Big Game Leash

Keeping Your Gear Secure When It Matters Most

Any seasoned offshore angler knows the chaos that erupts the moment a trophy billfish enters the spread. Rods need to be cleared, lines repositioned, and the cockpit readied for battle — all in a matter of seconds. Slack leashes made of rope, heavy webbing, or pigtails have long been part of that picture, but they also create tripping hazards and clutter that slow everything down. Big Game Leash was founded in Pensacola, Florida, to solve exactly this problem with an elegantly simple innovation: the world's first retractable reel leash designed specifically for anglers.

The Innovation Behind the Brand

At the heart of the Big Game Leash system is a spring-loaded, marine-grade stainless-steel cartridge that houses nine feet of ¾-inch nylon web strap. When a rod is lifted from its holder, the leash extends smoothly; the moment it's released, the leash retracts quickly and securely back to its original position, keeping the cockpit clear and tangle-free at all times. A stainless-steel carabiner provides the connection point to the reel and tucks neatly into the flush-mounted SS receiver when not in use.

The system was designed with three core priorities: keeping every rod securely tethered, eliminating cockpit clutter, and speeding the process of clearing for active fighting. The ¾-inch webbing is rated to an impressive 740 lbs with reinforced stitching at both ends, giving crews the confidence that their expensive rods and reels won't go overboard — even in the most violent strike situations.

Built for the Harsh Marine Environment

Big Game Leash products are constructed from marine-grade stainless steel and Delrin for all primary structural components. The UV-resistant webbing and 316 stainless-steel mounting hardware are chosen specifically to endure the punishing conditions of offshore saltwater use. The leash cartridge features slots for fresh-water rinsing after each trip and an access hole for periodic lubrication, making routine maintenance straightforward. Every Big Game Leash is backed by a 1-year repair or replacement warranty against failure — a testament to the brand's confidence in its construction.

Flexible Mounting for Any Vessel

One of the most practical aspects of the Big Game Leash system is its mounting versatility. The most common installation is under the gunnel at or near the rod holder, secured with a simple ¼-inch bolt. Captains can route the leash up through the gunnel using a flush-mounted receiver or wrap it around a coaming board. Multiple bracket options are available, including a rod holder bracket popular with tournament captains who fit their fighting chairs with BGL systems. Cartridges can even be stacked two-high on a single mounting bolt to minimize the number of installation points on the boat.

Trusted by Tournament Anglers

Since its introduction, Big Game Leash has earned the trust of competitive offshore anglers and charter captains who simply cannot afford to lose gear when a tournament-winning fish is on the line. The system has been featured in Florida Sport Fishing and praised by longtime competitive big-game fishermen for its reliability and the speed with which it clears a working cockpit. For crews who take their offshore fishing seriously, the Big Game Leash represents a straightforward upgrade that pays for itself the first time it prevents a costly rod and reel from going over the side.