6 Line Trolling Set Up - Tandem Rig Set Ups
We run the lines as follows:
Umbrella rigs on the 2 outside lines. These rigs will run deeper and shorter.
Tandems rigs on the next lines in toward the middle. These will run
further out and a little shallower.
Single lures or spoons on the middle lines further out and shallow.
With this lay out, you will be able to navigate controlled turns without fouling lines.
The next illustration represents the set up for the Tandem Rigs - one slot in from the outside on either side of the boat.
Rods
We can move to a rod slightly lighter than the ones used for the umbrella rigs. The ideal Penn rod for this set up is the 3145RS version. Within the Talavera series, we would stick with the Shimano Talavera TEC63HRS.
The Cove Regional Series rods that Bill has designed to fit this application are the CBT-G-66-MH the Cove Glass version and the CBT-CB-66-MH, a carbon fiber blend. The fiberglass option is a rugged durable brute while the carbon blend offer the same strength with less weight.
Reels
We can go a little lighter on the reels with this rig versus the umbrella rigs as well. The Okuma CV45-L is a great, reasonably priced option. The Penn 330 GT-2 is another good alternative - and probably the reel most often seen on the Bay in the Spring. The new Okuma SLR-15L will fit this set up as well as the umbrella trolling set up.
Line
- For the mainline, Mark likes the Power Pro braid. He'll fill the reel with 200 yards of 80 pound braid - with some 40 pound mono laid on first as backing.
- For the leader sections, there is no problem sticking with a mono - just increase the test to 60 pounds. Once again we recommend either the clear or high vis yellow.
Terminal Tackle
Terminal Tackle
- End of the mainline - Coastlock Snap Swivel - Size 1. Some folks prefer the ball bearing version, but we have not found it necessary for the snap swivels.
- Either end of the leader - Coastlock Snap Swivel - Size 1.
- Middle of the 2 leader sections - Ball bearing swivel. This is where we like the ball bearing swivel. Having the ball bearing here guarantees the lure will maintain a natural motion.
- The Coastlock snap swivels a the end of the mainline and the forward end of the leader allow you add in-line sinkers of your choice.
- The Coastlock snap snap swivel on the trailing end of the leader snaps directly to the tandem set up.
Lures
On the right, we have picked out a selection of pre-rigged tandems that you can pull right out of the bag and clip right on to the Coastlock at the end of your leader. Note, in Maryland, only two hooked lures are allowed per rod. However, each lure can have multiple hooks, so the pre-rigged tandems are fine - each lure includes a main hook and a trailing stinger hook,
As with the Umbrella Rigs, on a sunny day, we recommend a mix of yellow and white to see which works on any given day. On overcast days, we like to switch to the black and purple heads.