Porgy, also known as scup, are saltwater fish similar to the freshwater bluegill. Most of their varieties are aggressive and tasty, and because of this reason, they are fun fish to find, hook, and catch. Porgies are found in the mid-Atlantic coast areas, and spring and early summer is the best time to fish for porgies,
To catch porgy, you need a lightweight rod, a high-performing reel, lots of smelly chum, and an ample amount of bait. If you are an experienced fisherman, you will know the right amount of chum and bait that you need to catch porgy.
But the real problem is choosing the best fishing rod and reel for porgy. Even pro anglers often find it challenging to select the most suitable rod and reel to catch porgy.
In our guide, we recommend the 3 best rods and the 3 best reels to use when fishing for porgy fish.
Top 3 Best Fishing Rods for Porgy
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- Allows anglers to feel subtle bites
- Good balance of strength and responsiveness
- Lightweight option
- Comfortable and secure grip
- The graphite construction keeps the rod lightweight
- Excellent sensitivity
- Flexible option for different fishing scenarios (freshwater/saltwater)
- Good balance between strength and sensitivity
- It can handle different saltwater and freshwater species
- Excellent value for money
1. PENN Squadron III Spinning Rod
- Graphite composite blank
- Stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
- Equipped with an EVA handle
- Versatile enough to handle various inshore species and fishing techniques
Product Overview
The PENN Squadron III I is constructed with a graphite composite blank, which provides a balance of strength and sensitivity. The graphite material helps to make the rod lightweight and responsive.
The rod is available in various lengths ranging from 6 to 8 feet, depending on the model. The line rating of the rod typically ranges from 8 to 20 pounds. We recommend the SQUAD1530S70 model, which has a length of 7 feet and a medium power with a fast action. It is designed for 8-15 lb line.
It features stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, which are designed to reduce friction and allow smooth line flow.
While the PENN Squadron III rod is marketed for inshore fishing, it can be used for a variety of inshore species, including porgy, redfish, snook, trout, flounder, and more. Its versatility makes it suitable for various techniques like casting, jigging, and working with different baits and lures.
Product Features
- Graphite composite blank
- Stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
- Equipped with an EVA handle
- Versatile enough to handle various inshore species and fishing techniques
Pros
- Allows anglers to feel subtle bites and movements underwater
- Good balance of strength and responsiveness, making it a durable choice for inshore fishing
- Comfortable and secure grip which reduces hand fatigue during long fishing sessions
Cons
- Some users have reported occasional issues with the guide inserts, such as them coming loose or showing signs of wear over time
- A few users have reported occasional line tangling issues with this fishing rod
2. St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
- Premium-quality SCII graphite blank
- Medium-heavy power
- Fuji DPS reel seat
- Fast action
- Comfortable and ergonomic cork handle
- 5 year warranty
The Triumph series features a premium SCII graphite blank construction. This material provides a good balance of strength, sensitivity, and durability. The rod is designed to be lightweight and responsive.
The Triumph spinning rod is equipped with hard aluminum oxide guides. These guides are durable and help to reduce friction during line retrieval. It is also equipped with a Fuji DPS reel seat, which provides a secure and comfortable fit for your spinning reel.
The TSR70MHF model has a length of 7 feet, providing a good balance between casting distance and maneuverability. This is a medium-heavy power rod with a fast action.
Product Features
- Premium-quality SCII graphite blank
- Medium-heavy power
- Fuji DPS reel seat
- Fast action
- Comfortable and ergonomic cork handle
- 5 year warranty
Pros
- The graphite construction keeps the rod lightweight
- The graphite blank and fast action of the rod contribute to its sensitivity
- Flexible option for different fishing scenarios (freshwater/saltwater)
Cons
- Some users have reported the rod breaking after only a few uses (however, this often happens when using the rod for heavier fish species than porgy)
3. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
- Combines graphite and fiberglass to create a composite rod blank
- One-piece stainless steel guides
- Clear Tip design for increased sensitivity
- 7-year warranty
Product Overview
This rod combines a graphite and fiberglass composite for the rod blank, providing excellent strength and flexibility. It incorporates one-piece stainless steel guides.
The rod has a unique Clear Tip design that enhances its sensitivity. The tip is highly responsive, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest nibbles and strikes, which can increase their fishing success.
The rod is designed to be versatile, suitable for various fishing techniques and species. It can be used for freshwater (bass, trout, panfish) and inshore saltwater fishing (porgy).
The model USSP701MH (which we recommend) is 6 feet long and has medium power with a fast action. It is suitable for 6-20 lb line and offers additional casting distance, which can be advantageous when targeting porgy.
The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod is known for its affordability. It offers a great combination of quality and value for its price point, making it accessible to anglers of different budgets.
Product Features
- Combines graphite and fiberglass to create a composite rod blank
- One-piece stainless steel guides
- Clear Tip design for increased sensitivity
- 7-year warranty
Pros
- Medium power rating, offering a good balance between strength and sensitivity
- Excellent value for money
- It can handle different saltwater and freshwater species, including porgy
Cons
- Some users report the rod being light or light medium action instead of having medium power
Top 3 Best Fishing Reels for Porgy
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- Smooth performance
- Lightweight and compact
- Improved balance thanks to the G-Free body
- Good line capacity
- Powerful drag performance.
- Versatile (freshwater/inshore saltwater fishing)
- Lightweight - easy to carry
- The clamshell packaging offers convenience for storage and transport
- Budget-friendly
1. SHIMANO Stradic FL ST2500HGFL Spinning Reel
- Hagane body
- MicroModule Gear II
- X-Ship Technology
- G-Free Body Design
- Propulsion Line Management System
- 6.0:1 gear ratio
Product Overview
The Stradic FL reel features a Hagane body, which is a rigid and durable design that helps to eliminate body flexing, ensuring smooth operation and increased power transmission.
The reel is equipped with Shimano’s MicroModule Gear II system, which provides a refined gear tooth surface that enhances smoothness and reduces gear noise. The X-Ship technology in the Stradic FL reel provides increased gear efficiency and improved power transfer,
The Stradic FL reel incorporates Shimano’s Propulsion Line Management System, which includes a spool lip design and a Power Roller II to minimize line twist and improve casting performance.
The model ST2500HGFL is equipped with 6+1 bearings, a gear ratio of 6.0:1, 20 lb max drag.
Product Features
- Hagane body
- MicroModule Gear II
- X-Ship Technology
- G-Free Body Design
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Waterproof Drag
- 6.0:1 gear ratio
Pros
- Smooth performance
- Lightweight and compact
- The G-Free body design shifts the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod, resulting in improved balance, reduced fatigue
Cons
- Relatively smaller line capacity (good for porgy though)
2. Daiwa BG 3000 Spinning Reel
- Black anodized aluminum body
- Magsealed Technology
- 5.6:1 gear ratio
- 6+1 ball bearings
Product Overview
The Daiwa BG 3000 Spinning Reel is built with a durable and corrosion-resistant construction. It features a black anodized aluminum housing, side plate, and rotor, providing excellent strength and protection against the elements.
The reel incorporates Daiwa’s Magsealed technology, which utilizes magnetic oil to create a water and dust-resistant seal. This technology helps to prevent water intrusion.
The BG 3000 Spinning Reel has a gear ratio of 5.6:1 and is equipped with 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings.
The reel offers a suitable line capacity for porgy fishing. It can typically accommodate mono lines ranging from 8 to 12 pounds or braided lines in the range of 15 to 30 pounds, depending on the specific line diameter.
Product Features
- Black anodized aluminum body
- Magsealed Technology
- 5.6:1 gear ratio
- 6+1 ball bearings
Pros
- Good line capacity
- Powerful drag performance.
- Versatile: to be used for both freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing
Cons
- The Daiwa BG 3000 is relatively heavier compared to some other spinning reels in its class
3. Shimano Sienna 2500HG FG Spinning Reel
- Lightweight and corrosion-resistant design
- Smooth Drag System
- 6.2:1 gear ratio
- 3+1 ball bearings
Product Overview
The Shimano Sienna 2500HG FG clam spinning reel is a specific variant within the Sienna FG series. It offers similar features and performance as the standard Sienna 2500HG FG reel, with the addition of a clam package for packaging and storage convenience.
The reel features a durable graphite body and rotor, providing a lightweight and corrosion-resistant design.
The Sienna 2500HG FG clam reel offers a line capacity of 6 to 10 pounds for mono or 10 to 20 pounds for braid.
The Sienna 2500HG is equipped with Shimano’s reliable and smooth drag system, providing consistent and controlled drag performance during fights with porgy or other similar species. The reel comes with 3+1 ball bearings and a 6.2:1 gear ratio.
Product Features
- Lightweight and corrosion-resistant design
- Smooth Drag System
- 6.2:1 gear ratio
- 3+1 ball bearings
Pros
- Lightweight and compact – easy to carry during fishing trips
- The clamshell packaging offers convenience for storage, organization, and transport purposes
- Good line capacity for porgy fishing
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- May lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models. This can include features like advanced drag systems or additional ball bearings
- Some users may find the handle knob to be smaller or less ergonomic
The Best Setup for a Porgy
Choosing Your Spinning Reel
Choose a reel with sufficient line capacity to accommodate the line weight and length required for porgy fishing. Porgies are not known for making long runs, so a reel with a moderate line capacity should be suitable. Consider the pound test and desired line length when evaluating the reel’s line capacity.
Look for a reel with a smooth and reliable drag system. Porgies may put up a decent fight, especially when they are larger in size.
Porgy fishing doesn’t typically require high-speed retrieves, so a reel with a moderate gear ratio (around 5:1 or 6:1) should suffice. This provides a good balance between power and line retrieval speed.
For porgy fishing, a reel with a minimum of 3 to 5 ball bearings should be sufficient for most anglers.
Choosing Your Fishing Rod
Opt for a fishing rod with a length typically ranging from 6 to 7 feet. A longer rod provides increased casting distance and better line control. Choose a rod with a light to medium power rating, as porgies are not typically large or overly powerful.
Look for a fishing rod made from graphite or a composite material. These materials offer a good blend of sensitivity, strength, and responsiveness.
Ensure that the rod is compatible with the line weight and lure weight you plan to use for porgy fishing.
Choosing Your Fishing Line
When targeting porgy fish, there are a few different line options that can work well. Here are three popular types of fishing lines suitable for catching porgies:
- Monofilament Line: Monofilament line is a common choice for porgy fishing. It offers good strength, knot strength, and abrasion resistance. Monofilament lines have some stretch, which can help absorb the porgies’ initial strong runs and reduce the risk of hook pulls. A monofilament line with a pound test between 8-12 lb can be suitable for targeting porgies.
- Fluorocarbon Line: Fluorocarbon line is another viable option for porgy fishing. Fluorocarbon lines have excellent abrasion resistance, low visibility in the water, and are nearly invisible to fish. They also sink faster than monofilament lines, which can be advantageous when targeting porgies near the bottom. Fluorocarbon lines with a pound test between 6-10 lb are commonly used for porgy fishing.
- Braided Line: Braided lines are known for their exceptional strength and sensitivity. They have a small diameter-to-strength ratio, which allows for increased line capacity and improved sensitivity to detect subtle bites from porgies. Braided lines do not have stretch, providing a more direct connection to the fish and enhancing hook-setting capabilities. A braided line with a pound test between 10-20 lb is suitable for porgy fishing.
Other Tackle – Quick Checklist:
- 50lbs. barrel swivel
- 4oz. to 10 oz. bank sinkers
- Beak bait hooks of 4/0
- Fluorocarbon leader of 30 lbs.
FAQs
What are some methods for catching porgy?
- Bottom Fishing: Porgy are bottom-dwelling fish, so bottom fishing is a popular method. Use a sinker or a bottom rig with bait such as clams, squid, or sandworms. Drop your baited hook to the bottom and wait for porgy to bite. Adjust your bait presentation and weight according to the depth and current conditions.
- Jigging: Jigging is another effective technique for porgy. Use metal jigs or bucktail jigs in weights ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 ounces. Cast your jig near structure or over known porgy spots and work it with a jigging motion. Porgy often respond well to a bouncing or twitching action.
- Float Rig: A float rig, also known as a high-low rig or a Carolina rig, can be effective for porgy fishing. Attach a small float or bobber to your line, followed by a leader with a small hook and bait. This setup allows your bait to hover just above the bottom, where porgy are likely to feed.
- Fly Fishing: Porgy can also be targeted using fly fishing techniques. Use lightweight fly rods and reels with sinking or intermediate fly lines. Choose small flies that mimic their natural prey, such as shrimp, crabs, or small baitfish patterns. Cast your fly near structure or over known porgy areas and retrieve with short, erratic strips.
- Chumming: Chumming can be effective for attracting porgy to your fishing spot. Create a chum slick by grinding up baitfish, clams, or other porgy-attracting bait and dispersing it in the water. This can entice porgy to gather around your fishing area, increasing your chances of hooking them.
What Is a Porgy’s Favorite Bait?
Some of porgy’s favorite baits include:
What is the best jig for porgy fishing?
Bucktail jigs are versatile and can be highly effective for porgy. Bucktail jigs in weights ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 ounces are commonly used for porgy fishing.
Metal jigs, such as jigging spoons or diamond jigs, can also be effective for porgy. Metal jigs in weights ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 ounces are commonly used for porgy fishing.
Tautog jigs, also known as tog jigs or blackfish jigs, are designed specifically for targeting species like porgy and tautog. These jigs often feature a heavier weight and a compact profile. They are effective for vertical jigging and bouncing along the bottom, where porgy tend to feed.
What month is best for porgy fishing?
Porgy fishing is generally productive during the warmer months of the year when water temperatures rise, and porgy become more active.
- Late Spring (May and June): As water temperatures begin to warm up, porgy become more active and start moving closer to shore. Late spring can be a productive time for targeting porgy, especially as they move into shallower waters to feed.
- Summer (July and August): The summer months are often considered prime time for porgy fishing. During this period, water temperatures are at their highest, and porgy are abundant near coastal structures, reefs, and rock piles. The warmer water temperatures tend to make porgy more active and eager to feed.
- Early Fall (September and October): As the summer season transitions into fall, porgy fishing can still be productive. Porgy may continue to be active and feeding well during the early fall, making it a good time to target them before the water cools down significantly.
What to read next: How to Clean, Fillet & Cook Porgy
