Trolling a Stretch

[SlateDog]

What is the best way to rig a strectch for trolling. Just tie em straight off? And it seems people prefer them way back to avoid waggling into your others? Never tried them before having always stuck to umbrellas, bucktails, etc. Seems like everybody likes to have one out there though based on what I read on the boards.

[dwilliamsceg]

I like to run an 18inch wire leader with a good swivel. This is to prevent cutoffs in case a blue or mack hits it. Also, if you were not aware, there is an optimal speed for depth.....faster is not deeper.

[jrocket567]

I usually tie em onto a 10' 40lb leader to give it some abrasion resistance (over my 15lb main line). Also helps keep them straight when sticking them on leader wheels. You can tweak the eyes on them to help them swim straight if they get crooked, or I just put them behind everything, and if they want to go to the other side of the boat, simply trade off rods with the other longline (be sure they arent the same distance back!)

Some people hate em, and there are days I never want to see one again, but Ive caught too many nice fish on them to ignore em completely. There is usually one in the spread at all times.

Jay

[kevinbaucom]

I second what jay said. I use a 10'-15' 40lb leader and make sure it is WFB!!! Those things will try and find all of your other lines.....but they do catch fish.....I even pull one when I head offshore....have caught wahoo, mahi, etc.. a good all around lure.

[Coan Ranger]

I go direct to the snap swivel at the end of 80# line. Stretch 20 has been most productive.

[Sea King]

I think I'd rather run another umbrella, tandem or even a single parachute. I dont seem to have much luck with the stretch, or tomic for that matter. Maybe I will try again.

[Cap't Steve]

I always have one in the spread, usually two. I have the best luck with the 25's. there have been times when I have ran a whole spread of stretches, well, 4 anyway, There is no doubt that they catch fish. About half of them need Tuning out of the box. If they are tuned properly they will walk side to side about 5-8 feet so the spread needs to be well spaced, none of that "close enough" stuff. Another thing, if you run an inline weight they have a tendacy to spin, especially if you are running over 3.5 knots. I tend to run them on my outside outriggers at 200 & 250' & I think they are running about 15' down. Color can be a big factor as well, if you aren't catching with 'em change colors. One day last fall the fish would only hit black back silvers but that lure was out catching everything else 3 to one.