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Deep Sea Fishing Techniques

Trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing—how to pick the right spread, work metal, and set up drop rigs offshore.

Trolling Spreads

  • Surface: spreader bars/green machines for tuna; run 5–7 lines at staggered distances.
  • Divers/Planers: get plugs/spoons down to temp breaks & rips.
  • Speed: 5–8 kts for tuna; 6–9 for wahoo with deep divers.

Vertical Jigging

  • Use 200–400g jigs on 50–80 lb braid; fast cranks with pauses near marks.
  • Knife jigs for tuna/amberjack; flutter jigs when fish are mid-column.

Bottom Rigs

  • High-Low: two hooks above a sinker; great for snapper/sea bass.
  • Dropper Loop: easy knot for stout leaders on wrecks/reefs.
  • Sinker: 8–24 oz depending on depth & drift; keep it vertical.

Safety & Prep

  • EPIRB/PLB, VHF, PFDs, and float plan filed.
  • Watch weather windows; avoid steep chop against current.

Recommended Offshore Gear

Spreader Bar Lures Deep-Diving Trolling Plugs Vertical Knife Jigs 80 lb Braid High-Low Rigs

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