Tuna Fishing with Spreader Bars

Spreader bars have been around for many years but their popularity has grown tremendously in recent years. The original inventions were expensive versions used to catch giant tuna in the northeast USA. Today anglers have a wide selection of types, sizes and price ranges.

Locally, most spreader bars are rigged with 9-12 plastic squid. Anglers can buy the entire setup pre-rigged or assemble it from components. The are several variations. Some bars utilize all squid while others have a snap on the center daisy chain which accepts a lure. Green machines, tuna clones, ballyhoo rigs or other lures can go on the rig. This variation allows the angler to experiment with various baits and colors. Some anglers even run the spreader with no hook at all and prefer to run a lure just behind it, on a separate rod.

 

 

Off the coast of Delmarva, spreader bars see use on everything from small center consoles, right up to the biggest sportfishermen. Techniques vary with the size and height of the boat and the type of bar. Smaller boats are limited in the number of spreaders and the distance they can run them from the stern. Most small boaters will run 1 or 2 off the stern and in some cases the short rigger. Larger boats can fish the spreader from the short rigger, tower or flat line. In general, the higher the rod's location on the boat, the farther back it can be fished in the spread.

Tuna often crash the spreader, slashing behind it. When this happens the anglers should vigorously jig the rod of the spreader or a daisy chain nearby. Jigging can yield remarkable results but the angler needs to hang on tight as tuna will return and grab the bait at full speed.

Trolling for Tuna

Daisy chains, spreader bars and other rigs for tuna fishing

Spreader Bar Pictures

Rigging Offshore Baits

Rigging and  Fishing Cedar Plugs

Local Fishing Techniques

GPS Coordinates