The Best Dredge Baits for Pelagic Fish
When fishing in blue water for pelagics such as marlin or sailfish,
it is crucial to troll a spread that will grab a billfish's attention
and raise it from the depths. While teasers, daisy chains, and spreader
bars still play an important role, it is essential to deploy dredges if
you want to land more billfish.
When it comes to your trolling spread, selecting the proper baits is among the most essential tasks. Whether you’re fishing for fun or a seasoned tournament angler, fishing a dredge is the key to raising pelagics and tournament-winning billfish. The dredge's sole responsibility is to attract fish by mimicking a school of baitfish, so ensuring you’ve got the right bait for your target species is critical.... it is essential to deploy dredges if you want to land more billfish ...
With so many different options, in this blog, we'll explore the different types of dredge baits, their advantages, some rigging tips, and the types of fish you can expect to attract.
Natural vs. Artificial
Once upon a time, the answer was simple: natural baits all day. However, with advances in artificial lure technology, the true answer now depends on your preference and exactly what species you’re going after. While it is hard to argue against a dredge rigged with all-natural baits, artificial dredges are more economical and resilient. Here is a breakdown of the primary natural and artificial baits to rig on your dredge.Natural Baits
Nothing beats the real thing, right? If a dredge is to simulate a school of baitfish, then it makes total sense to match the hatch and rig them up with real bait. Make sure you have the appropriate dredge and rigging materials if you choose this route. Natural baits provide a realistic look, smell, and movement, making them highly effective. Don’t be afraid to marry both worlds and dress your natural baits with a nice-looking skirt as they attach to your dredge. Ballyhoo
You can’t mention trolling for pelagics without bringing up ballyhoo. These small fish have a long, narrow beak, are 6 to 15 inches long, and are abundant in the tropical waters of the Atlantic.
Most commonly, ballyhoo are attached to your dredge using a pin rig with a 1.5 to 2-ounce chin weight. It is important to cut the pectoral fins on each side and make a small incision to empty the contents of the fish’s stomach; this will help it present more naturally.
You can expect to attract marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo when ballyhoo are attached to your dredge. Mullet
Mullet are another mainstay when it comes to natural baits on dredges. They are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the East Coast and range from 3 to 20 inches long. Mullet are durable baitfish that can last hours and sometimes days attached to a dredge.
To attach a mullet to your dredge, you’ll use a pin rig similar to the ballyhoo, with the exception of a 3-ounce chin weight. Instead of the nose spring, you’ll have to wrap rigging floss to allow the fish to swim true.
Using a dredge with large mullet is a surefire way to raise a white marlin. Spanish Mackerel
Also known as marlin candy, Spanish Mackerel is an excellent choice for dredge baits. These colorful, fast fish have a greenish back with a silver side and yellow or olive spots on each side. They swim in schools and can be caught in the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern seaboard.
Secure your Spanish Mackerel to the dredge using a pin rig with a 3-ounce chin weight. Like rigging the mullet, you’ll use rigging floss, making wraps along the spin and belly of the fish.
There’s a reason marlin lures come in mackerel patterns. Loading your dredge with Spanish Mackerel will bring the marlin to you.
Artificial Lures
Don’t be fooled; using artificial lures is a great idea for setting up your dredge. Technological advances have made lures incredibly lifelike and, in some cases, more effective than natural bait. additionally, artificial baits are more durable, customizable, and reusable, making them an economical choice in the long run. They also tend to be lighter, allowing you to increase your trolling speed and avoid bait washout.
There are three basic categories of artificial baits for your dredge: soft plastic lures, trolling strips or stick baits, and mudflaps. Throw together a bunch to make a massive baitball appearance, or mix and match. Soft Plastic Lures
The versatility of lures made out of soft plastic allows lure manufacturers to create a lure that looks exactly like a natural baitfish. They come in various colors and sizes, allowing anglers to choose the best match for the target species. `
While you can find or make a soft plastic lure for any situation, squid, mullet, and dredge shad take the cake for the most popular dredge lures.
Understanding what natural bait is available can help you make a decision as to which soft plastics to place on your dredge.
Trolling Strips and Stick Baits
Like soft plastic lures, trolling strips allow anglers to create an artificial presentation that mimics natural forage. Trolling strips or teasers are laminated holographic mylar strips in a line. They contain baitfish patterns like mullet, squid, ballyhoo, or bonito and really come to life underwater. The holographics replicate the appearance of a pulsating bait ball.
Stick baits are another excellent choice to fill your dredge. They function like the trolling strips, except stick baits are individually cut-out mylar strips, typically in the shape of a larger baitfish. Mudflaps
In the artificial world, nothing raises tournament-winning billfish like a dredge stocked with tuna mudflaps. These cutouts are made from premium rubber and, when rigged together on a dredge, simulate the unmistakable silhouette of a small tuna school, a marlin’s treasure. Don’t let their simple design sway you; these things work. They come in various sizes and are available as flying fish as well.
