Two Schools of Thought on the Open Ocean
Ask ten offshore anglers which technique reigns supreme, and you'll get a spirited debate. Trolling and jigging both produce trophy fish — but they work best under different conditions, for different species, and suit different styles of angler. Understanding when and why to use each method can dramatically increase your success rate on the water.
Trolling: Cover Water, Find Fish
Trolling involves dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat, typically at speeds between 5 and 12 knots. It's the go-to method for covering large areas of open water and intercepting pelagic species like mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlin.
When Trolling Works Best
- When fish are scattered and you need to locate them
- Targeting fast, aggressive surface feeders (mahi-mahi, skipjack tuna)
- Working current edges, weed lines, and temperature breaks
- When conditions are calm to moderate (waves under 1.5 m)
Trolling Setup Basics
A typical offshore trolling spread includes 4–6 lines set at varying distances and depths. Outriggers extend lines wider, reducing tangles and presenting a more natural, spread-out pattern. Key lure types include:
- Skirted lures: Rubber or vinyl skirts over a lead head — effective for tuna and mahi
- Rigged natural baits: Ballyhoo, mackerel, or squid rigged to swim naturally
- Diving plugs: Hard-bodied lures that dive to a set depth, effective for wahoo
Jigging: Go Vertical, Go Deep
Jigging involves dropping a weighted metal lure — a "jig" — to the desired depth and working it vertically with a rhythmic lift-and-drop or high-speed retrieve. It's a more active, physical technique that's exploded in popularity, especially in Japan where slow pitch jigging and speed jigging are refined arts.
When Jigging Works Best
- Targeting bottom and mid-water column species: yellowtail (buri), amberjack, snapper
- Fishing over seamounts, reefs, and known structure
- When surface action is slow but fish are marked on sonar
- Rough conditions where maintaining trolling speed is difficult
Jigging Styles Compared
| Style | Action | Target Species | Jig Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Jigging (Hi-Pitch) | Fast, aggressive lifts | Tuna, amberjack, mahi | 100–300 g |
| Slow Pitch Jigging | Slow, wide, falling action | Grouper, snapper, deep species | 150–500 g |
| Shore Jigging | Long casts, varied retrieve | Yellowtail, bluefish | 40–120 g |
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Trolling | Jigging |
|---|---|---|
| Physical effort | Low (once set up) | High (continuous action) |
| Area covered | Very large | Focused/vertical |
| Best depth | Surface to mid-water | Mid-water to bottom |
| Setup cost | Higher (outriggers, multiple rods) | Lower (single rod focus) |
| Skill ceiling | Moderate | Very high |
Which Should You Start With?
For beginners heading offshore for the first time, trolling is more forgiving. Once lines are set, the boat does much of the work. Jigging rewards technique and persistence — it's a skill that takes time to develop but pays off with highly targeted, exciting catches.
The best offshore anglers typically master both. Troll to find the fish, then anchor or drift and jig once you've located a productive area. These techniques complement each other beautifully on a full day offshore.
Safety Note
Regardless of technique, always check local regulations, maintain proper safety equipment, and file a float plan before heading offshore. Ocean conditions change rapidly, especially in the waters around Japan where typhoon season demands extra caution from June through October.