{"title":"Trolling Lures \u0026 Rigs","description":"\u003cp\u003eShop trolling lures, bait rigs and spreader bars for offshore pelagic fishing, from garfish rigs to high-speed lure packs.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"trolling-lures","title":"Trolling Lures","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 lures included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrolling lure, rigged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeathers and plastic skirt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be trolled at 12 knots+ for wahoo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack and purple colour scheme for maximum contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComes pre-rigged with armour spring to snap onto a snap swivel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharp short shank stainless steel trolling hook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 44 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the USA, the Zuker ZF-14 Black \u0026amp; Purple is the number one skirted trolling lure. Our clone is very similar in size and shape but   is rigged ready for use and, way cheaper. Each lure is six inches long, with a heavy gauge stainless short shank trolling hook. Rigged on two metres of 100-pound mono with armour spring loops and crimped at both ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Zuker lures from Rayanne’s Tackle are $20 each – unrigged, plus delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOurs are $50 for 4 *including delivery in Australia.*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeadly on southern  bluefin, yellowfin, striped tuna and can be trolled at high speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor toothy critters like mackerel and wahoo just cut off the nylon leader and run mono wire through the armour spring loops, using the same hook.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downrigger Shop Trolling lures are great for Tuna\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Zuker_clone_1_large.jpg?v=1540013923\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s how they work:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5uLnqXtDLbM\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel: Zuker clone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription: Trolling lure, rigged\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications: A copy of arguably the most popular tuna lure of all time. A mix of feathers and plastic skirt makes it ripple and pulse through the water. Optimised hydrodynamic shape means it can be trolled at high speeds (12 knots+) for wahoo. Black\/purple colour scheme provides maximum contrast. Shipped pre-rigged with armour spring at rod end ready for snap swivel clip on, and razor sharp short shank stainless steel trolling hook at business end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: 44 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrice: 4 lures for $50\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePackaging: clear PVC bag in taped bubble wrap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The classic Downrigger Shop Trolling Lure\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Zuker_clone_2_large.jpg?v=1540013923\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downriggershop Trolling Lures are perfect for Tuna\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Zuker_clone_3_large.jpg?v=1540013923\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7431229997105,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Zuker_clone_2.jpg?v=1540018979"},{"product_id":"head-start-trolling-rigs-4-pack","title":"Head start trolling rigs 4 pack","description":"\u003cp\u003ePackage includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 x Head start trolling rigs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e80 pound breaking strain bead chain trace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick and Easy install on a garfish, ballyhoo or sauries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMakes a deadbait swim like it's alive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarch 2015 and the NSW mid-north coast experiencing its best mackerel run in years:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Catching Spotted Mackerel on head start trolling rigs\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spotted_mackerel_caught_on_head_start_large.jpg?v=1539816624\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly downside being, with the number of predators around, live bait is really hard to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut bait is just so deadly, on mackerel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost always way better, than lures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Bait fish hit hard by a Mackerel\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/chewed_live_bait_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround February I noticed sales of our Head Start lures were picking up fast. Checking with some of the clients making purchases I found they were the answer to the problem of finding live bait. With a Head Start you can pretty much replicate the appeal and scent of  bait but also have the attention-grabbing benefit of a trolled lure. If you haven’t seen them in operation, check out this video? As you’ll see below, Head Starts are deadly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7s43xcuKWyM\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find the best way to use them is – just like so much other tackle that needs special rigging – to do as much as you can at home. I keep my eye out at the local fish store (Hornsby Seafoods) for whenever quality fresh garfish are in stock:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Pre rigging fresh Garfish from the fish market at home for trolling\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/garfish_rigged_with_head_starts_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou don’t have to buy many. Just enough for the Head Starts you have, but maybe a couple of spares. So, six or eight. Here’s how to rig them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll need a knife or braid scissors, a fresh garfish, yellowtail or slimy mackerel, Head Starts, a bait needle, and some Ziploc or cryovac bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Preparing for a head start trolling rig session\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/garfish_ready_for_trolling_rigs_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy bait needle’s made from a plain wire coat hanger. Just cut the long side of the coat hanger with side cutters, and bend one end to form an open eye:That’s like two minutes work with a pair of pliers, not hard at all. Here’s how:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gH1gXeqlYSg\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother item that’s handy is half a bucket of water, to wash your hands. Here’s how to proceed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Garfish laid out it trolling rig, braid scissors and needle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_1_large.jpg?v=1524451614\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut the beak off the garfish, and check that the ring on the bead chain fits into the hook on the needle:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"First step cut off the beak and thread the ring through the end of needle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_2_large.jpg?v=1524451615\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePass the hook end of the needle through the bait’s mouth and feel your way so it exits through the vent. Hook up the bead chain and draw it back through and out the mouth:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Feed the hook and chain through the Garfish with the needle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_3_large.jpg?v=1524451616\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrop the end of the bead chain through the hole in the hard plastic head. This will be the tow point. Then, push the pin through the eye socket. In the pic below, the yellow plastic pin can be seen in the eye socket. This will lock into the Head Start cover:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Attach the bead chain to the pin in the head start rig\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_4_large.jpg?v=1524451617\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlide the larger cover part of the Head Start over the smaller first part, dropping the end of the bead chain through the gap. The tag end of the bead chain is attached to your line, wire, or snap swivel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Close the head start with the bead chain exposed through the hole in the end\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_5_large.jpg?v=1524451618\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI usually do mine in a batch of four:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Four Garfish rigged with Head Start Trolling Rigs\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_6_large.jpg?v=1524451619\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen they’re done, pack them in a Ziploc bag (or better, cryovac bag) and freeze them for future use:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Store your head start rigged dead bait in plastic sealed bags to keep them fresh for your trip\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/premade_head_start_trolling_rigs_large.jpg?v=1539816624\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's fast and easy:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bRWFxuhHGoU\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecently (April 2015) we found that Pacific Sauris make a really good alternative when quality garfish are hard to find. Sauris are a true bluewater species and a prime food source for Bluefin and Yellowfin tuna, as well as albacore and marlin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHead Starts are absolutely deadly on spanish and spotted mackerel. Check out this feedback from clients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s Alan Goggin, at Coffs Harbour:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Alan with a Spanish and Spotted Mackerel caught on head starts\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spanish_mackerel_using_trolling_rigs_large.jpg?v=1539816624\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Hi Andrew, another fish on the board for the headstarts on Friday morning! This time it was a Spotty on the blue one and while i was dealing with it yakside i threw out a pilly on a set of ganghooks and picked up the Spanish. Exciting fight on 20lb leader and no wire\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe took the kayak out from Coffs and trolled dead garfish on two Head Starts. Of course he hooked up to two mackerel at the same time.  The camera recorded what happened next, just so good:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mZ90oy8LgK0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI put together a little vid of the double hook up. Unfortunately the ratchet on my TLD gave in before the double hook up. It’s just not the same fighting a fish when the drag is making no noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrad Plummer’s extra cute daughter impressed with his Spaniard:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Brad with a Spaniard caught on a trolling rig\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/catching_spanish_mackerel_on_head_start_large.jpg?v=1539816622\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Hey Andy the head starts are working a treat up here at Coffs Harbour, can't wait for my next delivery, got two hits for two fish on them and lost another on a chin weighted Sauri\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep in mind these can be trolled at 7 knots, so a good addition to the marlin lure spread? Here’s Lachlan’s mahi:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Lachlan with a great Mahi Mahi caught on a head start trolling rig\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/mahi_mahi_on_trolling_rig_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Hi Andrew, thanks for the Headstarts.....\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003efirst trip out and got this nice Dollie on the black one with a Gar.....\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ethey swim the Gar perfectly! Thanks again....\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’re very welcome, Lachlan! Karl Houseman’s mahi taken on a Head Start too:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Karl with a Dolphin Fish taken on head start rigs\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/dolphin_fish_caught_on_head_start_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore client reviews to be added soon. Please \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"The Downrigger Shop contact page\"\u003ecall or email\u003c\/a\u003e with any questions whatsoever and thanks for reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Hestelow,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManaging Director.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7443654115377,"sku":"","price":98.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_1.jpg?v=1553495737"},{"product_id":"spreader-bars","title":"Spreader bars","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduct information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrolling\/Lure teaser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 squids mounted to replicate a surface school with the last squid carrying a heavy duty gamefish hook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e106cm bar made from Monel wire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 200 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePackaging: 110 x 26cm bag with clear PVC front, mesh back for quick drying and Velcro closure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'll never forget the first time we got onto them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaybe twenty five years ago – before the internet, anyway – I ordered a couple by mail through the (totally awesome) Edge fishing magazine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Downrigger Shop Spreader Bar in action\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_3_large.jpg?v=1524462641\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to a mix up they were sent by sea mail so, took ages to get here. But when they arrived we were so excited we went out the next day on Graeme Almond’s Bertram 25 and hooked up a striped marlin within 30 minutes of deploying one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor some reason – probably, because Graeme sold his boat soon after –\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI stopped using them, and they sat in the back of the garage for twenty years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyway, some bright spark came up with the idea that they might be good for kingfish at Long Reef. We’re all familiar with the spectacle of small pods of bait fish like sauris or gar moving fast and nervously through the danger zone, to escape predators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A school of bait fish jumping to escape a predator\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/bait_fish_jumping_to_escape_predator_large.jpg?v=1540165252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePredators hit them hard:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Tuna attacking a school of bait fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/predator_fish_attacking_fleeing_bait_fish_large.jpg?v=1540165253\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s an amazing video showing spreader bars in operation. Giant Atlantic bluefin tuna slamming hookless plastic squid, definitely worth a look:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZTdtQCMSRU\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou see sauris showering out of the water between the 80-fathom line and Browns, all winter. Stand on the Crowdy Head breakwall or the rocks at Charlotte Head in February or March and watch the longtail tuna send small schools of garfish leaping, to escape attack. The idea was, replicate that, but put a separate bait or lure behind the spreader bar to imitate the weak tail end charlie, trailing the school. We made a half hearted attempt at this project last year, using a welded stainless bar set up I bought from Mo Tackle. That one didn’t work because the heavy bar makes too much splash and drag and distracts from the lures, which should be the focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo when our biggest tackle supplier brought out his new catalogue recently, and I saw he had the light, springy Monel-type wire bars newly added to the range, I was interested. So interested that I ordered ten, on spec. They arrived in late January 2014, just in time for the peak of the kingfish run at Long Reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel: Spreader Bar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription: Trolling lure\/Teaser\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications: 15 squids mounted to represent a surface school, with the last squid carrying a heavy duty game fish hook. 106cm bar is made from special Monel wire. Tail end squid (with hook) can be supplied with crimped loop, so it can be quickly removed when the spreader bar is required to be a teaser only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: 200 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrice: $95\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePackaging: 110 x 26cm bag with clear PVC front, mesh back for quick drying, and Velcro closure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qlmQqV97JXI\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObviously, I didn’t want to fish them the way they are normally fished. Because the thought that a hooked kingfish dragging around a spreader bar and fourteen squids was somewhat unsporting. So we removed the stinger lure (with the hook fitted) from the spreader bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Our spreader bars squid lures have the hooks removed\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/squid_lure_on_spreader_bar_large.jpg?v=1540165253\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen we attached the bar to the downrigger clip, in place of the heavy lead weight usually fitted. The boat sped up to around 3.5 – 4 knots, and the spreader bar run out on the downrigger cable maybe 15 – 20 metres behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Spreader bar trolling attached to a downrigger\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_2_large.jpg?v=1524462640\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rod was dropped into the downrigger rod holder and the popper was set about three metres behind the spreader bar. The effect was that of a nervous school of large baitfish skittering along the surface, and just behind the school a wounded bait fish in trouble and struggling, to keep up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Trolling a popper behind a spreader bar is very effective\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/poppers_mimick_bait_fish_fleeing_large.jpg?v=1540165252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe results were incredible. Kingfish hit multiple squids in the array, very spectacular. And of course, the poppers. We were using Halco Roostas, painted black with a Texta for maximum contrast. Kingfish not big that day but strikes super visual, I was having a ball:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Kingfish caught with a spreader bar and popper combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/kingfish_caught_on_downrigger_shop_popper_large.jpg?v=1540165252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt times it was like those videos you see where giant trevally hit a popper repeatedly as it’s retrieved towards the boat – although on a much smaller scale, of course.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MKZiudxd0oE\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Here's how it looks:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Spreader Bar from Downrigger Shop bringing in a Dolphin Fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_1_large.jpg?v=1524462639\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis technique, which I call ‘uprigging’, has some big benefits. Firstly, you’re working the water surface. Meaning you can get the boat up in the shallows, close to the rocks, which is often where the big fish are. Secondly, everything’s on the surface and up nice and close. That’s a plus because, with big kingfish, the last thing you want to do is give them extra line or present a bait close to the bottom. That just makes it easy for them to reef you. With this method the kingfish – or mackerel, longtail tuna, coral trout or whatever – has to do the climbing. Not your bait or lure, doing the diving. So we ordered a large shipment of the best performing spreader bar, a large one with 15 red six inch squids:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Downrigger Shop spreader bar with 15 red squid\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_shop_spreader_bar_without_case_large.jpg?v=1540165253\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bar is 102cm long and there are five sets of squids in this order: 2-3-5-3-2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese can be somewhat hard to manage and store onboard so we ordered a mesh backed Velcro sealed bag, for each one:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Downrigger Shop Spreader Bar shipped in convenient case\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_4_large.jpg?v=1524462642\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe haven’t had these long but they’re working well already. Ian Beavis:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Ian with a Marlin he caught with the use of a Downrigger Shop Spreader Bar\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/marlin_attracted_by_spreader_bar_large.jpg?v=1540165252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Andrew, just a short note to say we had a great time last Saturday with the teaser I purchased from you last week. We were trolling the teaser with dollys chasing the teaser and a marlin chasing the dollys we sent a lure out past the teaser and caught our first marlin out of Broken bay See attached picture of the 35 kg Marlin\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePLEASE – someone give them a try on southern bluefin? They should work just as well on those as they do on the giant Atlantic bluefin shown in the video above. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"Get in contact with The Downrigger Shop\"\u003eSend me an email\u003c\/a\u003e if more information is needed?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Thanks for reading, Andy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7444010991665,"sku":"","price":115.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_1.jpg?v=1540167846"}],"url":"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/collections\/trolling-lures-rigs.oembed","provider":"Downriggershop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}