The light package
Fish activity in the Canary Islands is closely linked to the different tidal phases. Light fishing is generally practised when you're close to the low stall, since most of the big fish have left the edges. You'll find plenty of colorful rockfish, but above all an excellent population of sars, fantastic fighters. They respond particularly well to swimming fish between 5 and 9 cm above the rocky shelves.
The ideal rod for this type of fishing is a 5-21 gram rod, ideally at least 2.40 m long for good casting distances. Couple this with a high ratio reel in size 2000 or 2500, fitted with 11 or 13 hundredths braid, and you've got the perfect package for fishing when activity is low.
The long-distance package
When the tide rises or falls, a strong current is created around the coast, stirring up large quantities of water. Pelagic fish and large predators move closer to the shore to feed and intercept prey. Shore-jigging is a very effective technique for catching these fish, but your rod set will need to be adapted. An effective rod will measure at least 2m70 and be able to cast lures of up to 80 or 100 grams.
The power reserve must be high - a 30 lb rod is a minimum as the fish likely to bite are very powerful. Casting distances must be very long to maximize the number of hits, which is why casting jigs are often used. A size 4000 or 5000 reel is ideal for storing a large quantity of 18 or 20-hundredths braid.
The XXL set
If you've never had the chance to fish for the large Canary stingrays, this is an experience you must have at least once in your life. The fight is undoubtedly the most intense you'll ever experience when fishing from shore, except perhaps with a very large shark. Rays can reach a wingspan of over 2 meters and weigh more than 100 kg, so you need to be properly equipped.
An exo jigging rod in 80 or 100 lb and about 1m80 in length will not be too much to stop a ray launched at full speed. Your reel should be able to withstand a fight with a drag of over 10 kg, which is why reels originally designed for tuna are recommended. An ample supply of 80 lb braid will give you peace of mind during the fight.
