all kits
ready-made kit · advanced
ocean trolling (blue marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna)
Boat fishing at the shelf edge and in open sea, trolling artificial or natural baits at speed, after marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna.
SeaTrolling
| item | specification | why |
|---|---|---|
| rod Trolling rods | 30–50 lb class (mahi-mahi, tuna) and 50–80 lb (marlin) | Each class of fish calls for a class of gear. |
| baitcasting reel Lever-drag reels | same class as the rod; two speeds help | Progressive and repeatable drag in long fights. |
| line Line for the class | 30–80 lb mono, or braid with a mono top shot, 500 m or more | Marlin strip hundreds of meters on the first run. |
| leader Crimped leaders | 100–400 lb mono, 4 to 8 m; wire for wahoo | Marlin's bill and wahoo's teeth. |
| bait/lure Trolling lures | 20–30 cm skirted heads, large lip plugs and rigged natural bait | Cover different speeds and depths. |
| bait/lure Teasers | teaser without hook and a row of baits (daisy chain) | Attract the billfish close to the hooked baits. |
| terminal tackle Trolling snaps, crimps and loop protectors | reinforced, stainless | Rig that holds up a 100 kg fish. |
| accessory Fighting belt and vest, gloves and gaff | thick glove for pulling the leader | Fight without injury and safely land the fish you will keep. |
| electronics Sounder, GPS and VHF | sonar with surface temperature; fixed VHF with DSC | Find temperature breaks and stay in contact in open sea. |
| safety Safety equipment | life jackets, flares and life raft as required by the Navy for the area | Open sea, far from help. |
budget
- basic
- R$4,000–7,000
- intermediate
- R$10,000–20,000
- advanced
- R$40,000+
Reference prices in reais (2026), no brand recommended.
tips
- The budget is for a personal set of two rods and baits; on most trips the boat provides the heavy gear. Confirm before buying.
- Look for current lines, changes in water color, floating logs, sargassum and working birds.
- Practice catch and release with marlin and sailfish: keep the fish in the water and release it with the boat moving slowly.
- Leave your navigation plan with someone on shore.
