The best offshore trips start the night before. Running through a tackle checklist at the dock means no scrambling for a missing gaff or a dull hook when fish show up. Use this list as a starting point and adapt it to your boat and target species.
Rods and reels
- Rods rinsed, guides and roller guides checked
- Reels spooled, topshots inspected
- Strike drag set with a scale. See trolling reel drag settings.
- Clickers working
- Spare rod and reel ready
Lures
- Spread selected for your target species
- Backups in different sizes and colors
- Skirts in good condition
- Lures for different conditions: bright and dark, large and small
Leaders and rigs
- Pre-rigged leaders for each lure
- Extra leader material, crimps, and sleeves
- Wire leaders if wahoo are possible
- Hooks sharpened or replaced. See how to sharpen trolling hooks.
Terminal tackle
- Ball-bearing snap swivels
- Spare hooks in several sizes
- Chafe gear and springs
- Trolling weights or planers if fishing deep
Outriggers and teasers
- Halyards checked for wear
- Release clips set to the right tension
- Teasers and dredges rigged and untangled
Cockpit tools
- Gaffs, sharp and covered
- Gloves, pliers, and cutters
- Knife and fish bat
- Crimping tool
- Fighting belt or harness
- Fish bag or cooler with plenty of ice
Bait and extras
- Ballyhoo or pitch baits if using them
- Spinning rod rigged for casting at fish near the boat
Safety
Tackle is only part of the prep. Make sure the boat and safety gear are ready using our offshore fishing safety checklist.
Need to restock lures? Browse our offshore trolling lures.
