If you've ever come back from a fishing trip wondering why your setup didn't get a single bite, you're not alone. Creating the perfect trolling spread isn't about luck; it's about planning. When you're after big games like Wahoo, Marlin, Dorado, or Tuna, your lure setup has to do more than just look good. It has to make fish strike.
What Makes a Good Spread Work
A trolling spread is designed to copy what a school of baitfish looks like when it's in panic mode. That's what brings in big fish. They don't want to chase their food; they want an easy meal.
Here's a simple guide on where to place your lures:
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Short corners (close to the boat): Use bigger lures that make a splash and noise.
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Long corners & outriggers: Use medium-sized lures that move naturally.
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Shotgun line (furthest back): Use smaller, quieter lures that look like weak or lost fish.
Each spot works best with a particular kind of lure, and that's where things start to get
interesting.
Start Strong with Fast Wahoo Tactics
Let's start with the fastest fish in your spread: wahoo. These torpedoes don't mess around; they attack fast. That's why you'll want wahoo lures made for speed and straight movement. Go for slim, weighted lures that hold up at 12+ knot trolling speeds. Place them far back or deep to look like a single baitfish trying to escape. Bright flashes and quick movement work best here.
Wahoo often strikes deep, especially if it looks like a chase. Just make sure the lure runs straight; if it wobbles too much, they'll ignore it.
Add Surface Action for Marlin
Now, bring the action up top. Marlin lures are all about getting noticed. They have large heads, make noise, and have colorful skirts that wiggle in the water. Marlins don't feed quietly; they respond to action. That's why your short corner lures should pop, splash, and leave bubbles behind them.
It's not just about being seen. It's about being too tempting to ignore. The louder and splashier the lure is near your boat, the better your chances of catching a curious marlin. These fish rely on their eyes, so color and motion really matter.
Use Bright Colors for Dorado
As your spread stretches out, think about color and movement. This is where Dorado lures really shine, literally. Dorados are aggressive and love chasing fast, colorful bait. Use hot pink, bright green, or metallic lures that reflect sunlight. Place them in the long-rigger spots so they have space to move around and flash in clear water.
Keep them interested by slightly changing your speed or pattern while trolling. Dorado often hit suddenly, right on the surface.
Spacing, Speed & Mixing It Up
Even with the best lures, a poor setup can ruin your chances. Tangled lines or lures too close together will scare fish off. Here's how to make it work:
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Keep lines apart: Let each lure swim freely.
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Try different speeds: Start at 6–7 knots and test up to 12 knots for wahoo and tuna.
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Use different depths: Add weights or divers to get some lures lower in the water.
Speed triggers a strike. Depth helps you target specific fish. Noise helps close the deal.
The Secret Trick: Natural-Looking Chaos
Want to know what separates a decent spread from a great one? A little chaos. If everything looks too neat and even, it doesn't seem real to the fish. But if you mix styles, it looks like a real baitfish trying to escape. Here's a simple setup that works:
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Short corner: A splashy marlin lure with a big skirt
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Long rigger: A bright, fast-moving Dorado lure
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Shotgun line: A deep, fast-running wahoo lure
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Teaser or dummy lure: Just for extra flash and attention
Fish like variety. The more realistic your spread looks, the better your chances.
Use Quality Gear
All this works only if your gear holds up. Offshore fishing is tough, so use strong lines, sharp hooks, and heavy-duty swivels. Don't take chances on cheap gear; you don't want to lose a big fish to a weak tackle.
Also, use outriggers if you can. They help keep your lines spaced out and make it easier to spot a bite.
Need Help With Your Setup?
Just getting started or looking to improve? We are here to help. Our team can help you choose the right lures for your boat, the species you're targeting, and where you're fishing.
Contact Us for tips, custom lure packs, and expert advice. Whether you're setting up for tuna, fine-tuning your marlin gear, or looking for bright lures, we'll help you get it right.
Final Cast: Fish With Purpose, Not Just Hope
A trolling spread isn't just dragging lures behind a boat; it's a smart plan to get fish to strike. With high-speed wahoo lures, bold topwater marlin lures, and flashy Dorado lures, you're not guessing; you're setting the trap.
A good setup turns random luck into real results. Big fish, don't wait, and neither should your gear.