As a fisherman, you know that finding the right tuna fishing rod is essential to landing that big fish. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated tuna fishing rods on the market. These rods have been chosen based on their performance and durability, so you can be sure they’ll hold up when fighting a big fish.
Best Tuna Fishing Rods Review
Look no further, we have compiled a list of the TOP-rated tuna fishing rods. Each of these rods has been specifically designed to help you reel in that big one! So, what are you waiting for? Check out our list and find the perfect rod for your next tuna fishing adventure!
1# Offshore Angler Ocean Master OMSU Stand-Up Rod with Roller Guides
The Offshore Angler Ocean Master OMSU Stand-Up Rod is the perfect choice for anglers who demand the very best in big game fishing gear. Featuring a graphite composite blank with Carbon Coil Technology, this rod is designed for optimum power and control during battle. The AFTCO roller stripper and tip provide smooth and reliable performance, while the machined-aluminium gimbal ensures durability and strength.
2# Douglas LRS Spinning/Trolling Rod
The Douglas LRS Spinning/Trolling Rod is a top-of-the-line rod designed for serious anglers. It features a Tactical, ergonomic design for a superior strength-to-weight ratio. The Light, durable graphite/hybrid multi-modulus blank is fitted with high-performance, braid-friendly Fuji CC (Corrosion Control) Fazlite guides and welded tip-top, comfort reel seat with hidden threads, and full cork, synthetic, or carbon grips. The manufacturer’s 5-year warranty with a $50 quick replacement or repair protects your investment.
3# Douglas XMatrix Casting/Trolling Rod
Looking for a top-of-the-line casting or trolling rod? Check out the Douglas XMatrix! This ground-breaking rod features an exquisite action and an extreme strength-to-weight ratio. The blank is made from a proprietary, glare-resistant carbon matrix that’s built to last. Additionally, the braid-friendly Fuji CC Alconite guides and welded CC Alconite tip-top prevent line wrap. Lastly, the quality Fuji reel seat and ergonomic high-density EVA grips complete the design. Get the most out of your next fishing trip with the Douglas XMatrix Casting/Trolling Rod!
4# St. Croix Eyecon Trolling Rods
Marketing copy for the St. Croix Eyecon Trolling Rods, perfect for the walleye season. These rods are designed specifically for chasing walleye in every scenario imaginable. With SCII graphite and SCI fibreglass construction, along with Kigan Master Hand 3D guides, a Fuji TCS reel seat, and a premium EVA handle, this rod is sure to perform in any situation. And with a five-year warranty from St. Croix, you can be confident that your investment will be protected.
5# BambooMN Bamboo Vintage Cane Fishing Pole with Bobber
Maybe you’re just getting started yourself and looking for an easy and affordable way to get into the sport. In this case, the BambooMN Bamboo Vintage Cane Fishing Pole is a great choice. This three-piece bamboo pole comes in at just over 12 feet fully assembled, making it perfect for smaller ponds, creeks, and rivers. The set includes everything you need to get started, including a bobber, hook, fishing line with winder, and sinker. The best part about this pole is that it’s super easy to use, making it great for beginners of all ages. Kids will love being able to drop their line into the water!
6# Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod 2-Piece Saltwater Trolling Rod
The Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod is built for anglers who demand the very best. With solid construction and a design that is built for large knot clearance, this fishing rod is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their time on the water. The embedded roller design prevents lines from wedging between the roller and frame, and the aluminium side plates offer increased guide strength and superb design. The built-in Teflon bearing reduces friction, and the XRHT roller type tip-top guide provides greater height and lowers gravity for better rod performance. The solid E-glass graphite composite blanks offer incredible pulling power, and the strong and structurally enhanced solid glass fibre construction maximizes strength while maintaining sensitivity.
7# EatMyTackle Saltwater Fishing Rod
This roller guide boat fishing rod is perfect for anglers looking for a classic design with unbeatable strength and durability. Featuring a 100-120 lb. class rating, this rod is perfect for serious standup fishing. The CNC machined aircraft alloy construction ensures strength and smoothness, while the high-quality fibreglass blank delivers great sensitivity. Anodized aluminium reel seat with royal blue and gold trim provides an attractive finish, while the cross-cut aluminium gimbal butt and EVA foam grip provide comfort and control when fighting big fish.
8# OKIAYA COMPOSIT The Slayer Saltwater Big Game Roller Rod
Looking for a reliable and durable big game fishing rod that can take on the toughest fish? Look no further than the OKIAYA COMPOSIT 30-50LB The Slayer Saltwater Big Game Roller Rod. Featuring an industry-classic design, this premium fishing rod is made with CNC machined aircraft grade alloys for strength, composite fibre main shaft for superior sensitivity, and super smooth stainless rollers for lasting performance. Meets or exceeds all IGFA standards for big game competitions. Rod length 1.65m (5’6″). Bonus premium OKIAYA rod included.
9# Fiblink Trolling Rod Saltwater Offshore Heavy
The Fiblink 1-Piece/2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Rod Big Game Roller Rod is perfect for any fishing enthusiast. The rod is made of carbon fibre, making it sensitive and solid, and the Action is tuned precisely for boat fishing. The BRHG Roller Guides are made of non-corroding chrome-plated stainless steel and are smooth and polished to protect your line. The All-Aluminum Reel Seat is comfortable and easy to use, and the tapered hood transitions above and below the reel seat to protect your line from wear. This rod is saltwater approved and corrosion-resistant, making it a great choice for any fishing trip.
10# Fiblink Trolling Fishing Rod Saltwater Offshore Heavy
This Fiblink Fishing Trolling Rod 1 Piece Saltwater Offshore Heavy Roller Rod is perfect for those big game fishermen out there who are looking for a durable and sensitive trolling rod. Made with a combination of carbon and fibreglass blanks, this rod provides unparalleled strength and durability. Additionally, the heavy-duty roller guides reduce friction and ensure a smooth fishing experience. Finally, the extreme exposure reel seat allows you to securely mount your reel in any weather conditions.
11# PENN Warfare Star Drag Combo
The PENN Warfare Star Drag Combo is perfect for serious anglers. Its lightweight graphite frame and side plates are strong and durable, while the forged and machined aluminium spool ensures smooth operation. The marine-grade bronze main and pinion gear provide excellent power, while the HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers deliver smooth, consistent drag pressure. The tubular glass blank with a solid glass tip is incredibly sensitive and provides great accuracy when casting.
FAQ
Conclusion
Best tuna fishing rods are those that provide the angler with the best chance to land a trophy fish. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a rod for tuna fishing, but the most important is finding one that suits your individual casting style and preferences. We’ve outlined some of the best options on the market today, so be sure to read on and find the perfect rod for you!
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
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I’ve been using the Penn Slammer III for tuna fishing and I couldn’t be happier with its performance. It’s tough and has a great backbone, perfect for battling big tuna.
I was impressed with Shimano Saragosa’s inclusion on the list. It’s a great value for its price and can handle tough fishing conditions. I’ll definitely consider this one for my next purchase.
I’ve always been a fan of the G. Loomis GLX series, and it’s great to see it mentioned as one of the best tuna fishing rods. I’ve caught some trophy-sized tuna with this rod and it’s never let me down.
Thanks for the informative article. I learned about some new rod options that I wasn’t aware of before. Can’t wait to try one of these out on my next tuna fishing trip. As an avid angler, I’ve been following the advancements in fishing rod technology and I have to say, I’m impressed by the latest developments. Gone are the days when you need a heavy and bulky solid-fiberglass stand-up rod to fight big yellowfin or bluefin tuna. With the advent of new build materials, the fishing rods of today are much more advanced.
Sure, the all-fiberglass rods are still durable and I understand why some anglers may never want to switch from their favorite tuna fishing rods. Brands like Penn International V stand-ups, Calstar West Coast series and Star Aerials are popular choices and it’s worth mentioning that some of these rods use hollow or tubular construction.
However, with the size of conventional reels getting smaller and the diameter of braided super lines decreasing, it’s not surprising that the weight of stand-up conventional sticks – also known as tuna rods – is also reducing, resulting in rods with more action. In fact, some of the best tuna fishing rods currently available might also be some of the lightest.
Great article! I’m in the market for a new tuna fishing rod and this article has provided some valuable information and recommendations. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I’ve been fishing for a while now and have noticed a shift in the types of fishing rods being used. The rise of composite rods, made from both fiberglass and graphite, has become increasingly popular over the past decade. The advantage of these rods is that they offer the strength of fiberglass with the added sensitivity of graphite.
However, the terminology used by fishing rod manufacturers can be confusing. For example, the term “graphite rods” is often used interchangeably with “carbon fiber rods”. The difference between the two is that graphite consists of hexagonal rings of carbon atoms arranged in layers, while carbon fiber is a chain of carbon atoms. The use of carbon fiber in the construction of rods helps make them more sensitive with better action.
Many top tuna fishing rod manufacturers now offer stand-up conventional rods made from a mix of graphite and glass, such as Fin-Nor’s Tidal PowerLite, Penn’s Bluewater Carnage, and Shimano’s Terez. The combination of the two materials offers the best of both worlds: the graphite helps keep the weight down while the glass provides durability. Too much graphite and the rod becomes too fragile, but too much glass and the rod becomes too heavy. It’s a delicate balance that these manufacturers have perfected.
As a fishing enthusiast, I’ve noticed a lot of advancements in rod construction in recent years. Shimano’s TC4 process is a prime example of how a rod can be both strong and slim at the same time. The thick rod wall is achieved through two inner layers of T-glass and an inner and outer layer of carbon, which makes it ideal for tuna fishing.
Gone are the days when you needed a heavy and solid-fiberglass stand-up rod to fight big yellowfin or bluefin tuna. With the latest advancements in build materials, you no longer have to be a powerhouse to handle these fish. It’s all about finding the right balance between strength and sensitivity.
When it comes to length, the general consensus is that a shorter rod is better for clamping down on a massive tuna. Fin-Nor offers boat rods that are at least 6 feet, and 10 inches, which gives you enough length to cast the bait and plenty of power to pull on a fish. However, in the Pacific, long-range fishermen tend to use rods over 7 feet to clear the corners of the boat.
In my experience, when fishing big tuna in the Gulf of Mexico out of a center console, a rod between 5 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet works best. You get enough length to clear the outboards and the shorter rod is great for stand-up style fishing.
When it comes to tuna fishing gear, it’s important to pick wisely. The right combination of sensitivity, strength, and length will give you the best shot at landing a big one.
Hi everyone, I just wanted to share my thoughts on the best gear for tuna fishing based on my experience.
For inshore NJ tuna that averages 35-80 lbs, I prefer to use a lighter setup. I chunk using a light leader, so I don’t need a heavy rod. Instead, I opt for a softer rod, which takes some of the strain off the 30-40lb leader. I’ve found that an Avet LX has enough capacity for chunking. However, if I’m trolling, I need a bit more line capacity.
When it comes to jigging or popping inshore, I find that a 10k Shimano Spheros/Saragosa/Twin Power/Stella is the minimum requirement. Offshore, if I have a shot at bigeye or yellowfin tuna, I use a 30w reel at the very least, but I find that a 50w/70/80 is better for bigeye. For giant bluefin tuna, you need as much reel capacity as possible, with 80w being the minimum and 130 being the norm. Jigging offshore can be unpredictable, as you never know what size class of fish you’ll run into, so I typically use an 18k/20k Shimano reel, which is a popular choice among many tuna fishermen.
As you can see, every tuna fishery is different and requires its own gear. The most important thing is to choose the right equipment for your specific fishing location. For a basic and affordable tuna setup, I find that the Shimano TLDs are a reliable choice. The cost of rods can range from $100 to $700, depending on your budget and preferences. If you have more information on your specific fishery, I’m sure others can offer more tailored advice.
Just wanted to share my experience fishing for tuna down here in Texas. We use Avet PRO EX30/2 speeds and they’ve been great for handling tuna over 100 lbs. These reels are much more balanced on the rod compared to larger ones and we haven’t had any issues with line capacity or breakage. We run 500 yards of 80lb power pro with an 80lb top shot and 25 yards of 60lb fluoro. You can find these reels for around $450 if you do some searching.
As for rods, we use tsunami standup rods which are around $100. We’ve had them for 4 years now and they’ve held up well. If we ever have any issues, we can just take them back to the academy and they’ll replace them. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a custom rod, a good off-the-shelf option like this can work just fine.
Finally, if you’re in the market for a spinning reel, I highly recommend the Shimano Spheros 14000. We have 4 of them and they’ve been great for the price.
I wanted to share my experience with tuna fishing on party boats in N.Y. and N.J. If you’re mostly fishing in local canyons, a 30lb tackle might work, but if you’re doing party boat fishing, I’d recommend going with a 50lb rod and 80lb line. Most of the fishing is done at night and with fluorocarbon leaders, so you don’t have to worry about fish seeing the line. Even during the day, you can use a lighter leader.
Personally, I use a 50vsw with an 80lb line on a Seeker stand-up rod rated for 30-80lb and it’s been great for party boat tuna fishing. I’ve found that I land more fish with the 80lb line and heavier rod/reel and still have just as much fun doing it. Fighting a tuna on a party boat, there are obstacles like tangled lines and fish running under the boat or around the anchor line, so the 80lb line is a real advantage.
As an experienced party boat fisherman, I highly recommend using a 50 outfit over a lighter one. Trust me, going heavier makes a world of difference, especially when it comes to big fish. And don’t even think about buying a single-speed reel – if you’re going to spend the money, go for a two-speed. It will make your life so much easier.
Party boat fishing can be challenging, especially when it comes to tangles. One guy with a wild fish can mess up the whole boat. I’ve been in a situation where the bite was hot and heavy, reels were going off left and right, and I felt something on my line. I went to set the hook and there was nothing there – just a giant mess of mono in the water. If I had a 30, I would have no choice but to wait for the mates to untangle my line. But with a 50, I had a line to spare. I simply cut it, re-rigged it, and caught some freaking tuna.
In my opinion, the choice is clear. A 50 outfit is perfect for party boat fishing. I prefer using rollers as guides because I also use them for sharking. I use a wind-on system with cable, and it eats up normal guides. My setups are all similar – 50sw or tld50lrs on 30-80 and 50-120 rods, with 60lb Ande/Yozuri on my reels. You don’t need to go up to 80lb.