shimano Stradic FM offers a powerful drag and smooth performance, which are essential for keeping up with quick and stubborn Tog. Its lightweight design minimizes fatigue, allowing anglers to hold the rod and feel for subtle bites over extended periods. If targeting tog with blackfish style jigs, look no further than the Shimano Stradic.

The Shimano Trinidad A series is a high-performance conventional reel known for its incredibly lightweight and ergonomic design. With a rigid aluminum frame, strong star drag, and High Efficiency Gearing (HEG), these reels deliver a powerful yet smooth performance when targeting hard-fighting fish. The TN12A and TN14A models provide enough line capacity and cranking power to handle deeper drops and more challenging conditions often encountered in Blackfish fishing.

Why they're great for blackfish: The Trinidad A's star drag system offers excellent stopping power, which is crucial for turning big Tog before they dive into the structure. While the gear ratio is a bit higher than preferred for this application, the Trinidad series of reels has long been a favorite of many experienced blackfish anglers.

The Avet G2 SXJ is a compact and lightweight lever drag reel that punches well above its weight. It features a corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum body, precision-machined gears, and a smooth drag system that can handle larger Blackfish. The adjustable strike and full drag settings allow for precise adjustments, catering to varying fishing conditions. It's an excellent choice for anglers who prefer a lightweight reel with the stopping power needed for Tog.

Why they're great for blackfish: The Avet G2 SXJ's lever drag system provides fine-tuned control, which is ideal for battling Blackfish. The reel's size makes it easy to handle and maneuver, while its powerful drag helps to lock down on stubborn Tautog and prevent break-offs.

The Ocea Jigger is a premium reel engineered for jigging, but its features make it a perfect match for Blackfish fishing as well. The Ocea Jigger comes with Shimano's Infinity Drive technology, providing a lighter and more powerful winding experience. Its compact body design, combined with a high-efficiency gear system, ensures strength and endurance when targeting powerful bottom fish. The reel's ergonomic handle adds comfort, making long days on the water more manageable.

Why it's great for blackfish: The Ocea Jigger's precise drag system and high torque make it suitable for pulling stubborn Tautog away from the structure. Its compact design allows for better control and sensitivity, essential for detecting subtle bites.

The Daiwa Saltiga SASD15 is a top-of-the-line star drag reel renowned for its strength, durability, and smooth performance. Featuring Daiwa's Magsealed technology for improved water resistance and corrosion prevention, along with a powerful drag system, this reel is designed for tackling big game fish, including tough Blackfish. Its star drag provides excellent stopping power, while the aluminum frame ensures stability and rigidity under heavy loads. This reel also features a spool lock feature that allows you to quickly break off your rig if you get hung up in structure.

Why it's great for blackfish: The Saltiga's robust construction and high drag capacity make it perfect for fighting large Tautog. Its smooth and powerful star drag ensures that you can apply maximum pressure when needed, keeping those big Tog out of their rocky lairs.

The Ocean Tackle International Pitch Black Inshore rod is a versatile and lightweight rod designed for various inshore applications. Built with a Japanese Toray Carbon blank, this rod offers a balance of sensitivity and power, making it ideal for detecting subtle Tog bites and pulling fish out of rocky structures. Its compact length and fast action make it a great choice for fishing in tight spots where precision is key.

Why it's great for blackfish: The Pitch Black's combination of sensitivity and strength allows anglers to feel even the lightest bites, while the sturdy backbone ensures they can haul in bigger fish. Its lightweight design reduces fatigue, making it easier to fish for longer periods.

The Jigging World Black Demon is a favorite among Tog anglers for its exceptional strength and performance. This rod features a durable Japanese 36T Carbon Fiber blank that provides plenty of pulling power, allowing anglers to handle even the largest Blackfish. Its moderate-fast action helps absorb the shock of sudden runs while maintaining enough stiffness to yank Tautog out of structure. The rod's strong guides and durable reel seat further enhance its resilience in rugged environments.

Why they're great for blackfish: The Black Demon's durable construction makes it well-suited for fishing around rocky areas where Tog are commonly found. Its powerful backbone and shock-absorbing action help anglers gain the upper hand on tough fish.

The G Loomis IMX-Pro Blue is a high-quality rod known for its superior sensitivity and lightweight design. Constructed with a proprietary blend of high-modulus materials, this rod delivers exceptional feel and responsiveness, which is key for detecting subtle Tog bites. It has a strong backbone that provides the lifting power needed to pull fish away from cover, making it a versatile option for both shallow and deeper Blackfish fishing.

Why they're great for blackfish: The IMX-Pro Blue's blend of sensitivity and strength allows anglers to detect light bites while still having the muscle to handle big Tautog. Its lightweight design also makes it comfortable for long days on the water.

The Jigging World Night Ranger is another excellent choice for Blackfish anglers who want a powerful and durable rod. Constructed on a Japanese 40T Carbon Fiber blank, this rod offers a combination of sensitivity, strength, and shock absorption. Its fast action helps to distribute the load evenly during a fight, which is especially helpful when targeting larger Tog in deep water or heavy current. The rod's reinforced guides and solid reel seat add to its ruggedness.

Why they're great for blackfish: The Night Ranger's fast action makes it effective for battling large Tog, as it helps to minimize the risk of the hook pulling free. Its strength and sensitivity are perfect for fishing rocky bottoms.

The Black Hole Challenger Conventional Rod is considered by many as the ultimate Blackfish rod. Its construction utilizes high-quality carbon fiber, providing an unparalleled blend of lightness, strength, and sensitivity. This rod has the backbone to haul big Tautog out of structure, while its fast action ensures that anglers can feel every nibble and set the hook with confidence. The ergonomic handle design adds comfort for long sessions.

Why they're great for blackfish: The Challenger's carbon fiber construction delivers the power needed to tackle trophy-sized Tog while maintaining the sensitivity to detect the faintest bites. Its lightweight and ergonomic design make it a top choice for dedicated Tog anglers.