Tuna often feed on tightly packed schools of small bait. A single lure can look lonely compared to that. A spreader bar solves the problem by presenting a whole cluster of baits in one line, with a hooked lure trailing behind. It is one of the most effective tools for yellowfin and bluefin tuna, especially when fish are keyed in on small baitfish or squid.
What is a spreader bar?
A spreader bar is a rigid bar, usually 24 to 60 inches wide, with short leaders hanging off it. Each leader holds a teaser, often a squid or small soft bait. In the middle, a longer leader trails behind the bar with a hooked lure called the stinger. To a tuna, it looks like a small, panicked school with one straggler.
Sizes
- Small bars (24 to 36 inches): easier to pull, good for school tuna and smaller boats.
- Large bars (42 to 60 inches): more visual attraction for big bluefin and yellowfin, but they create more drag and need heavier tackle.
Rigging the stinger
The stinger trails a few feet behind the bar. It can be a matching squid with a hook, a small resin lure, or a bullet. Make sure the stinger runs straight and is the most visible, accessible target. Use a heavy mono or fluorocarbon leader and a strong single hook.
Trolling speed
Spreader bars are usually pulled slower than lure spreads, around 5 to 7 knots. Too fast and the bar skips or tumbles. You want the teasers to swim just under the surface with an occasional splash.
Where to run them
Run spreader bars from the corners or short riggers, close enough to the boat that the bar stays planted. Many crews run one or two bars along with regular lures on the riggers and shotgun. Heavy bars should go on stout rods in solid holders.
Tackle
Because bars create drag, use 50 to 80 lb class or heavier outfits. A heavy bar can bend a light rod enough to make bite detection difficult.
Spreader bars vs daisy chains
Daisy chains string teasers in a line, one behind another. Spreader bars present them side by side. Bars give a wider, fuller school profile; chains are lighter and easier to pull. Both work. See how to rig a daisy chain for comparison.
For more tuna spreads, read our tuna trolling spread example and best tuna trolling lures.
