Tuna season is still about six months away, and as if we weren’t jonesing enough for the return of the bluefin to our Northeast waters, Shimano just released new offshore gear for 2026. The updated Stella and Ocea Plugger combo promises to give fishermen even better odds at beating giants on spinning gear, and for the blue water, the new deep-diving Ledge Runner plug has bigeye tuna written all over it.
From New England to North Carolina, the Stella SW is the big game spinning reel to which all other spinning reels are measured. The drag, the cranking power, and ability to withstand the abuse dished out by the baddest fish in the ocean has made Shimano’s flagship spinning reel the standard for captains running-and-gunning after giants. Shimano has updated the Stella SW for 2026, while adding an all-new size with a Stella SW D 25000.
The Stella SW D ($1049.99-$1549.99) integrates advanced Shimano technologies to elevate its power and endurance. “INFINITYXROSS” gears use a state-of-the-art tooth design for superior load distribution and sustained strength without sacrificing smoothness. “INFINITYDRIVE” minimizes friction with a low-friction bushing and special surface treatment, to enable effortless winding under heavy loads. For sizes 14000 and above, XXTOUGH Drag is now combined with HEATSINK Drag, dispersing heat to reduce spool surface temperature by up to 30%, improving drag consistency during extended battles. And with X PROTECT and X SHIELD, the reel is fortified against saltwater intrusion
I’ve used an Ocea Plugger Big Game 7’3″ XXH as my “elephant gun” for the past two seasons, and my love of the rod was validated when I saw legendary captains like Gene Quigley also using it for 70-inch and up bluefin. While that rod won’t be leaving my lineup any time soon, Shimano has already updated and improved it, releasing the new Ocea Plugger BG A.
The OCEA Plugger BG A ($849.99-$1099.99) series uses Shimano’s most advanced blank construction technology, now enhanced with Toray Nanoalloy® resin which delivers up to 10% more torsional rigidity and 15% more compressional rigidity compared to standard Spiral X, resulting in increased strength, faster recovery, and improved casting precision. Combined with Hi-Power X carbon wrapping, the rod achieves exceptional stiffness and twist resistance without adding unnecessary weight.
Anyone who’s trolled the canyons over the last 10 years has seen the proliferation of heavy-duty, deep-diving swimmers that can handle high speeds, as well as crushing hits from the bigeye tuna. Until recently, there were only two options widely available, with the Nomad DTX and the Bomber CD30. Shimano’s entry to the deep-diving market has several unique features (including depth modification) and a range of bite-attracting colors.
The Ledge Runner ($39.99-$49.99) high-speed trolling lure features an adjustable depth range allows anglers to easily modify trolling depth, enabling rapid adjustments as conditions or target species shift. The lure’s “Hydro Control Wing” stabilizes its posture by optimizing water flow along the body, ensuring a straight, consistent track, even at high speeds. Built with a 3mm-thick solid-plate design, this deep diver delivers exceptional durability and longevity under repeated offshore abuse from wahoo, yellowfin, and the mighty bigeye tuna. The two sizes, 6.3 and 7.9 inches, dive to 24 and 42 feet respectively.
