How to Catch Golden Tilefish

January 1, 2025, was opening day for Atlantic golden tilefish season, and it’s “game on” until further notice from NOAA Fisheries (last year the season closed March 1, when NOAA estimated anglers caught the annual catch limit). These delicious deepwater bottom fish are a prized catch for recreational anglers.

They primarily inhabit soft bottom in waters 600 to 1,000 feet deep, where they scour out burrow-like homes and ambush prey. In strong ocean currents, it’s tricky getting baits down there—and potentially even trickier responding to bites. Light braided line helps, minimizing friction in the water column and conveying hook-setting pressure. Electric reels aren’t required, but they are a great convenience. Some use cords to connect to 12-volt systems on the boat.

There are also electric reels with their own battery supply, like the PENN Fathom Electric Reel series.  Another interesting option unveiled within the past year is the Dominion E-Rod, a unique rod series with battery supply integrated into the butt section.

The E-Rod offers plug-and-play connection with many popular electric reels, plus options for integrating with various rod powers and actions for other kinds of fishing.  A few days after the 2025 season opener, Florida Sportsman fished with Jeremy Lund, developer of the E-Rod system. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmNqeDQr_aE