Offshore Lure Trolling Rig Diagram & Gear List

Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting. It is the main way marlin, tuna, and wahoo are caught offshore in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

Also known as: Skirted Lure Rig (AU, NZ)

Where to use it: boat
Difficulty: advanced

Gear List

main Line30-130 lb monofilament or braid with a mono top shot, line class matched to the target
leader80-400 lb monofilament wind-on leader, crimped; short wire trace for wahoo
leader Length12-20ft wind-on leader, lure crimped to the end
hook Range7/0 - 12/0 forged single hook, or two hooks rigged stiff for billfish lures
weight TypeNone, the lure head keeps it tracking; an in-line trolling lead (4-16oz) only if you want it deeper
sinker Drop LengthNot applicable, lures run at or near the surface off outriggers and the transom
swivelHeavy ball-bearing swivel at the wind-on leader connection
extrasSkirted trolling lure (pusher, jet head, or bullet) 6-14in, Outriggers to spread a 4-6 lure pattern, Crimps and chafe tube

Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Offshore trolling lure skirts Match rigging and hook size to target fish.Search on Amazon 7/0 to 12/0 forged trolling hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Offshore Lure Trolling Rig

Crimp the hook or hook set into the lure so the point sits just inside the skirt, with chafe tube at the eye.
Crimp a 12-20ft wind-on leader of 80-400 lb mono to the lure, sized to the target.
Connect the wind-on leader to the main line with a ball-bearing swivel or loop-to-loop.
Set lures at staggered distances on each wave behind the boat, using outriggers for the outside lines.

When and where it works best

Blue water offshore where fish are spread out, working temperature breaks, current lines, bait, and birds.

How it differs from similar rigs

Covers far more water than live-baiting; live bait rigs catch better once fish are located on a bait school, reef, or FAD.

Is the Offshore Lure Trolling Rig good for beginners?

It is rated advanced: it needs heavier specialist tackle and some experience to rig and fish safely. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Offshore Lure Trolling Rig good for?

Southern Bluefin Tuna Yellowfin Tuna Bigeye Tuna Albacore Skipjack Tuna Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)Wahoo Blue Marlin Black Marlin Striped Marlin

Handling and regulations: Rules on billfish, bluefin tuna, sharks, and other large pelagics change often and vary by country and state. Check current local regulations, use circle hooks where required, and keep fish in the water for release whenever possible.

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Offshore Lure Trolling Rig?

A 30-130 lb monofilament or braid with a mono top shot, line class matched to the target main line, a 80-400 lb monofilament wind-on leader, crimped; short wire trace for wahoo leader (12-20ft wind-on leader, lure crimped to the end), a 7/0 - 12/0 forged single hook, or two hooks rigged stiff for billfish lures hook, and a None, the lure head keeps it tracking; an in-line trolling lead (4-16oz) only if you want it deeper. Full gear list is above.

What is a Offshore Lure Trolling Rig best for?

The Offshore Lure Trolling Rig works best for boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for Southern Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Albacore. Difficulty: advanced.

Is the Offshore Lure Trolling Rig hard to tie?

It is rated advanced. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.