Sailboat Trolling Guide: Best Lures and Speeds for Mahi-Mahi & Tuna

Catching fish under sail isn’t just about luck — with the right lures and trolling speeds, sailors can turn long passages into fresh-catch meals. Unlike powerboats, most cruising yachts average 4–8 knots, which means we need lures that run true at sailing speeds. This guide explains how to choose the right lures and how fast to troll when targeting mahi-mahi, tuna, and other pelagic fish.

Trolling Speeds for Sailboats

• Mahi-Mahi (Dorado): 

  These fast, colorful fish often strike at 5–7 knots. Fast, flashy lures like squid skirts or bullet heads work best, Mahi are opportunistic hunters.

• Tuna (Yellowfin, Albacore, Skipjack, Smaller Bluefin): 

  Best at 6–10 knots, but plenty of sailors hook tuna while cruising at 5–7 knots. Tuna are powerful and fast — they’ll hit at sailing speeds that most other fish won’t. Deep-diving minnows or feathered bullet lures are strong choices

• Bonito & Mackerel: 

  Smaller pelagic fish take lighter lures at moderate speeds. Great for easy meals on a coastal sail. Strike between 4–6 knots.

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💡 Tip: If your boat speed drops in light wind, swap to smaller lures closer to the surface, they still look natural at slow speeds.

Choosing the Right Lures

1. Deep-Diving Minnows

• Run steady between 5–8 knots.

• Great for tuna and bonito.

• Example: Strong wobble, dives 6–9 m.

2. Shallow Divers

• Work well at slower speeds (4–6 knots).

• Ideal for sailboats in light air.

• Target species: mackerel, dorado, small tuna.

3. Bullet Resin Head Lures with Feather Skirts

• Streamlined for higher speeds at 6 knots and higher.

• Attract tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.

4. Cup-Face & Chugger Lures (Soft Skirted)

• Splash and bubble trail makes them effective at 4–7 knots.

• Excellent for mahi-mahi around floating debris.

5. Resin Head Squid Lures (6–9 inch)

• Work across the full sailboat speed range.

• Durable and versatile — a must-have for offshore passages.

6. Daisy Chains

• Multiple teasers with no hooks, followed by a lure.

• Very effective at attracting mahi-mahi and tuna.

Rigging & Leaders

For sailboats, simple setups work best:

• Leader: 2–3 m of fluorocarbon (50kg depending on target).

• Snap swivel with bearing: Makes changing lures easier and removes all twists that could accure in the line.

  
  

  Sailboats have limited stern space — a clean spread avoids tangles, its a better practice to use some teaser to attract more fish.

  
  

Final Word

Fishing under sail is about simplicity, patience and always having a lure out. With the right lures chosen for sailing speeds, every passage offers the chance for a fresh catch.

⚠️ Always check local fishing regulations, especially for tuna and protected species.