Pound for Pound Fight Rating System
Many people ask which fish fight the hardest. The answer depends on exactly what is meant by the question. Does it mean which fish pull the hardest? Which fish pull the longest? Which are most likely to break you off? Which jump a lot and have a high chance of throwing the hook? Different people will disagree on how to evaluate these things, but I decided to come up with my own 10- point rating system that unscientifically takes into account all those factors. These are just my subjective evaluations based on my personal experience with each species. Obviously your experiences may differ.
1-4: Do not pull especially hard for their size on a relative basis to other gamefish. Unlikely to pull your line into cover and break off or jump and shake off the hook. Can generally be landed on relatively light tackle.
5-7: Solid fighters for their size. Some chance they will pull you into cover and break off or jump and shake off the hook. Require good tackle to land; may be landed on light tackle if conditions are right.
8-10: The toughest gamefish to land. They pull extremely hard for their size and there is a decent chance they will spool you, break you off in cover, or otherwise gain their freedom during the fight. Light tackle generally not recommended, although if all conditions line up you may be able to land one on light tackle with some luck. Disproportionately heavy tackle relative to their size is recommended.
I have separated freshwater and saltwater fighting scales as saltwater fish are generally on a different level in terms of strength. Click the links to learn more about each fish.
Many people ask which fish fight the hardest. The answer depends on exactly what is meant by the question. Does it mean which fish pull the hardest? Which fish pull the longest? Which are most likely to break you off? Which jump a lot and have a high chance of throwing the hook? Different people will disagree on how to evaluate these things, but I decided to come up with my own 10- point rating system that unscientifically takes into account all those factors. These are just my subjective evaluations based on my personal experience with each species. Obviously your experiences may differ.
1-4: Do not pull especially hard for their size on a relative basis to other gamefish. Unlikely to pull your line into cover and break off or jump and shake off the hook. Can generally be landed on relatively light tackle.
5-7: Solid fighters for their size. Some chance they will pull you into cover and break off or jump and shake off the hook. Require good tackle to land; may be landed on light tackle if conditions are right.
8-10: The toughest gamefish to land. They pull extremely hard for their size and there is a decent chance they will spool you, break you off in cover, or otherwise gain their freedom during the fight. Light tackle generally not recommended, although if all conditions line up you may be able to land one on light tackle with some luck. Disproportionately heavy tackle relative to their size is recommended.
I have separated freshwater and saltwater fighting scales as saltwater fish are generally on a different level in terms of strength. Click the links to learn more about each fish.
Freshwater Winner: Rainbow Bass Saltwater Winner: Napoleon Wrasse
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Freshwater Top Ten Pound for Pound Fighting Fish
10 - Rainbow Bass 9.5 - Payara 9 - African Tigerfish 9 - Wolf Fish 9 - Peacock Bass 7 - Sardinata 7 - Central American Cichlids 7 - Redtail Catfish 7 - Arowana 7 - Vundu Catfish |
Saltwater Top Ten Pound for Pound Fighting Fish
10 - Napoleon Wrasse 10 - Blue and Black Marlin 10 - Cubera Snapper 10 - Goliath Grouper 9.5 - Dogtooth Tuna 9.5 - Giant Trevally 8 - Barred Pargo 8 - Mullet Snapper 8 - Leopard Grouper 8 - Bonefish |