Best Trolling Tips Contest

[glenncameron]

Have you discovered trolling tricks and rigs that have brought you consistent success offshore? Share your expertise with fellow Sport Fishing forum members by posting your best trolling tips to this thread. At the end of the month, Sport Fishing editors will pick the top three tips and award these three trolling lures prize packs, collectively valued at $450.


1st Place = Prize Pack valued at $200


2nd Place = Prize Pack valued at $150


3rd Place = Prize Pack valued at $100


Hurry — the contest ends on November 30th!

Contest Rules

[MichaelK]

When running divers for pelagic species such as tuna and wahoo always attach with wire and ALWAYS use the Offshore Loop for attaching the lure to leader weather it be mono or wire. To tie the Offshore Loop first thread a crimping sleeve on to the line. Then make an overhand knot in the line to form a loop, and pull it to the required size. Pass the line around the loop a second and third time and thread it back through the crimping sleeve. Using a crimping tool carefully swage the sleeve in place.

[calexi]

Temperature, Speed and color are the 3 factors I watch closest. I use bright colors the clearer and and better the water
visibility. Darker colors deeper. I use a fishhawk to monitor temperature at depth. and trolling speed depends heavily on
current, wind and conditions.

[finchase44]

While trolling for king or spanish mackrel with Squid Spoons in the Gulf, I use a 1 1/2 oz bead chain trolling weight and 6ft of florocarbon leader before the spoon. The trolling weight adds just enough depth to the spoon to give it action without having it pop out of the water and fouling the line. Works every time.

[offshorenc]

When trolling hardbaits for wahoo I prefer to replace the standard equipment. I like to use a heavy duty snap rings and a single 8/0 hooks.

[SaltE]

When heading offshore and nearing your destination. Keep and eye out for grass and any obstructions that would hold fish. Also when 5-10 miles from destination put 1 or 2 high speed lures out for wahoo. We run them 17 knots with no problem. Lets you cover water when trying to find a break.

[kdrodge]

I found sticking to clearer water the best means for trolling.

[travelluna]

When we lived in Vancouver Canada we trolled under the Lions Gate Bridge, best tip is don't go there it was too rough and our little 17' boat could not handle it and I was scared

[ProfessorO]

I find that most folks troll too slow and use too many big lures. I troll primarily small bullet lures like
Billy Bait's purple mylar mini turbo slammer, Williamson feather/jet lures, and small rattle lures like
C&H rattle lures with the orange head and mylar teaser on the outriggers and down the middle, all
way back, 200 to 400'. A 6" wooden cedar plug behind a daisy chain of Boone birds from one
corner on the 3rd or 4th wave, and one large lure like the Rapala X Rap 30, usually dolphin or
ballyhoo colors, or a purple/black Yozuri Bonito from the other corner rod holder. Fish this 5 rod
spread from 9-12 knots and you will catch more fish. The 6" wooden cedar plug + birds will catch
most of the fish. When you get into the tuna, do not slow up when you get the first one on and let it
run; go for the doubleheader or tripleheader. cheers, O

[whopperhunter]

Hello everyone, I just have a simple little thing I do for trolling to give your hook that little extra action that seems to get me more fish. What I do is, after your line has been sent out the distance you require you then hook a 7 ft down rigger cable or heavy line, from the third or fourth eye down from the tip of your rod. I call this the action attraction tool, it's a can, a bobber, a disc, a pop bottle what ever will bounce in and out of the water which in turn gives your rod a jerking action to help the lure give off more motion. try it , it works on just about every lure I use. Good fishing people.