Company: Black Oak LED · Headquarters: Sarasota, Florida · Categories: Electric fishing reel batteries, marine and off-road LED lighting
Most boaters know Black Oak LED for lights: light bars, pod lights and underwater lights for boats and off-road vehicles. The Sarasota company also makes two LiFePO4 electric fishing reel batteries, a 10Ah Deep Drop and a 5Ah Kite & Deep Drop. They double as portable power for Black Oak’s own LED pods. For a Florida angler who fishes electrics by day and runs deck lights at night, that’s a useful combination.
This review covers both batteries, their specs and run times, reel compatibility, accessories and warranty.
Company overview
Black Oak LED says it grew out of the Advanced LED Research Center in Sarasota, Florida, and describes itself as “a family-owned, veteran-operated business.” What started as high-performance LED light bars has grown into a lineup of light bars, pod and work lights, marine and underwater lights, emergency and strobe lights, night vision cameras, control systems, power accessories and, more recently, marine lithium batteries.
At a glance
| Location | Sarasota, Florida (headquarters and warehouse) |
| Phone | 1-800-348-1287 |
| [email protected] · [email protected] (dealers) | |
| Reel batteries | 10Ah Deep Drop, 5Ah Kite & Deep Drop |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Fits | Daiwa Tanacom and Seaborg, Shimano BeastMaster, Banax Kaigen (with the correct cord) |
| Shipping | Free to the lower 48, Alaska and Canada (5Ah listing) |
Electric Fishing Reel Battery 10Ah Deep Drop
Images: Black Oak LED
Specifications (manufacturer)
| Capacity | 10Ah |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 |
| Size | 7.25″ tall × 2.25″ × 2.25″ |
| Waterproofing | IP67 |
| Protection | Built-in battery management system (BMS) against overheating and overcharging |
| Cord | 3.5-ft power cord included, plus a quick-connect harness |
| Included | Battery with neoprene holster, power cable, 2A lithium charger |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price | $343.13 regular · $274.50 sale (September 2026) |
Compatibility: Daiwa Tanacom, Daiwa Seaborg (including Seaborg 300 to MJ1200 on the collection listing), Shimano BeastMaster and Banax Kaigen 1000.
Run time: Black Oak says the 10Ah pack runs electric reels for a full day with 5-lb leads at 600–800 feet. It also powers a 10W LED pod light for 5+ hours.
Why LiFePO4: Black Oak notes that the chemistry holds steady voltage for 99% of the charge, so the reel doesn’t slow down as the battery drains. It’s also 60% lighter than lead-acid, lasts 5–10 years longer than traditional batteries, and contains no lead, acid or rare earth elements. The casing is described as fireproof and corrosion-resistant.
Who it’s for: Anglers deep dropping at typical Florida tilefish and grouper depths with Daiwa, Shimano or Banax electrics who want a full-day pack.
Electric Fishing Reel Battery 5Ah Kite & Deep Drop
Images: Black Oak LED
Specifications (manufacturer)
| Capacity | 5Ah |
| Voltage | 12V nominal |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 |
| Size | 4.75″ tall × 2.25″ × 2.25″ |
| Waterproofing | IP67 |
| Protection | Integrated BMS |
| Included | Battery with neoprene holster, 2A charger, instructions |
| Cord | Not included, buy separately |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price | $224.49 regular · $179.59 sale (September 2026) |
Compatibility: Daiwa, Seaborg and Banax electric reels, Black Oak LED lights and other 12V accessories.
Run time: all-day run time for electric kite and deep drop reels, per Black Oak, and 2.5+ hours on a 10W LED pod.
Who it’s for: Kite fishing, shorter deep drop days, and anyone who wants the smallest, lightest pack. Remember to order a cord.
Accessories
| Item | Price (sale / regular) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battery cord, fits multiple reels | $20.00 / $25.00 | Needed for the 5Ah battery |
| GoPOD to portable battery quick-connect cord | $37.20 / $46.50 | Runs Black Oak GoPOD lights from a reel battery |
| Waterproof case | $71.20 / $89.00 | IP69K-rated |
The GoPOD cord is what sets Black Oak apart: your reel battery can run deck or spreader lights on a night swordfish trip, all from one Florida brand.
Choosing a Black Oak battery
| Your fishing | Pick |
|---|---|
| Full day of deep dropping at 600–800 ft with 5-lb leads | 10Ah Deep Drop |
| Kite fishing or short trips | 5Ah Kite & Deep Drop (plus cord) |
| Night swordfish with Black Oak lights | 10Ah with the GoPOD quick-connect cord |
| Keeping gear dry in the console | Add the waterproof case |
Rigging tips for a portable reel battery
Mount the pack where it stays dry. Clip the neoprene holster to the rod butt or the rod holder, above the waterline and away from the scupper spray. The pack is IP67-rated, but connectors last longer when they stay out of standing water.
Keep the cord short and tidy. The 10Ah includes a 3.5-ft cord, enough to reach the reel without loops that catch on gaffs, leaders or feet. Tape or clip it along the rod butt.
One battery per rod. On a multi-rod boat, give each electric its own pack rather than sharing one through splitters. If one pack goes flat, only one rod stops.
Use it at night too. The GoPOD quick-connect cord lets a reel battery run a Black Oak pod light. For night swordfish trips, one spare 10Ah battery can cover both lights and a backup for the reel.
Caring for a LiFePO4 reel battery
- Charge after every trip with the included 2A lithium charger. Don’t use a lead-acid charger.
- Rinse the holster and wipe the connector with fresh water, then let them dry before storing.
- Store it indoors, out of a hot console or truck bed during a Florida summer.
- Top it up every couple of months if it sits unused over the off-season.
Pros and cons
Pros
- A Sarasota, Florida company that’s family-owned and veteran-operated
- LiFePO4 chemistry with flat voltage, long life and no lead or acid
- IP67 waterproofing and a built-in BMS
- Everything included on the 10Ah: holster, cord, charger
- Doubles as portable power for Black Oak LED lights
- 2-year warranty, and frequent sales (the 10Ah at $274.50)
Cons
- The 5Ah battery doesn’t include a reel cord
- Maximum continuous current isn’t published, so check with Black Oak before running a high-draw reel like the Seaborg 800MJ (up to 20 A peak, per Daiwa)
- The 10Ah pack’s voltage isn’t listed on the product page (the 5Ah is listed as 12V nominal)
- Not meant for commercial reels (Lindgren-Pitman, Kristal, big Miya Epoch), which need boat power
Black Oak vs. other reel battery makers
| Brand | Location | Deep drop pack | Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Oak LED | Sarasota, FL | 10Ah LiFePO4 | $274.50 sale / $343.13 | 2 years |
| Abyss Battery | Largo, FL | 10Ah | $299.99 | 2-yr free replacement, 35% off to yr 5 |
| PENN Fathom Electric kit | — | 5Ah built into the reel | included in kit | PENN warranty |
Where to buy Black Oak LED reel batteries
Manufacturer (direct)
– Black Oak LED, Sarasota, FL · 1-800-348-1287 · [email protected] · blackoakled.com
– Electric fishing reel batteries
– Marine lithium collection
Retailers carrying Black Oak LED marine products
– The Boat Light Shop: boatlightshop.com
– Hodges Marine: hodgesmarine.com
Dealers: Black Oak runs a dealer program for boat manufacturers and accessory installers ([email protected], 1-800-348-1287 x801).
Check that the retailer stocks the reel batteries, not just the lights.
Verdict
Black Oak LED’s reel batteries are practical, well-protected LiFePO4 packs from a Florida company, and on sale they cost less than most competitors. The 10Ah Deep Drop, often $274.50, comes with everything you need and runs a full day at 600–800 feet. The 5Ah is a compact kite and short-trip pack, as long as you remember the cord. Being able to run Black Oak lights from the same battery is a real bonus for night trips. Confirm the current rating before pairing a pack with a high-draw reel.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Value 4.5/5 · Build quality 4.5/5 · Features 4.5/5 · Spec transparency 3.5/5
FAQ
Where is Black Oak LED based?
Sarasota, Florida. The company says it is family-owned and veteran-operated.
Which reels does the Black Oak 10Ah battery fit?
Daiwa Tanacom and Seaborg, Shimano BeastMaster and Banax Kaigen 1000, with the matching cord.
How long does the Black Oak 10Ah battery last?
Black Oak says it runs electric reels for a full day with 5-lb leads at 600–800 feet.
Does the Black Oak 5Ah battery come with a reel cord?
No. The cord is sold separately ($20 on sale).
Specifications and prices were checked against blackoakled.com on September 25, 2026.