Ballyhoo Skirted Trolling Rig
The gold standard for offshore pelagics, combining the natural scent and action of a ballyhoo with the visual attraction of a colorful skirt.
Knot
Copper Wire Bridle
Target Depth
Surface to 10 ft
Target Species
Where To Use It
How To Tie / Assemble
- 1Slide a trolling skirt (chugger or islander style) onto your fluorocarbon leader.
- 2Insert a 1/2 oz to 1 oz egg sinker inside the skirt if you want to keep the bait tracking deeper.
- 3Snell a 7/0 to 9/0 offshore hook onto the leader, ensuring the hook point is exposed.
- 4Cut the ballyhoo's beak off to allow for a better fit against the lure head.
- 5Insert the hook point through the ballyhoo's gill plate and out the center of the belly.
- 6Use copper wire to wrap the bait's beak tightly to the head of the lure/skirt to prevent spinning.
- 7Check that the bait swims straight before deploying into the trolling spread.
Recommended Baits
Ilander Lure
Use this heavy-headed skirt in front of a ballyhoo to create a loud bubble trail that attracts predators like Blue Marlin and Wahoo.
Sea Witch
An essential hair-skirted weight that keeps your ballyhoo swimming straight and stable at various trolling speeds for Sailfish.
Chugger Head
The cupped face forces water to pop, adding essential vibration and splash that triggers aggressive strikes from Yellowfin Tuna.
Soft Vinyl Skirt
Select bright color patterns like pink and white for Mahi-Mahi, as the soft material allows for a natural swimming action behind the ballyhoo.
How To Use It
Troll at 6-9 knots in the spread. The ballyhoo should swim just below the surface, occasionally breaking the surface like a fleeing baitfish. Keep the rig in the 'prop wash' or slightly outside for maximum visibility.
Why the Copper Wire Bridle
Gear & Setup
Best Conditions
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