Offshore Fishing Gear

Offshore fishing gear basics

Chasing fish offshore is hard on tackle, and this collection gathers the heavy-duty gear that stands up to tuna, billfish, and deep water: conventional reels, rod holders and outriggers, big-game line and leaders, and the rigging that ties a trolling spread together. Setting up an offshore boat comes down to reels with the drag and capacity for big fish, a way to fish multiple lines, and line built for the load.

Reels for big fish

Offshore fishing leans on conventional reels with strong drags and high line capacity. Lever drag reels let you move smoothly from strike to full while trolling, and two-speed models add a low gear for cranking a heavy fish up from the deep. Match the reel size to your target, going big for tuna and marlin, and spool plenty of line for a long run. Choose models that balance power with smooth operation so you can fight fish for extended periods without fatigue setting in on the angler or the equipment.

Fish multiple lines

A trolling spread means fishing several lines without tangles. Rod holders position rods around the cockpit and gunwale, while outriggers spread the lines wide so more lures swim cleanly behind the boat. Add a rocket launcher or rod rack to store the spread, and downriggers or planers to get baits down. The more lines you can fish cleanly, the more strikes you get. Proper placement of holders keeps rods secure during rough seas and allows quick access when a fish hits.

Line and leaders for the load

Big fish and long runs call for heavy braid or mono and tough leaders. Braid packs capacity into the spool for deep dropping and screaming runs, while a heavy fluorocarbon or mono leader handles abrasion and a fish's teeth or bill. Match the line class to your reel and target, and rig leaders to suit the species. Always inspect line for wear after each trip and replace sections that show signs of stress to avoid losing fish or gear.

Rig the boat to fish

Mount rod holders and outrigger bases where they clear the cockpit and spread the lines, and keep gaffs, tag sticks, and a cooler or fish box ready. A boat rigged to handle the fish and the spread lets you focus on fishing instead of fighting your own gear. Test all mounts and connections before heading out so everything performs reliably when the action starts.

Not sure how to rig for offshore? Tell our crew your target species and boat, and we will match the reels, rod holders, outriggers, and line so you are ready when the spread goes off.