Artificial Squid, Daisy Chains

and Spreader Bars

For Tuna Fishing.

This page describes a few basic rigs and variations using artificial squid in fishing for tuna, billfish and other offshore fish.

Artificial squid have been utilized for many years but their use has really mushroomed along the mid -Atlantic coast in the last decade. Squid can be rigged individually, in daisy chains, spreader bars and dredges. Some anglers use them strictly as a teaser but most are now rigged to catch fish.

One of the easiest and most productive rigs is the squid daisy chain. 4-7 squid are rigged on a leader with a snap at the rear. The squid can be rigged inline or can branch off from the main leader. Attached to the rear snap is a favorite lure, be it a rigged ballyhoo, green machine or other artificial lure.

 

 

Spreader bars have become increasingly popular and sometimes catch fish when nothing else seems to work. There are several variations but the basic rig employs a metal bar which holds 3-5 rows of daisy chains of lures, usually traditional style or bulb squid. Small birds are sometimes added on or in front of the bar itself. The center daisy chain may terminate with an armed squid or employ a snap which accepts a variety of lures.

Tuna will often slash at the daisy chain or spreader and can be spotted by the angler. An alert crew member can greatly improve success by quickly jigging the rod when a fish appears in the wake. This technique can be deadly and often will draw a strike from the fickle fish.

Offshore fishing using spreader bars

Spreader Bar Pictures

Rigging and Fishing Cedar Plugs

Trolling for Tuna

Local Fishing Techniques

GPS Coordinates