Tuning Fishing Tips - Trolling Tips

1. Vary Your Spread

• Run lures or baits at different distances and depths to cover more water.
  • Flat lines close to the boat
  • Short and long outriggers for width
  • Downrigger or weighted line for depth

Goal: Imitate a school of baitfish, not a tight pack of lures.

2. Match the Hatch

• Use lure colors and sizes that match local baitfish.
• Clear water = natural colors (blue, white, silver)
• Murky water = bright or high-contrast colors (pink, green, black)

3. Speed Matters

• Tuna/Mahi: 6–8 knots
• Wahoo: 12–15 knots (use heavy gear)
• Adjust speed depending on lure type and target species — too fast or too slow = no bites.

4. Keep Lures Swimming Right

• Check action regularly — weed, tangles, or twisted leaders kill presentation.
• Lures should track straight and "swim," not spin.

5. Use Teasers and Dredges

• Raise more fish by creating surface commotion.
• Bird teasers, splash bars, or dredges mimic bait schools and draw predators in.
• Position lures just behind the teaser's turbulence.

6. Turn for Strikes

• Trolling in S-curves or making sharp turns changes lure speed and direction.
• Lures on the inside slow down and dive deeper; outside lures speed up — often triggers a reaction bite.

7. Be Ready on the Strike

• Keep lines staggered and free of tangles so you can fight fish smoothly.
• Use proper drag settings: firm but not locked down.
• When you get a hit, don't throttle down too quickly — keep moving to avoid tangles and multiple hookups.

8. Use Circle Hooks for Natural Baits

• If trolling ballyhoo or other natural baits, use non-offset circle hooks.
• Let the fish take it — then slowly tighten up the line for a solid hook-up.

9. Log Your Results

• Keep track of what colors, depths, speeds, and times produce strikes.
• Fish patterns change — what works one day might not the next.

10. Be Patient, Stay Alert

• Trolling is a waiting game — but bites often come in flurries.
• Watch the water: birds, flying fish, bait balls, or rips all signal life.
• Don't just sit — actively adjust and fine-tune your spread.