Wondering what to pack? Here are our rod, reel and terminal-tackle suggestions by trip length — a starting point, not a strict list.
Suggestions only. Don't feel you have to buy it all. We carry a full rental package: a limited number of Smitty's stand-up outfits are aboard the Rooster, and AFTCO outfits rent from the office — please reserve ahead. Terminal tackle is also sold aboard at dock prices.
Rods & Reels
Tackle builds up with trip length — bring the shorter-trip outfits plus the additions shown for your trip.
3–6 Day Trips
- 30 lb live-bait & jig outfit
- 50 lb live-bait & jig outfit
- 100 lb deep-drop outfit (250–400 g jigs / lures)
10 Day Trips add
- 100 lb outfit
- 130 lb heavy outfit
15–16 Day Trips add
- 200 lb kite outfit (Spectra) — optional; can be supplied
Terminal Tackle
Same idea — each longer trip adds to the tackle for the shorter ones.
3–6 Day Free-Lance
- 1 dozen each: 2/0, 3/0 & 4/0 Mustad 94151 bronze-wire hooks
- 1/0–5/0 circle hooks (Trokar, Mustad, Owner or Hayabusa)
- Seaguar fluorocarbon 30–100 lb (25-yd spools)
- Trolling lures (Nomad / Halco)
- Salas 6X Jr. — 3 blue-and-white, 3 scrambled egg
- Hayabusa Sabiki 4-hook bait rigs
- Replacement mono line 25–60 lb (Izorline)
- Rubber boots, pliers & a rod belt
8 Day Spring Trips add
- 7/0–8/0 Mustad 7691
- 27–60 lb seven-strand wire & sleeves
- Seaguar fluorocarbon 60–80 lb (25-yd spools)
- Catchy Tackle Sea Strike 33 (blue chrome & red chrome)
- 2-speed reels with 80–100 lb Spectra backing
- Replacement mono line up to 100 lb (Izorline)
- 200 lb mono leader material
10 Day Trips add
- 9/0 Mustad 7691
- 4/0–7/0 Owner Super Mutu or Hayabusa Magnum
- 69 & 90 lb single-strand wire & sleeves (wahoo jigs)
- 27–60 lb seven-strand wire & sleeves
- Seaguar fluorocarbon 100 & 135 lb (25-yd spools)
- Torpedo sinkers up to 16 oz
- 2-speed reels with 135 lb Spectra backing
- Replacement mono line up to 135 lb (Izorline)
14–18 Day Trips add
- Heavy jigs: Catchy Tackle, Salas, Tady, Marauder
- Seaguar fluorocarbon 100 / 135 / 150 lb (25-yd spools)
- 100 ft of 275 lb seven-strand wire & sleeves
- 200–300 lb mono leader material
- Replacement mono line up to 135 lb
- 2-speed reels with Spectra backing, 135 lb to “unlimited”
- A stand-up rod holder with gimbal & a kidney harness
