Trolling Techniques – Gold Coast – Australia

Trolling is one of the most productive and exciting methods for catching a wide range of offshore pelagic gamefish on the Gold Coast. From Bonito, Tuna, and Mackerel to the mighty Blue and Black Marlin, trolling allows anglers to cover large areas while targeting fast, aggressive species. However, many anglers struggle with trolling due to lack of experience or uncertainty about the right techniques. Here’s a comprehensive guide to trolling tips and techniques that will boost your offshore fishing success.

Terminal Tackle for Trolling

Proper tackle is essential for trolling, especially when targeting toothy pelagic fish. A heavy mono or wire leader is recommended to prevent bite-offs or damage from powerful tail slaps. A typical setup includes:

• 5–6 feet of wire leader connected to 10 feet of double line

• Use a Bimini twist, spider hitch, or plait knot to create a double line

• Attach to a strong snap swivel with a cat’s paw knot

Carrying pre-rigged lures with appropriate hook sizes (3/0 to 10/0) is key for efficiency. Popular trolling lures include skirted lures, Rapala hard bodies, and Halco laser pros. Keep spare treble hooks handy for replacements.

Shallow or Surface Trolling Techniques

Surface trolling refers to the depth of the lure, not the water itself. Many Gold Coast anglers troll over deep blue water while keeping baits or lures near the surface.

Target species for shallow trolling include:

• Marlin & Sailfish

• Mackerel & Wahoo

• Mahi Mahi & Tuna

These fish feed on schools of baitfish like Yellowtail, Pilchards, Slimy Mackerel, and Flying Fish. Effective trolling mimics natural bait behavior:

• Use a slow, skipping motion for skirted lures

• Maintain a constant speed of 5–7 knots depending on current

• Adjust speed for hard-body lures, ranging 2–11 knots for toothy predators

When trolling natural baits, ensure hooks are correctly placed to prevent escape. Live or dead baits should appear as natural as possible to attract strikes.

Marlin and Mahi Mahi Trolling

For big billfish like Marlin and Mahi Mahi, many Gold Coast offshore fishermen use artificial lures and teasers. Teasers, such as paddling birds or mirrored daisy chains, attract the fish to the spread before they strike the hooked lures.

Effective trolling spreads for smaller boats (15m or under) include:

• Two lures flat back behind the boat

• Two lures on outriggers (wide)

• Two lures in the prop wash (shotgun position)

Adjust speed and lure action if fish follow without striking. Sometimes speeding up or slowing down encourages an aggressive bite.

Slow Trolling Tips

Slow trolling is ideal for live bait like Yellowtail, Slimy Mackerel, or small Bonito. Baits must swim naturally:

• Maintain a speed of around 2 knots

• Live baits can be trolled directly behind the boat or using a downrigger

• Use a treble “stinger” hook behind the main hook to secure strikes

Deep Trolling Techniques

Deep trolling targets fish well below the surface using:

• Deep-diving lures

• Lead lines (with heavy rods)

• Downriggers, which allow precise depth control and easy release when a fish strikes

Ensure natural baits run true without spinning. Improper hook placement or bait rotation can deter strikes from wary fish.

Why Trolling Works

Trolling is versatile and highly effective:

• Covers more water than other fishing methods

• Targets fast, large pelagic fish

• Provides exhilarating reel-screaming runs when fish strike

With the right tackle, spread, and techniques, trolling can be both exciting and highly productive on the Gold Coast.

For those who don’t own a boat or want an expert-guided experience, Gold Coast trolling charters with True Blue Fishing Charters are the perfect way to maximize your chances of hooking big gamefish.