Best Jigging Rod for Tuna Reviewed

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Nothing’s more exciting than fishing for tuna. These majestic species are among the toughest to catch, owing to their feisty nature and notable sizes.

But if there’s a fishing technique that’s known to work best for tuna, it’s vertical jigging. And to be successful at this fishing style, you need a reliable jigging rod to lure the tuna in.

If you’re new to jigging for tuna, you might have a hard time picking the right rod for the job. And we don’t blame you – with all the options available, anyone can easily be overwhelmed.

Not if we can help it and with our top choice, the Daiwa Proteus which is ultra-reliable. We also tried some of the most popular rods in the market to help you find the best jigging rod for tuna. We also added a buying guide for your added reference.

How to choose a quality tuna jigging rod?

To determine if a jigging rod is of good quality, you have to look into several factors. The most important factors to consider include the action, power, and materials used in its construction.

Action

Action refers to the flexibility of the rod. It helps you determine where it bends, which also reflects the sensitivity of the rod.

The faster the rod is, the more sensitive it is to the bait’s every move. When it comes to jigging, you need an extra fast rod for the best results.

Power

On the other hand, rod power refers to the amount of pressure needed to bend the rod. This helps you determine how much weight and tugging it can withstand.

Since you plan on jigging for tuna, it’s recommended to go for medium to heavy power rods. This is because tuna can grow to over a hundred pounds. Nevertheless, it still depends on the size of the fish you mainly fish.

Material

And finally, you should consider the materials used in its construction. Graphite is known for its superior sensitivity but is often more fragile than carbon or fiberglass.

If you’re planning to jig for larger tuna, we recommend going for carbon or fiberglass rods. Also, make sure that the components like rings and reel seats are of great quality. This way, you can be confident that your rod will last for a long time.

best jigging rod for tuna

Table of Contents

Comparison Factor

Tuna Fishing RodRod MaterialLengthCapacity
Daiwa Proteus Casting RodX45 Bias Graphite7.6 feet n/a
EatMyTackle Saltwater RodCarbon Composite5.9 feet80-100 lb
Fiblink Bent Butt RodE-Glass Graphite5.6 feet80-120 lb
EatMyTackle Roller Guide RodCarbon Composite5.6 feet160-200 lb
Tsunami Conventional RodGraphite Composite 7 feet20-40 lb

Best Jigging Rod for Tuna: Reviews

We have reviewed our best budget jigging rod for tuna in the market. You can choose best rod from these products. Let’s get started.

1. Daiwa Proteus WN Casting Rod – Our top picks

The Daiwa Proteus WN Casting Rod is a promising unit with impressive construction and performance. Let’s dig its features deeper in this Daiwa fishing rod review.

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Features and Benefits

  • The X45 Bias Graphite delivers superior sensitivity. This feature allows you to stay in touch with the bait’s every move – and that’s guaranteed to land a catch.
  • It comes with Daiwa’s exclusive grip tape. This proprietary grip tape offers a special anti-slip property that keeps your hands on the handle. Even if you have sweaty hands, that won’t be an issue with this feature.
  • The Braiding-X Technology adds to its durability. This feature provides a further backbone to your graphite blank to make it less prone to shattering.

Specifications

  • Rod Material: X45 Bias Graphite
  • Action: Fast
  • Power: MH
  • Length: 7 feet and 6 inches

This Daiwa casting rod is a crowd favorite – and for a good reason. It makes the most of technology to produce a sturdy yet sensitive blank, making it perfect for tuna jigging.

Among its most notable features is the Braiding-X technology. This feature uses additional carbon fiber to add support to the graphite blank. It’s also known to prevent blank twisting, and that greatly helps when you’re wresting with tuna.

Surprisingly, this rod only weighs around 10 ounces. This is quite impressive, especially considering all its tough features.

Without a doubt, it’s the best bluefin tuna jigging rod in the market.

Pros

  • It uses premium and durable materials.
  • It is very comfortable to fish with.
  • It is easy to operate.
  • It offers great value for the money.

Cons

  • Graphite is not the most durable of materials. However, the carbon fiber braiding makes up for it.

Recommended Size

  • For tuna: 7 feet and 6 inches, MH

Expert Quote

“Anglers get so much more in value and effective use that a little extra charge goes almost unnoticed.” FishFight.com


2. Eat My Tackle Saltwater Best Premium Fishing Rod

The EatMyTackle Bent Butt Saltwater Fishing Rod is another top contender for the best jigging rod for tuna. It has a unique design that allows for easier balancing – especially when you’re wrestling with a feisty tuna.

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Features and Benefits

  • It has a sturdy carbon composite blank. This material is known for its seemingly shatterproof durability. That makes you confident that it’s here to last for a long time.
  • It has a long bent butt. The elongated and bent butt shape offers added control and balance to make it easier to work with.
  • The leather grip offers non-slip comfort. This feature allows you to have a solid and comfortable grip over the handle. That allows you to fish for hours without worrying about cramps and tension pain.

Specifications

  • Rod Material: Carbon Composite
  • Length: 5 feet and 9 inches
  • Weight: 3 pounds
  • Capacity: 80 to 100 pounds

Eat My Tackle reviews are always so positive, which is why we’re curious about its Bent Butt rod line. This tournament-level rod offers durable construction that makes it virtually shatter-proof. That makes you feel confident about wrestling with an 80-pound tuna.

Because of its unique bent butt design, it felt balanced despite its 3-pound weight. While it’s heavier than other jigging rods in the market, the balanced feel surely made up for it.

We also love that it comes with stainless steel rings and components. This makes it safe for use in different bodies of water – whether freshwater or saltwater.

Pros

  • It is very comfortable to use.
  • The unique design makes it feel balanced and easy to maneuver.
  • It uses durable materials.
  • Users can choose between four different class weights for the best results.
  • It is affordable.

Cons

  • The rollers tend to freeze, so we recommend using them only when it’s not too cold out.
  • It can be too heavy for some anglers. It will take some getting used to.

Recommended Size

  • For tuna: 5 feet and 9 inches, 80 to 100-pound capacity

Expert Quote

“[Just] hold the correct angle to the pole holder, [and] it makes it easy to fight a good-sized fish.” – Verified Amazon Review


If you’re looking for the best saltwater trolling rod, then you should consider the Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod. With its corrosion-resistant materials and unmatched design, it’s easy to see why it’s a top pick. Know more about this rod in this Fiblink rods review.

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Features and Benefits

  • It has a sensitive graphite blank. This feature easily allows you to detect when fish has come in contact with the bait.
  • It has extra heavy power. This feature allows us to reel in a big catch without fear of the rod snapping off.
  • Its length offers impressive casting accuracy. With a length of 5 feet and 6 inches, you can easily cast this rod accurately. It’s also an ideal length for trolling.

Specifications

  • Rod Material: E-Glass Graphite
  • Power: Extra Heavy
  • Length: 5 feet and 6 inches
  • Weight: 49 ounces
  • Capacity: 80 to 120 pounds
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The Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod has a highly sensitive blank, thanks to its graphite material. fortunately, it’s paired with an e-glass to make it more durable and easier to pull.

We also like the bent butt design on this rod. The butt is made of aluminum, making it lightweight yet durable still. This helps make it more manageable on the boat, while equally easy to use while standing.

At only 49 ounces, we were quite surprised by its extra heavy power performance. We could reel in a 100-pound tuna with no issues – and that’s quite impressive.  

All things considered, we believe the Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod is the best offshore trolling rods.

Pros

  • Its 5-foot length makes it easy to operate.
  • It uses premium and durable materials.
  • it has an impressive weight capacity.
  • It is very affordable.

Cons

  • As of writing, we could not find any flaw in this rod.

Recommended Size

  • For tuna: 5 feet and six inches; 80 to 120-pound capacity

Expert Quote

“I like its composite blank of solid E-glass and graphite. [It] gives excellent traction power.” – FishReeler.com


4. EatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater – Best all-around fishing rod

The EatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing Rod can easily be the best blue marlin fishing rod in the market. With its whopping 200-pound capacity and smooth performance, it is easy to see why it’s worth the hype.

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Features and Benefits

  • It has an impressive 200-pound capacity. This weight capacity guarantees that you will be able to catch a large tuna without it falling apart.
  • It has a comfortable EVA foam handle. This feature allows you to get a strong and comfortable grip on the handle. It also offers a bit of cushioning to keep our hands from cramping.
  • It has durable carbon composite blanks. This material is known for its superior durability while still maintaining decent sensitivity. That allows you to fish efficiently and confidently.

Specifications

  • Rod Material: Carbon Composite
  • Length: 5 feet and 6 inches
  • Capacity: 160 to 200 pounds
  • Grip Material: EVA Foam

The EatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing Rod has so many surprising qualities. At 5 feet and 6 inches, it has one of the shortest lengths on this list. However, this length gives it an advantage in terms of casting accuracy.

It has an aluminum butt that helps distribute the weight across the rod for better handling. This makes wrestling with a 200-pound tuna more manageable than heavier rods.

Surprisingly, it has a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds. With this, you’re sure to catch your dream large tuna without switching between rods.

The EatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing Rod is available in 5 different weight classes. Those in the 130 to 160-pound weight can be considered as the best spinning rod for bluefin tuna. So, whether it’s blue marlin o bluefin, this rod will surely make the experience more memorable.

Pros

  • It feels lightweight and balanced.
  • It is easy to cast because of its minimal length.
  • It uses premium and durable materials.
  • It offers good value for the money.

Cons

  • The reel seat may not be compatible with bigger-sized reels. Thus, we recommend looking into reel sizes before you buy.

Recommended Size

  • For tuna: 5 feet and 6 inches

Expert Quote

“These rods are built like tanks, but with lightweight blanks. They’re priced well, too.” – Verified Amazon Customer


5. Tsunami Trophy Slow Pitch Conventional – Best Budget Jigging Rod

If you’re looking for an entry-level conventional jigging rod, the Tsunami Trophy Slow Pitch is for you. The Tsunami Trophy Slow Pitch Jigging Rod combines convenience and performance in one simple rod.  

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Features and Benefits

  • It has a graphite and composite blank. This new blank material offers the sensitivity of graphite and the durability of composite. That makes it a dream rod for a lot of anglers.
  • It has a spiral rod guide. This acid wrap design helps relieve a lot of the stress from the tuna’s tugging. It also serves as an added backbone to the blank.
  • It has comfortable EVA grips. These handles are non-slip and extra grippy to ensure comfort and a solid grip.

Specifications

  • Rod Material: Graphite and Composite Blend
  • Action: Heavy
  • Length: 7 feet
  • Capacity: 20 to 40 pounds
  • Grip Material: EVA Foam

With numerous Tsunami fishing rods reviews in the market, we knew we had to try one for ourselves to see. Luckily, the Tsunami Trophy Slow Pitch did not disappoint.

We were most impressed by its unique acid wrap guide layout. This is not something we often see in a rod with the same price point. This luxurious design not only makes it eye-catching but also adds further support to the blank.

Speaking of the blank, it features a blend of graphite and composite. Together, these materials deliver sensitivity and durability – making the Tsunami Slow Pitch the ideal jigging rod.

Pros

  • It uses premium and durable materials.
  • It comes with a high-end acid wrap design.
  • It is comfortable and easy to operate.
  • It is lightweight and highly maneuverable.
  • It offers good value for the money.

Cons

  • As of writing, we could not find any flaw in this rod.

Recommended Size

  • For tuna: 7 feet

Expert Quote

“The acid wrap takes the stress off. [There’s] new material in the blank that makes it light, strong, durable, [and] everything else.” – John Skinner Fishing (Youtube)


Things to Consider Before Buying Jigging Rod for Tuna

If you’re still torn between these options, here is a buying guide to help you make a decision.

Quality

First of all, consider the overall quality of the rod. Look into how it is constructed and the materials used for the rod and its components. This will help you determine whether you’re getting your money’s worth or not.

Durability

Next, you have to consider its durability. This factor has a lot to do with the material of the blank. A good jigging rod for tuna should have a blank that can withstand notable weights without falling apart.

Weight Capacity

Since some tuna species can grow up to 1,800 pounds, you need a rod that can withstand that weight. Thus, always check the recommended capacity for each rod before you make an impulse purchase.

Comfort

And finally, you should also consider how comfortable you will be while fishing with the rod. Look for its overall ergonomics, especially with the handle.

If you’re comfortable while you fish, you’re most likely to land a catch. It also reduces the amount of wrist pain you experience, and that will make fishing more exciting.

Recommended Conventional Jigging Reel for Tuna Fishing Rod

If you’re looking for a reel to pair with your choice of rod, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our one bass conventional jigging reel for saltwater big game review for your consideration.

One Bass Conventional Jigging Reel for Saltwater Big Game

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When it comes to fishing for tuna, the best jigging reel has to be this one from One Bass.

This One Bass Jigging Reel has an aluminum frame and a graphite side plate to make it lightweight. This allows it to mount comfortably on your favorite rod without adding more weight.

It also features 14 stainless steel bearings, and that allows for extra-smooth operation. That also makes it corrosion resistant, so you can use it in freshwater and saltwater environments comfortably.

And with its impeccable style, it’s easy to see why it’s the best.


FAQs

What rods do they use on Wicked Tuna?

On Wicked Tuna, they only use custom-made fishing rods made by the brand, Reel Easy.

How much is a tuna fishing rod?

Since tuna requires something durable and heavy powered, its fishing rods can be quite expensive. Expect to shell out up to $1000 for a premium rod. However, some decent rods are also affordable for half the price.

Where is the best tuna fishing?

There are several notable spots for the best place for tuna fishing. This includes San Diego, California, Florida Keys, and Outer Banks, North Carolina. The neighboring Nova Scotia in Canada is also a great spot for tuna fishing.

How many lines do you need for jigging tuna?

The ideal line length for jigging tuna is around 300 to 400 yards. Keep this in mind when you’re out to buy a reel.

How many bluefin tuna can you catch per day?

The answer largely depends on the size of tuna you catch. But ideally, you can catch up to three tunas per day.

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Final Thoughts

While fishing for tuna seems like an impossible feat, know that it becomes possible with the right fishing gear. And to further improve your performance, you need a rod that’s compatible with your fishing style.

Fortunately, we’ve introduced you to five different best jigging rod for tuna so you can find the one that works for you.

To summarize, our overall pick is the Daiwa Proteus, with its unmatched design, durability, and performance. At second is the Eat My Tackle Saltwater Fishing Rod, if you prefer a balanced rod with a bent butt.

If you’re looking for a trolling rod, look no further than the Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty rod, the EatMyTackle Roller Guide is the best bet. And for those looking for a hassle-free entry-level rod, the Tsunami Trophy Slow Pitch will be your new best friend.

Cheers! 

Badshah Forhad
Badshah Forhad

I review fishing products and share my knowledge with everyone so that you can improve your skills and catch more fish!

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