Trolling In Saltwater Tips
Probably the best fishing lures for trolling in saltwater are the large jigs available today. These softbaits are designed with reality in mind and the holographic bodies; swim action and durability make them perfect. The jigs seduce big fish, such as halibut, marlin, mahi-mahi and others in very deep waters but the speeds they travel at can occasionally mean the fish miss or knock the baits forward.
Tying on extra fishing hooks by looping one or two under the jig and setting the hooks in the silicon at the tail can improve success more than a single hook jig. Long Magnums and other crankbaits tend to be stiffer in construction with enough hooks to catch fish coming form underneath and behind but are speed dependent so make sure you know the differences and depths they swim at.
If you intend to use live baits such as ballyhoo, then limbering up the bait by breaking the backbone and pushing any waste out the fish out helps it swim more naturally. Make sure the trolling rig you put the fish in is aligned correctly to prevent spinning. If hooks are set to tightly when running from the rig head to the body it can also create spin.
Depending on your prey and where they will be holding, trolling speeds should be between 4 to 13 knots.Better results in saltwater trolling will ultimately depend on your fishfinder. Keeping and eye on the depth and schools of fish is imperative and plotting those spots where there were takers and previous trophies is made more efficiently.Frigate birds feeding and noise from schooling baitfish are always good areas to cover when trolling.
Remember to thoroughly rinse all your fishing tackle, lines, rods and reels to save you time and money.