BD Outdoors Video Editor, Rodney Marquez, gives us a quick video of what he likes to pack in his offshore tackle bag for Southern California when targeting bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, dorado or yellowtail. It is always recommended that you bring the appropriate gear for a variety of fishing conditions on your trip. This video discusses hooks, line, reel sizes, and even recommended lures you might need on a SoCal sportboat trip.
The Bag
Plano – Z-Series 3600 Tackle Bag
Saltwater can be tough on tackle bags. Tough on every bag but a Plano tackle bag, that is. Plano saltwater tackle bags eliminate rust-prone hardware and touchpoints, with zipperless closures and other saltwater-friendly enhancements.
Hooks
Obviously this is a crucial part of your tackle supply and having a variety of choices in style, strength, and size will allow you to tailor your presentation to match the bait your using and drag pressure required. You will also want to carry a variety of circle hooks like the Mustad Demon or the VMC Tournament Circle hook.
Topshots and Leaders
Another extremely important tackle component is your leader material. Fluorocarbon leaders have become hi-tech and almost standard protocol for avid anglers. Fluoro shines on several fronts. It is proven to be less visible to the fish and therefore perfect for wary fish with good eyesight like tuna. It also offers some abrasion resistance compared to monofilament lines. Two new exciting products have recently been added to the choices of premium fluorocarbon lines and leaders.
AFTCO’s New Saiko Pro Fluorocarbon
Saiko Pro is a 100% custom formula fluorocarbon made in Japan for optimum leader performance. Featuring a supple yet hard finish that provides supreme abrasion resistance, Saiko Pro is stronger after abrasion than leading competitors. 12 to 80-lb test is available in both Clear and Pink. 100 to 300-lb test is available in Clear. The knot and crimped strength of AFTCO’s leader is unmatched and the line will generate bites from finicky tuna, billfish and inshore species when the other brands get refused!
Features
- 100% custom formula fluorocarbon made in Japan for optimum leader performance.
- Made for gamefish, not lab testing—up to 20% stronger after abrasion than leading competitors.
- Industry-leading tensile strength, abrasion resistance and break energy ratings for an unfair advantage over the competition.
- AFTCO SecureSpool™ makes leader storage a cinch. No more messy, uncoiled and disorganized leader spools.
Not only are thinner leaders even less visible underwater, but you also get the advantage of more natural presentations and better catch-rates on finicky fish. Made with Seaguar’s exclusive double-structure process, they combine two custom Seaguar fluorocarbon resins to create a leader with smaller diameters, yet with exceptional knot and tensile strength. It’s softer too and cinches easily for fail-safe knots.
Features
- 18% Thinner Diameter*
- + 17% Better Knot/Tensile Strength*
- Extremely soft and supple and cinches easily for fail-safe knots
- Lowest Line Memory* making line management more user-friendly.
Reels
- Full Metal Body and sideplates
- Stainless steel main and pinion gear
- Quick-Shift™ 2-speed system
- Dura-Drag™ washers
- 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Double-dog ratchet anti-reverse
- Line Capacity Rings
Shimano – Stella SW
Shimano describes the new Stella SW as “Absolute power” is the aim of New Stella SW. We are using our latest and most innovative technologies to complete the “SW-X Concept” which takes this new generation Stella SW to an all-new level for Anglers.”
Check out the BD article on the Shimano Stella, Distance Makes A Difference, by Capt. Scott Goodwin.
Features
Lures
Shimano Butterfly Flat-Fall Jigs are a totally new concept of Butterfly Jigging technique. Drop the jig down to the bottom, then crank it up 30 feet off the bottom and free spool. Or cast the jig and let it fall while free spooling, wait for the bite, then jerk and repeat. The center balanced jig falls with a wobbling action in a horizontal position, keeping the strike zone longer than the Butterfly jig.
Kickerfishing.com is now the go-to destination for the most trusted irons around as well as limited edition colorways you won’t find anywhere else.
Terminal Tackle
Sampo and Rosco swivels and clips come in a wide array of styles to suit many applications. An assortment of these is a must-have for every offshore tackle box. (BD article on Fishing Connections)
Weights – Torpedo & egg weights in a variety of sizes so that you can adjust to the current, depth and conditions.
Rubber bands – There are so many uses for rubber bands. Get the good black, 100% rubber ones so they don’t melt for years instead of weeks.
Miscellaneous Fishing Gear
The AFTCO Solmar UVS are versatile, all-purpose fishing and paddling gloves featuring AFBLOCK UPF 50 sun protection that blocks 98% of harmful UV rays. The Solmar UVS fisherman glove features waterproof, synthetic Grotech™ suede palms with internal CR Smart Foam closed-cell foam padding for complete palm protection and comfort. The fingertips are exposed for ease of knot tying and for added dexterity.
Get a grip on the unexpected. Swift power is on hand with the durable, hot-forged Magnipliers. The ergonomic trigger grip is offset to keep line of sight in tight places, while the finger choil offers maximum control. The thumb lock and ambidextrous tether points ensure safe stowage and transport while on the move. Engineered to meet the needs of the saltwater fisherman, SALT Rx™ offers superior protection against corrosion, wear, and tough environments.
This will get you started down the path of being prepared for any situation you might encounter on any given trip. Check out more great fishing tips on the BD Outdoors Youtube Channel or read Capt. Scott Goodwin‘s article on 3 Ways To Be A Better Angler.
