Trolling speeds in offshore fishing vary considerably depending on the species being pursued, the type of lure or bait in use, and the conditions on the water. Every offshore predator reacts best to a specific speed range that imitates the movement of its natural prey, making speed selection one of the most important factors in successful trolling. Different fish require different presentations, and understanding these nuances allows anglers to fine-tune their approach and maximize their chances of hooking up.
Tuna, including yellowfin, bluefin, blackfin, and bigeye, respond well to moderate to fast trolling speeds. Most tuna lures, such as plugs and skirted baits, perform best between five and nine knots. However, tuna can also be encountered during high-speed trolling—typically in the 12-to-18-knot range—when anglers are covering ground or targeting wahoo, which often strike the same spread. Mahi-mahi, another pelagic species known for its aggressive feeding behavior, prefer speeds of six to eight knots, especially when chasing skirted ballyhoo, small feathers, and other fast-moving offerings.
Wahoo, among the fastest fish in the ocean, are uniquely targeted with true high-speed trolling techniques. Dedicated wahoo anglers commonly fish at speeds between 14 and 20 knots using heavy lures, planers, and deep-diving plugs. When trolling at more conventional tuna speeds of six to nine knots, wahoo often strike incidentally. Marlin—blue, black, and striped—tend to favor a steady mid-range speed around seven to nine knots. Because marlin spreads rely heavily on teasers and large lures that must run cleanly, holding a consistent speed in this range is essential.
Some offshore species, such as sailfish, demand a more subtle and natural presentation. Sailfish trolling is typically done at slower speeds, between four and six knots, particularly when rigged ballyhoo or live bait is used. King mackerel display a similar sensitivity to presentation: while they will hit artificial lures at four to seven knots, they are most consistently taken on slow-trolled live bait in the one-to-two-knot range. Spanish mackerel and barracuda, often encountered on similar grounds, tend to strike best at speeds between five and seven knots using spoons, small planers, and tube lures.
Even certain bottom-oriented species can be targeted by trolling when conditions and structure allow. Grouper and snapper may be caught on large, deep-diving plugs worked at two to four knots, a method often used when bump-trolling along ledges, reefs, or rock piles.
In general, faster trolling speeds appeal to pelagic predators such as tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo, while slower speeds are better suited to bait-focused species like sailfish, king mackerel, and various bottom fish. Sea conditions play an important role as well; rough water may require slowing down to maintain proper lure action. Likewise, each lure type operates best within a specific speed window, as deep-divers, skirted rigs, and shallower-running plugs all have their own ideal ranges.
Offshore Trolling Speed Table – Here’s a general guideline for trolling speeds for various fish species:
| Species | Typical Speed (knots) | Lure/Bait Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin/Bluefin/Blackfin Tuna | 5–9 kt / 5-10 mph | Feathers, cedar plugs, skirted lures, ballyhoo | Fast presentations trigger reaction strikes. |
| Tuna (High-Speed Coverage) | 12–18 kt / 14-20 mph | Heavy lures, high-speed skirts | Not targeted widely, but effective for covering water; wahoo often incidental. |
| Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin) | 6–8 kt / 7-9 mph | Small skirts, ballyhoo, chuggers | Mahi chase fast-moving prey. |
| Wahoo (High-Speed Trolling) | 14–20 kt / 16-23 mph | Planers, deep-running lures, heavy bullet heads | Classic high-speed wahoo technique. |
| Wahoo (Standard Trolling) | 6–9 kt / 7-10 mph | Skirted ballyhoo, plugs | Often caught while tuna trolling. |
| Blue/Black/Striped Marlin | 7–9 kt / 8-10 mph | Large lures, spreader bars, dredges | Speed must be consistent to keep teasers running clean. |
| Sailfish | 4–6 kt / 4-7 mph | Rigged ballyhoo, live bait | Natural presentation is key. |
| King Mackerel (Kings) | 4–7 kt / 4-8 mph | Spoons, plugs, ribbonfish | Reaction-speed hits; vary speed often. |
| King Mackerel (Slow-Trolled Live Bait) | 1–2 kt / 1-2 mph | Blue runners, menhaden, mullet | Slow, natural swimming draws big kings. |
| Spanish Mackerel | 5–7 kt / 6-8 mph | Spoons, small planers, mackerel trees | Small, flashy baits work well at speed. |
| Bonito/False Albacore | 6–8 kt / 7-11 mph | Feathers, spoons | Often mixed with mahi or tuna spreads. |
| Barracuda | 5–7 kt / 6-8 mph | Tube lures, flashy plugs | Frequently caught while trolling for kings. |
| Grouper (Trolled Plugs) | 2–4 kt / 2-4 mph | Deep-diving lipped plugs | Used when trolling around reefs/ledges. |
| Snapper (Trolled Plugs) | 2–4 kt / 2-4 mph | Diving plugs | Rare technique, but effective on certain reefs. |