Big Guns for Big Ones: From its friction-fighting AFTCO Roller Stripper and Tip Top to its Integrated Solid Tip that combines the power of a tubular glass body with the durability of solid glass in the tip, the new Penn International VS3080RS56 is a powerful stand-up fishing weapon (top). Offered in Slick Butt for easy removal from rod holders or EVA Foam for increased fighting comfort, the International V RS/RF models have machined reel seats and metal gimbals for reliability. Price: $160. Guide Bluewater rods like this 6-foot, 6-inch GS765XL (bottom) were designed with actions and tapers to satisfy the most versatile anglers, for those who count live baiting, throwing iron or jigging for tuna in their repertoire of angling acumen. Fuji guides and reel seats are standard, plus AFTCO Roller Guides where appropriate. Penn's tough-as-nails composite blanks are used throughout the Guide Bluewater series, reinforced with K1 graphite cloth. Price: $150. Contact: Penn, (215) 229-9415; www.pennreels.com.
For Stand-up Guys: For stand-up fishermen who want to fight striped marlin and sailfish from the coaming, or cast a tasty anchovy well beyond the slick where the big tuna roam, G. Loomis designed the 7-foot PSR84-30C SU for a 25- to 40-pound line. The Pelagic series rods cover a wide range of line weights, 15 to 60 pounds, and are offered in lengths from 6 to 9 feet. Price: $235. Contact: (800) 456-6647; www.gloomis.com.
The Best and the Brightest: Big game lures for your favorite quarry-marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, striped bass, shark, and more-come in all kinds of shapes and sizes from a variety of manufacturers, including: Ballyhood (shown), Black Bart, Braid, Iland, Joe Yee, Marlin Magic, Moldcraft, and more. They also come in a dazzling range of colors so that you'll be more successful as the light changes. And they are shaped to turn quickly or dive like frantically pursued bait fish, make long streams of bubbles (smoke), create sound and generally entice a hungry fish up to your hook. You can buy them unrigged (shown) or rigged with terminal tackle, individually or in combo packs for better value. Buy them at tackle stores, bait shops or on the Web. Some typical contacts: www.finestkind.com; www.meltontackle.com; www.blueoceantackle.com.
