When trolling for #MahiMahi, also known as #Dorado or #Dolphinfish, #Tuna, #Sailfish, and #Wahoo, it's essential to deploy a variety of lures in different colors to attract these vibrant pelagic fish. They are naturally drawn to lures that resemble their primary prey, like squid, ballyhoo, and flying fish, which typically display black, blue, and green hues. Bold colors, such as pink, can also be highly effective. Early in the morning, darker shades like black/purple and black/red tend to perform better, while throughout the day, adjusting your lure selection based on how the fish are responding to your spread is key.
A great starting point for your trolling setup is a basic six-line spread, offering versatility and broad coverage.
1. Flat Line (1st position)
Positioned close to the boat, about 15 to 20 feet behind the transom, use one of our Tuna Buster, Mahi Slayer, or Tuna & Mahi Feathers lures.
2. Flat Line (2nd position)
Place this about 25 feet behind the boat, using our Tuna & Mahi Feathers, Mahi Slayer, or Daisy Chain rigged with ballyhoo or our DeepSea Mylar Strip.
For a deeper presentation, consider using our DeepSea Witch, paired with a DeepSea Mylar Strip or our Wahoo Candy, running 20 to 60 feet deep. Utilize a trolling lead or planer to maintain the desired depth, and keep an eye on your fishfinder to monitor fish positions.
3. Short Rigger (3rd position)
Set up our Mahi Hunter, Mahi Slayer, or Tuna & Mahi Feathers about 50 feet back, which typically places it in the third or fourth wake behind the boat.
4. Short Rigger (4th position)
Use our Bill Collector, Mahi Hunter, Tuna & Mahi Feathers, or Offshore Dominator. If you’re in an area where blue marlin are present, the larger Bill Collector is an excellent choice. Place it about 60 feet back, ideally at the fourth or fifth wake.
5. Long Rigger (5th position)
Your long riggers should include a combination of Bill Collector, DeepSea Witch rigged with the DeepSea Mylar Strip, or Mahi Hunter. For low-light conditions like early morning or overcast skies, opt for darker lures, placing this setup approximately 90 feet back. As the day progresses, switch to brighter skirt colors like pink or chartreuse to increase effectiveness.
6. Long Rigger (6th position)
Use Tuna & Mahi Feathers or Tuna Buster in chartreuse, placed around 125 feet back. This color scheme works particularly well when trolling near debris or along weed lines where Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, and Wahoo often gather.
7. Center Spread (7th position)
Place this rod in the middle of your spread, between the short and long riggers. Consider using a black/red Bill Collector or a small bird paired with a Daisy Chain. This creates an enticing disturbance, attracting fish to the center of your spread. A small bird can further enhance most lures' effectiveness, but it’s not necessary for DeepSea Witch or Wahoo Candy lures.
As you familiarize yourself with the fish's behavior, feel free to customize your spread by adjusting the number of rods and the distance of your lines to ensure optimal performance. The key is to start with a mixed spread to determine what the fish are biting on, then adjust your presentation accordingly for maximum strikes.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior using pre-rigged lures or a professional offshore guide, our lures deliver superior performance at an affordable price.
Remember: Keep the Boat Moving After a Hookup!
One of the most common mistakes anglers make is stopping the boat immediately after a hookup. Many pelagic species, like tuna and mahi-mahi, swim in schools. By maintaining a reduced speed while reeling in your catch, you increase the chances of additional strikes on the same or other rods in your spread. This tactic can be the difference between landing one fish or filling your cooler with multiple prized catches.
Always Be Ready with a Spinning Rod!
For those moments when a fish suddenly appears in your spread, it’s a good idea to have a spinning rod rigged with one of our DeepStrike Caster pitch baits. This lure can be trolled alongside your other lines or used to target fish that are interested but haven’t yet struck. When casting, maintain a good distance from the hooked fish to avoid tangles, and use a rapid, erratic retrieve to simulate the chaotic movement of fleeing baitfish. This technique can turn a single strike into a flurry of action.
The Key to Success
Success in trolling for pelagic fish is all about adaptability. Pay close attention to your lures' actions, adjust your trolling speed, and refine your lure placement based on the day’s conditions. Factors such as water temperature, current, and wave height can all influence how your lures perform and how the fish respond. By making the necessary adjustments, you’ll increase your chances of a successful outing and bring more fish aboard each trip.
At JAW Lures, we’re committed to helping you elevate your offshore fishing game. Whether you're targeting Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, or any other pelagic species, our lures offer the performance and reliability you need to succeed.
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Author: Holger Kamin, JAW Lures