Trolling lures

A number of people have asked about the lures we are having success with this trip. We have tried a lot since we have had Next Phase. We started with the good ol' spoons and tried them for 1500 nm on our last trip with only 1 Mac Tuna to show for our efforts. We used to lose a lot of lures probably due to the spinning action of these lures causing trace wire breakage.

We then tried a range of different types until getting some good advice from the Cannonvale fishing tackle shop where we bought a Halco Trembler that caught our first mackeral. No photos as unfortunately we lost the lure going into Pancake Creek. He also recommended much heavier wire trace (120 lb) and swivels (400lb) to help prevent the lost lures. He also said as soon as there is the smallest kink in the wire to replace it. We bought a small lure as we don't really want to catch massive fish. We are cautious about ciguatera poisoning and also the freezer on the boat is just not big enough.

The lures that were recommended to us in Mackay were Halco Laser Pro 190DD. They are much bigger than we had been using but we have now had 2 mackeral and 2 tuna on these lures at right in the last 500 miles. They go deeper which is better for mackeral apparently and are designed to work at speeds of 5 to 9 knots which is ideal. You can buy these lures at lots of places including Big W (about $19).

PS Hi Warwick, We use venetian blind cord with a bike tube or plumbing gasket for shock absorption around the stern cleats (it's stored on a hand reel). Even the 1.2m tuna Warren caught he just pulled in by hand. We look forward to catching up with you and Ruth after you get your boat. Print this post