Rods and reels for dolphinfish fishing
To fish for the dolphinfish, it's essential to have the right rod and reel. As this fish is very vigorous, it can easily damage unsuitable equipment and escape.
Rods for dolphinfish fishing
Choose a sturdy, hard-wearing rod fishing rod to effectively tackle this powerful fish. Graphite rods are generally the most suitable, as they offer good sensitivity while being very durable.
Thelength of the rod should be between 2 metres and 2.5 metres, to ensure a good balance between power and manoeuvrability. A rod that is too short may not give you the leverage you need to control the fish during the fight, while a rod that is too long will be difficult to handle.
Reels for dolphinfish fishing
It is important to choose a reel suitable for the rod you have chosen, with sufficient capacity to hold at least 300 metres of line weighing 30 to 50 lb (15 to 25 kg). A fixed-spool reel is ideal for casting lures, while a spinning-spool reel may be preferred for its versatility.
Choice of line and leader
For dolphinfish fishing, we recommend using a 30-50 lb (15-25 kg) monofilament line, which offers good abrasion resistance and some elasticity to absorb shocks when fighting the fish.
As for the leader, opt for a fluorocarbon leader of the same strength as the main line, for better resistance to the fish's teeth and increased invisibility in the water. The length of the leader should be atleast 1.5 metres to minimise the risk of it breaking when you catch a fish.
Lures: find the right ones for dolphinfish
The choice of lures is crucial to success when fishing for the dolphinfish, as this fish is particularly attracted to certain colours and shapes. There are several types of lure you can use:
- soft lures: shads or jigs in the shape of flying fish or squid can be very effective in attracting the dolphinfish.
- hard lures: swimming fish and poppers offer good contrast with the surface of the water, making it easy for the fish to spot the lure.
- spoons: these reflect sunlight and imitate the flashes produced by schools of fish, inevitably attracting the dolphinfish.
To maximise your chances of success, use brightly coloured lures such as yellow, green or orange, which are more likely to attract the fish's attention.
Using a teaser to optimise the attractiveness of your lures
A teaser is an accessory that you can add to your fishing line to increase the attractiveness of your lures. Flying teasers, which imitate flying fish jumping out of the water, are particularly effective in attracting dolphinfish.
You can also use a teaser in the shape of a small school of fish or squid, positioned in front of the main lure, to simulate a predatory situation and trigger an attack by the dolphinfish.
