Technique Guide
Trolling
Cover ground, find fish, and put them in the boat.
📥 Download Trolling Spread Diagrams
Printable PDF with all 4 spread patterns - take it on the boat.
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Target Species
Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Samsonfish
Typical Speed
2.5-7.5 knots depending on target
Best Conditions
Clean water, tide changes, early morning
Skill Level
Beginner friendly - set your spread, find fish
What is Trolling?
Trolling is towing lures or baits behind a moving boat to cover water and find actively feeding fish. One of the most productive methods for targeting pelagic species in WA waters.
The beauty of trolling is its simplicity - you're searching for fish while presenting lures at the same time. Once you find feeding fish or structure, concentrate your efforts there. It's a great way to locate fish before switching to other techniques.
1. Understanding the Spread
A trolling spread is how you arrange multiple lures behind the boat. Each position serves a purpose.
Shotgun (Centre)
Furthest back, centre of spread. First out, last in. Runs in clean water behind the prop wash. Use a bullet head lure that tracks true at speed.
Long Rigger (Starboard)
Off the starboard outrigger, runs in clear water behind the prop wash. Smoker head lures work well - they throw spray and attract attention.
Short Rigger (Port)
Off the port outrigger, shorter distance back. Slant head with rattle works well here - the sound attracts fish in turbulent water.
Long Corner (Starboard)
Starboard rod holder, runs in the prop wash. Dark colours stand out in the bubbles - lumo pink or black work well.
Short Corner (Port)
Port rod holder, closest to the boat. Heavy slant head that stays in the water at speed. Often the first fish hit this position.
Deploy Order
Set your spread systematically: Shotgun first → Long Rigger → Short Rigger → Long Corner → Short Corner. Retrieve in reverse. This prevents tangles and keeps lures separated.
2. WA Trolling Spread Patterns
Four proven patterns for different targets and conditions.
Pattern 1: Surface Pelagic
5.5 knotsRun-in tide • Low light • 14-17°C water • Light trolling gear (10-15kg)
Pattern 2: Mid-Depth Pelagic
6.5 knotsRun-out tide • Dawn • 17-24°C water • Medium trolling gear (15-24kg)
Pattern 3: Slow Troll (Demersals)
2.5 knotsTide change • Low light • 15-18°C water • Light trolling gear (10-15kg)
West Coast Demersal Closure
Demersal trolling on the West Coast is closed until Spring 2027. Pattern 3 is for South Coast and Gascoyne regions only. Check current regulations before targeting demersals.
Pattern 4: High Speed Pelagic
7.5 knotsAll tides • Dawn • 20-26°C water • Medium trolling gear (15-24kg)
3. Trolling Speed
Speed determines which fish you target and how your lures swim. Match speed to your target species.
| Slow Troll (Demersals, Whiting) | 2-3 knots |
| Surface Pelagics (Salmon, Bonito) | 5-6 knots |
| Mid-depth (Kingfish, Samson) | 6-7 knots |
| High Speed (Tuna, Mahi Mahi) | 7-8 knots |
Check Your Lures
Watch your lures when you first deploy. A lure spinning or tracking sideways won't get eaten. Adjust speed until everything tracks true. Some lures work better at specific speeds - find their sweet spot.
4. Common Mistakes
Too Many Lures
More lures doesn't always mean more fish. A tangled spread catches nothing. Start with 3 lures until you're comfortable, then add more. Better to fish 3 lures well than 5 lures poorly.
Same Depth, Same Speed
If you're not getting hits, change something. Try a different depth (switch lure dive ratings), speed up, slow down, or change lure colours. Fish can be picky about presentation.
Ignoring the Sounder
Trolling blind is inefficient. Watch your sounder for bait schools, structure, and fish marks. When you find them, work that area - do circles, figure-8s, or multiple passes.
Rough Conditions
In choppy water, run lures closer to the boat to maintain control. A lure bouncing out of the water won't get eaten and risks tangling with other lines. Shorten your spread by 30-40% in rough conditions.
Target Species for Trolling
Click any species for full details on gear, seasons, and regulations.
Australian Salmon
Halco LP 120-160, 5.5kn. West & South Coast, Apr-Aug.
Skipjack Tuna
Small minnows, 5-6kn. All bioregions when water warms.
Australian Bonito
Small feathers, 5kn. South Coast summer months.
Yellowtail Kingfish
Halco LP 190, 6.5kn. South Coast structure.
Samsonfish
Large bibbed minnows, 6-7kn. Deep structure all regions.
Yellowfin Tuna
Halco LP 190, 7.5kn. Gascoyne to Kimberley.
Mahi Mahi
Bright colours, 7kn. Around FADs and flotsam.
Spanish Mackerel
Wire trace essential, 6-7kn. Gascoyne to Kimberley.
Pink Snapper
Slow troll soft plastics, 2.5kn. South Coast, Gascoyne.
Cobia
Large bibbed minnows, 5-6kn. Northern waters.
Trolling Gear Setups
Need rod, reel, and line recommendations for trolling? Our gear guide has 3 setups: light trolling (salmon/bonito), medium trolling (kingfish/samson), and heavy trolling (tuna/marlin).
View Trolling Gear →Key Takeaways
Match Speed to Target
2.5kn demersals → 7.5kn tuna
Deploy in Order
Shotgun → Riggers → Corners
Watch Your Lures
Spinning or sideways = won't get eaten
Use Your Sounder
Find bait and structure, work the area