? about rigging dead baits for trolling tuna

ranchero · Mar-01-2009, 01:18 PM

In Ca we don't rig dead baits for tuna right? At least i don't, but have been thinking about past 3 seasons but never do. It's the east coast mags like sport fishing i read that get my wheels turning. These mags influenced me to drag all daisy and predator chains and was actually considering a dredge last season. Guys at squidco told me forget it.

I agree with Joe at squidco. In SD, we have such awesome access to live bait that why bother with too much trolling hassle. More fun to catch fish on lb too.

Now my question: I fish albacore out of Half Moon Bay when the fish are there. Live bait can be a hassle and sometimes unavail. and bitch to make many times. Weather is always an issue and in a 20 ft skipjack the MO is get out asap after light hits, get 45-50 miles out- get some fish and get my ass back to the dock before the wind kicks up sheep.

What bait is durable enough that I could rig and troll with? Frozen Squid I can do for sure. But what about rigging frozen macks or smelt or herring. wondering if any are tough enough to slide a squid skirt over the head after i throw a floss or wire rig on them

Pescador Paul · Mar-01-2009, 05:45 PM

I troll rigged squid offshore in SoCal with good success.

DenisB · Mar-02-2009, 04:35 AM

Mackerel are good for trolling. I even made a small bore corer to take the backbone out when they were fresh & still in rigor before freezing & they still hold together fairly well
when frozen quickly.
Coring them after defrost just doesn't work.

BuonaForTuna · Mar-02-2009, 06:17 AM

the best way to troll Mack IMO is to bridle the bait, dead and gutted down the middle and then properly rigged so that you can travel at a better rate of speed and not worry about the bait dying on you. If you are seriously that interested PM me and I can give you some examples I do it all the time but you will need the proper equipment to do so, I bought a TopShot kit for doing this and it ran me about 125 dollars but works like a charm

ranchero · Mar-02-2009, 11:01 AM

we are short on macks in cenral ca. Smelt, herring, chovies, and squid is accessable. Sounds like squid, although more time consuming to rig, probably makes most sense.

BiggestT · Mar-02-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranchero

we are short on macks in cenral ca. Smelt, herring, chovies, and squid is accessable. Sounds like squid, although more time consuming to rig, probably makes most sense.

Of the finbaits, smelt will hold up the best, then herring, and chovies will not hold up at all trolled dead. I really doubt you'd increase your odds over trolling lures. Maybe chunking after a troll stop would do better.

dchangnon · May-01-2009, 03:45 PM

You could go EastCoast style with Ilander head and a Ballyhoo. Check out J&M Tackle or Melton International and get mail order Ballyhoo. Also take a look at Fred Archer's page he sells a mini spider rig that works great for Albacore's plus he's writen a book that will give you some good ideas. IMO a spread of lures is more productive than dead baits just because you can cover more water, the name of the game for Albacore's.
Tight lines Dale

**Marcus** · May-01-2009, 03:48 PM

I'd highly suggest buying ballyhoo if you are looking o troll dead baits. They last for ages.

Pescador Paul · May-01-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuam

I'd highly suggest buying ballyhoo if you are looking o troll dead baits. They last for ages.

They can also be trolled faster than other dead baits.

ranchero · May-05-2009, 11:34 AM

pricey but effective on marlin-is the word!

I like the squid idea. I will order a box of ballyhoo this year for fishing in san diego.