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| This system will allow you twice the dredge pulling power, so you can run double-teasers. |
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Double Dredge Rigging
You want to pull twice as many teasers the next time you head offshore for some billfish or tuna fishing? Of course you do - and with this double dredge rigging system, you can do it without killing your electric reel or wearing out your elbow on a manual rig.
The concept is simple, and it uses basic mechanics to get the job done. Many of us already run a dredge or teaser line through the center ring of an outrigger. Some attach a pulley here, so the line is easier to pull in and out. This is important, because the quicker you can deploy and clear your teasers and dredges, the better you'll be at boosting your catch rate.
On the other hand, more dredges and more teasers equals more fish-attracting power, so there's always a temptation to add a second dredge on the line. But if you run a double dredge it simply creates too much drag - your reel will be grinding to a near-halt, and if you have a manual dredge reel... ouch. The answer? You need to double your pulling power, so you can double your dredges and still get them in and out quickly.
All you need to do to double the power of your system is add a second pulley, at the nose of the dredge. Run the tow line through it, and back to the boat. Yes, this means you'll have to take in a lot more line to bring the dredge in. But since it's so much easier to retrieve, in the long run you'll save time - while enhancing your offshore fishing spread, and hopefully, therefore catching more fish. Now that you have twice as much gear straining the water and attracting those predators, Use these dredge tips to make sure you reach your full potential.
1. When rigging dredges in tandem on a heavy teaser line like this, using two different types of fish-attractors is a good idea. One with flash and one au natural, for example, so no matter how the conditions or the fish's tastes change you'll always be able to attract them. A good combination, for example, is a dredge made of rubber shad bodies in front, with a flashy Strip Teaser pulled behind it.
2. Always place a naked ballyhoo about 10' behind the end of the dredge placed farthest aft - it's amazing how often this bait will get hit.
3. Weight your dredge to get it down deep, but never so deep that you can't see it. You need to be able to monitor that dredge at all times to make sure it's running right, not to mention spotting billfish that approach it.
BONUS TIP: When you believe fish are around but you're not getting strikes, try "prospecting". Use a ballyhoo or a split-tail mullet with an ounce of chin-weight, and as you let it back hold your rod off to the side until the bait swims parallel to, and near the front of, your dredges. Then go into freespool, and allow it to sink for several seconds. When you're sure it's well past the dredge, thumb the spool and wait for the bait to swim back up near the surface. The idea is to make it appear as though the bait is a fish in the "school" which falls behind, then can't keep up. If any predators are eye-balling the dredge, they'll find this bait irresistible.
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