High trolling differences between the OBX and Florida (Wahoo)

[aero993]

A friend from the OBX stopped by and we started talking about fishing (high speed trolling). I told him that I was new to it and that I had several lures the were rigged with 49 strand cable. My lures have double hooks.
Here is how they are rigged
1)Snap swivel attached to my main line.
2)Thimble from trolling sinker connected to swivel from main line.
3)Snap swivel from trolling sinker connected to thimble from shock leader.
4)Snap swivel from shock leader connected to loop on lure.
5) Lure attached via snap swivel

I have a few buddies that targets Wahoo down in the OBX. They tell me, that I should be using only one hook. They also say that my hook is sticking out a little too far. There seems to be different schools of thought between Florida and NC. I also recall them saying that I didn't need such a long shock leader (20 feet). The drags is set so that the line does not creep off while being trolled. I have had several hits but no hookups. Using two different lures made by different manufactures. The first lure, the bottom hook extended past the skirt. The second lure, the skirt hid the bottom hook.

[BahamaLure]

Aero, sounds like your rig is right for 12-20 kts. The back hook should have just the eye in the skirts, the rest swinging in the breeze or the skirts will tangle or impale themselves on the hook point and interfere with the hook up. The lure itself should be 15" long approx.

As far as I know the guys up this way on the OBX do not go as fast as the guys in Fl or Bahamas so their rigs do not have to be quite as radical. They can use smaller lures with different hook sets and stealthier rigs overall, the faster you go the less stealthy you have to be.

[WahooKing]

Aero

It appears you are on the right path with your high speed tackle...Alan is spot on about that back hook...Wahoo will slice and dice there meals....its in their nature...Ever seen a trolled Ballyhoo cut right before the back hook?
Set them hooks back so the bottom hook's point is just touching skirts or hairs end...And your hook-up % will increase...Its one advantage we have over the naturals.

When the fish hits, keep going at your same speed...I wait for a 10 sec. count then slowly bring the trottles down...Always keep the boat in gear throughout the whole fight...If not, the fish can potientially dart forward, shake her head, and throw them hooks...Keeping max pressure on fish with boat is key.

This article should pretty much sum it up:
http://wahooking.com/articles.html

Anthony
Ace Fishing Lures

[aero993]

WahooKing,

That hoo shredded my brand new lure that I got from you. The fact that I got hit, says that the lure is doing it's job. How hard is it to replace the hair on one of your lures? I have read that article many times, thanks.

Anthony