Saltwater Edge Gear Review: Albie Outfits

Fishing for false albacore and other hardtails is a unique and challenging type of fishing be it from a boat of the shore. There are particular tackle features that lead directly to angling benefits and an increased likelihood of success. We get a ton of questions this time of year about albie tackle so this Gear Review we will breakdown the rods, reel, lines and leaders and the features you may want to consider. We will also offer our opinion of your options by price point. We hope this Saltwater Edge Gear Review will help you make the most of your time on the water.

Albie Rods

One of the most critical success factors in albie fishing is casting distance. Longer rods increase casting distance.  Consider a longer 7' to 8' rod for the boat/kayak and the 7'6" to 9' for the surf.  

As for rod action a faster action is preferred by most albie fanatics because this action provides better sensitivity and more importantly faster power for hook setting. Rods featuring a "fast" action only bend in the upper third of the blank. Another way to think of it is they load quicker allowing the angler to make a more accurate cast directly at the target more quickly. 

1/2 oz to 1 oz lures make up the bulk of the albie anglers payload so a rod covering this range will do the job. Carrying a lighter rod rigged with a soft plastic like Albie Snax is a good choice for a second rod when you want to cast something other than a jig. Faster rods and soft plastics are not always a good combination and warrant additional consideration.

Saltwater Edge Staff Favorites:

Surf

Airwave Elite 8'8"- This thing bombs all the jigs most albie fisherman prefer. It's a great way to stack the deck for the shore angler. $184.99

ODM DNA - Either the 7'6" Back Bay or the 8' footer make great light but durable albie rods.  With a moderate/moderate fast action, they sling jigs and snax a distance while also loading well to keep that fish tight! $209 and $229

Inshore

Jigging World Onyx -  This is a budget friendly inshore setup that feels great and will bring in the hardtails. We are consistently shocked when we feel this rod and check out the price tag. The lighter models are perfect for epoxy jigs and soft plastics.

Jigging World Night Ranger - With full cork grips and an incredibly light overall weight the lighter powers of this rod make it amazing for inshore albies and bones.

TFO Tactical Inshore -You can't miss these blue rods! Comfy cork grips, sensitive action and plenty of power. These rods pair extremely well with the Shimano Stradic.

G. Loomis GCX- These rods will cast an albie snax further than any rod we've tested. From light inshore to heavier inshore, these rods have you covered. After fishing it you'll have a hard time owning just one!

Albie Reels

Shimano Stradic FM

With albie reels is an embarrassment of riches. There are a handful of features you will want to prioritize and many reels that have them. First off, retrieve speed is a critical feature because it helps you recover line and stay connected when the albie is running back at you,  it allows the angler the "burn" the lure to get the albies attention, and lastly in the heat of the action it let's you reel up quick and fire back into the fast moving action.

Other considerations to look for an albie reel is one light enough to balance the rod so you can cast all day without fatigue. Successful albie anglers get thier lure in front of the fish and leaving your jig on the hook keeper waiting for the albies to bust means you missed the many opportunities to hook up by blind casting. Most reels that would balance the rod are capable of holding 150 yds of 20 lb braid; but be sure your selection does.

Saltwater Edge Staff Favorites:

Daiwa BG - Can't beat the combination of albie required features and price. Relatively light, fast retrieve and solid drag, choose the 3000 size for the inshore setups and the 4000 for the 8' and greater surf rods. $119.99

Shimano Stradic FM - An Albie Classic! Stadics have been slaying albies for years. Redesigned in 2023 to be lighter, smoother, and quieter.  Shimano’s smooth and powerful Cross Carbon Drag system is one of the highlights of this reel, taming the little speedsters well.  We generally recommend the 4000 & 5000 sizes for the 40" of retrieve and capacity.  $219.99 & $229.99 respectively. 

Shimano Twin Power XD - A Japanese made Shimano with many of the same technologies of Shimano's flagship reel, the Stella.  Expect one of the smoothest retrieves and drags on the market, with the tolerances tightened to Swiss watch like quality.  $499.99

Daiwa Saltist MQ - This is an amazingly compact reel with a ton of power. Daiwa was able to reduce the size of the reel and increase the power by going with a monocoque body design. The 3000 and 4000 size pair amazingly with the lighter rods mentioned above.

Van Staal VR Series - The do it all reel of the lineup. This reel is the perfect fall reel, its great fro albies, bass, and jigging sea bass and tog. It is also incredibly lightweight and one of the most reliable reels we've ever seen here at SWE.

Albie Leaders

Lighter the better is a good rule of thumb; but so is longer! On a flat calm day you may need to go lighter; but 15 lb - 20 lb fluorocarbon is a good starting point. Swap out the shorter striper leader for a longer leader of at least 3 feet. An Alberto or FJ Knot will pass through the guides no problem. Skip the clip and use a loop knot like the Rapala knot.

A relatively recent introduction into the ever expanding Seaguar family, Gold Labelis one of the thinnest Seaguar offerings while retaining great strength.  Low line memory and exceptional knot strength due to its proprietary co-extrusion manufacturing process takes this line to a new level for leader material.