After casting far away, you can accurately control the lure and hook the fish.

This three-piece model performs all of these actions at a high level, emphasizing overall performance in offshore plugging.

It has high durability even under harsh rod angles and is tenacious enough to withstand long fights and catches.

It is good at suppressing error action even on rough sea surfaces and operating lures with a lively feel.

The more you bend it, the more power it exerts.

The strongest series in OCEA casting rod history.

It has overwhelming castability and strong lift-up performance that can withstand ultra-high drag loads of over 20kg.

A rod for seizing that once in a lifetime opportunity.

The Ocea Plugger BG aims for the ideal game. The first step is to focus on ultimate casting performance. Overwhelming distance and accuracy that can withstand headwinds and bad weather are a given. But that's not all. What we sought was not only the instantaneous force that generates explosive initial velocity, but also the light balance and casting feel that allows you to continue casting all day without trouble or stress. It's all about catching big fish. Finely honed casting brings you big opportunities.

The X-Guide Touch-Free Titanium, located in the butt section of the MONSTERDRIVE and FLEXENERGY, is a large-diameter specification also used in the Ocea Plugger LTD. Designed with a higher foot than standard guides, the X-Guide Touch-Free Titanium suppresses the line's contact with the blank as it is released, reducing contact resistance and delivering a penetrating casting feel. Additionally, the appropriately sized guide reduces line flapping and thrashing when released, thoroughly minimizing negative factors such as reduced casting distance, air knots, and line damage. As a result, you increase your chances of catching a big fish and dramatically reduce the risk of losing an opportunity due to having to reassemble your line system.

Ultra-large diameter X-guide touch-free titanium [Ocea Plugger BG]
*Tackle used

Rod: Ocea Plugger BG Bluefin Tuna S70XXXH

Reel: 26 Stella SW 25000PG

Line: PE No. 12 + nylon leader 250LB
 

Each BLUEFIN TUNA item is equipped with an extra-large diameter X guide that can accommodate thick line systems released from large diameter spools of 20,000 or more. Any angler who has experience casting with conventional tackle will have experienced the unpleasant feeling that occurs when the line hits the blank and comes out making a "crackling" sound. This is not just a problem of feel, but can also lead to line trouble, line damage, and a negative impact on casting distance.

To overcome this challenge, Shimano has developed a new extra-large diameter X guide that is suitable for casting to large targets.

This X guide ensures ideal line release even when using large diameter spools on large spinning reels and heavy tackle with thick PE lines and leaders, bringing out the full performance of the BLUEFIN TUNA series.

[Verification video] Examples of problems caused by the conventional prototype guide

This video shows the blank touch of the line that occurs when casting. Especially when offshore casting, a thick leader is often used in comparison to the main PE line, which can easily cause a gap in the speed of the line released when casting. When this happens, the light PE line tries to move ahead of the leader in front, causing slack in the PE line. This can lead to blank touch and line trouble, which can damage the PE line.

When fighting big fish that sometimes weigh more than the angler, it is important to keep pressure on the fish while limiting energy consumption, but this is not an easy task. It is difficult to apply the ideal amount of pressure when fighting in a straight line, and there are many times when the fish does not float, resulting in a prolonged fight. This also increases the chances of the line breaking due to kinking or the fish breaking, resulting in a hook-out. Overcoming this issue is especially important in today's tuna scene, where 200kg and even 300kg class fish are within sight.

Shimano's ever-advocated "fighting with the rod upright" style allows for efficient lifting of large targets. However, the most important thing is not just that it's easy to set up, but that it also inherits the lift-up power of the highly acclaimed previous model, the BLUEFIN TUNA. The S73XXH, S70XXXH, and S72XXXH-G, featuring a longer front grip for even easier setup, were designed from the ground up to achieve the ideal blank. The S73XXH pursues both casting and fighting performance, while the S70XXXH boasts the strongest lift-up power in the series and has proven itself with numerous successes since its predecessor. The S72XXXH-G, with the highest glass content in the series, offers ease of setup and incredible breaking strength, while also delivering lift-up power that can compete with 300kg-class lures. The S78XXH prioritizes casting distance for hitting distant schools of fish, while also being able to withstand the harsh rod angle of 20kg/60° and lift fish firmly. These four items are all unique in their own way, and each one is easy to hold in an upright position, and embodies the ideal fighting performance of "bending and floating" with power that flows all the way to the tip.

OCEA PLUGGER BG Strength Test Video - OCEA PLUGGER BG -

The Ocea Plugger BG was designed from the ground up to perfectly match the NEW Stella SW and Ocea 17+PE, based on Shimano's Infinity Connect concept. The combination of these reels, rods, and gear, developed as a systematic product, maximizes the overall power of casting and fighting. The additional advantage gained by accelerating the vector of the entire tackle takes offshore casting to a new level.

[Bluefin tuna]

Until now, when targeting bluefin tuna, I preferred to use the older model, the Ocea Plugger BG Flex Energy S710XH. This was because the S710XH's action put less strain on the angler even when bent. However, in recent years, the bluefin tuna being targeted has been getting larger. This has made it necessary to choose the Bluefin Tuna series.

The latest model that I feel is best suited to targeting large tuna is the S72XXXH-G. This rod is easy to bend and gentle on the body. It also offers great casting distance. I primarily tested this rod for the 2025 bluefin tuna, catching a 180kg rod and a personal best of 250kg. This rod boasts the highest glass content in the Bluefin Tuna series, but it's not just about bending and breaking. It's lightweight, provides great casting distance thanks to its resilience, and has strong recovery after a hit, allowing you to bend and fight the tuna. This is a model that truly embodies Shimano's unique blanks. I can continue to bend the rod with confidence. When fighting large tuna, I spent more than half of the fight standing upright, applying pressure, lifting the tuna, and reeling it in, allowing me to catch it in a short time.

The S70XXXH, the most powerful model, boasts exceptional power and a strong rebound that lifts the fish, allowing for greater pressure on the tuna. It's recommended for anglers confident in their stamina and larger builds, and many have cited the S70XXXH as their best rod since the previous model. The S73XXH, with its milder action than the S70XXXH, makes it easy to fight with the rod held upright regardless of strength, making it ideal for those who combine straight and upright fighting. It's perfect for bluefin tuna up to the 200kg class. Incidentally, the S72XXXH-G, S70XXXH, and S73XXH models feature a longer front grip, allowing for a more stable position when holding the rod upright.

[Yellowfin tuna]

For yellowfin casting, I use the Flex Energy S83H and S710XH. My personal record yellowfin tuna, caught in 2025, was also a Flex Energy prototype. I also use these two rods for bluefin tuna, kingfish, and GT. The S83H offers power yet sensitivity, and is easy to use with PE 6 or 8 and a 14,000-18,000 reel, handling small to large lures. This model is essential for situations where the fish are sluggish and only respond to small lures. The S710XH is used with PE 8 or 10 and an 18,000 or 20,000 reel, and is ideal for yellowfin tuna weighing over 50kg and bluefin tuna weighing up to 130kg that are feeding on small bait. This rod excels when delicate handling and a strong butt are required. When you have to use a variety of lures to tackle a particular fish, the Flex Energy is an essential rod. It's the rod I use most often in my fishing. It's highly versatile and a recommended model.

[Yellowtail Amberjack]

My favorite rod for yellowtail is the Ocea Plugger Limited, but when the waves or tides are intense and the footing is unstable, I find the Flex Energy, with its more tenacious action, easier to use for a stable fight. The Limited has a strong rebound, which can be difficult to control when dealing with a fish's sudden charge on a rocking boat, but the Flex Energy allows the rod to absorb the force even if you are a few seconds late in responding. It's also useful when you want to dive the lure deeper or when the sea is rough and difficult to control the lure. I think the Limited is better for those who prioritize casting distance and have the stamina and power, while the Flex Energy is easier to use for those who want a more stable cast and fight or are not confident in their stamina. Furthermore, when it comes to choosing between the S83H and the S710XH, the S83H is recommended when you want to increase casting distance or when fishing from a high fishing seat such as the bow. The S710XH is better suited for fishing from a low fishing seat, fighting under heavy loads, or using heavy lures.

[Bluefin tuna]

I used all four Bluefin Tuna models while targeting bluefin tuna in the United States. Of the stronger models, the S70XXXH and S72XXXH-G, the S70XXXH is a rod with strong lifting power, making it the best choice for powerful anglers looking to take on extra-large tuna. When you raise the rod, its overwhelming restoring force allows you to apply firm pressure, bringing the tuna closer quickly. This rod will take down a 100kg class tuna in no time, and is suitable for 200-300kg class tuna.

Meanwhile, the S72XXXH-G, which has the highest glass content of the series, is the model I've been using most frequently recently. Even though I'm not particularly heavy, I can use this rod continuously and keep the pressure on the fish. The butt section is also very strong. With a rod that's too stiff, you worry that your hips will lift off the ground if the tuna suddenly runs off, but this rod eliminates that worry. It allows for a stable fight, and is so strong that it feels like it's overkill for a 100kg class rod. It can easily handle fish in the 200-300kg class as well.

The S73XXH also offers excellent overall performance, can be bent to fight, and has excellent lifting power. It is the rod of choice when the angler wants to maintain control while lifting fish in the 100kg to 200kg class. It is easy to fight, the rod tip is firm, and it is easy to manipulate the lure. If you are targeting tuna up to the 200kg class and want to prioritize casting distance, choose the S78XXH. This rod also allows you to fight with the rod firmly upright.

By the way, during the test, I used the S72XXXH-G and S78XXH and fought seven consecutive 100kg class fish. However, I still had plenty of energy left. This is not because of my physical strength, but because of the high performance of the tackle. I would love for many people to experience the evolution of the Ocea Plugger BG.

【GT】

I've been a fan of the Monster Drive, from the original to its predecessor. The biggest advantage of this rod is its three-piece design. GTs are a fish that many people can only catch by traveling by plane. I myself travel overseas to catch GTs using a variety of aircraft, from large to small. When traveling overseas, rods are checked in, but size restrictions have become increasingly strict in recent years. If the rod is longer than the limit, you have to pay excess baggage fees, and in the worst case scenario, it may not even be allowed on board. For this reason, when designing the previous model, I proposed a three-piece design that would fit on any aircraft. I've used this rod extensively both inshore and offshore, both in Tokara and overseas. I tested this new model in the waters of Tokara.

First of all, it's not just a three-piece rod, but is made up of three pieces: a strong butt section, a tenacious bend section, and a mild tip section. Furthermore, it's easy to cast, light, has great distance, and is highly maneuverable and fights well. Unless you're told, it's indistinguishable from a one-piece or two-piece rod. Furthermore, this model is equipped with three large-diameter X Guides from the butt section, and the X Guide Touch-Free Titanium makes it even less prone to line trouble.

There are two types of rods: the S86H-3 and the S83XH-3. I always prefer the S86H-3 because it's easier to control the lure and has a longer casting distance. I use the S83XH-3, which has a stronger tension, when I want to give a popper or a larger pencil a sharper movement.

I also sometimes use an 18000-size reel with PE8. This is useful when fishing offshore, when you need to quickly remove fish from the bottom in shallow areas, or when targeting GTs from the shore. Especially when fishing from the shore, you don't want the GT to have free rein. I use thick leaders and PE lines. The S86H-3 and S83XH-3 are both not too long, making them easy to control lures even when fishing from the shore. They're also great for powerful fights, so I use them often. They're recommended models for use both in Japan and overseas.