The
rod and reel combo featured a
Shimano
20N Torsa reel on a
6'6" Trevala rod rated for 50-100lb (model TVC66-MH).
This outfit is typically used for butterfly jigging but, is also a
great outfit for fishing Tilefish (and Cod). The reel is fast
and powerful, and it makes bringing up a fish from the extreme depths
reasonably quick.
The rig was a simple hi-lo rig that with a standoff
drop loops at one foot above the sinker and again at three feet above
the sinker. A standard 12-24oz bank sinker was used to ensure
the rig was on the bottom. The dropper loops were threaded
through 7/0
Mustad Beak Baitholder hooks and clam baits soaked in
Mustad
Activate Bait Enhancer were used. The bait enhancer
was particularly effective because tilefish rely very heavily on scent
to find food in the extreme depths.
