Which lures are better than others? Is a single hook rig better than a double? Is my trolling speed too fast? Can tag lines improve my hook up percentage? These are just a few questions most of us immediately ask ourselves when we miss a marlin bite and our hook-up percentage is not what we think it should be.

Lets start with what is a good hook up average when lure fishing for Blue Marlin. If you average 50% or better you should be writing this article. Catching 1 out of every 2 marlin bites with your lures is above average. The reality is that most of you average closer to 33% on bites to catch ratio. Think about it, is your average higher than catching 1 out of 3 marlin on your lures, probably not?

Here are some basic choices you will need to consider if you want to move up the ladder to 40%, or better with your hook-up ratio.

1. Trolling speed and lure behavior. This is probably one of the most important factors making sure your lures are running right. Its no secret that most of you troll around 8.5 to 9.5 knots for blue marlin. This is an ideal speed if sea conditions are accommodating. The biggest tip I can offer here is to keep your lures swimming smoothly, avoid letting them get out of control, spinning or jumping out of the water. Skipping them just under or on the surface is good. Each lure will have different running characteristics but your mind set should be so that you are giving the marlin the best chance at attacking your lure spread as possible. So if you find yourself trolling along in choppy water, remember to find a speed that will keep the lures in the water this usually means slowing down, switching to trolling a weighted slant, 90 degree head or jet headed lures.

On slick calm days you will have more options than you will during difficult weather such as different trolling speeds as well a larger variety of heads will work on those beautiful calm days of summer.

2. Finding the best hook rig. This is another debatable issue and one that will continue for years, but the latest trend is using single semi-stiff hook rigs with a tuna bend hook. Matching your lure with the proper size hook and placement can make a significant improvement in your hook-up percentage. A good rule of thumb is to choose a hook size that is similar to the lure head making sure the hook width is not larger than your lure head width. Position the hook so that it is as far back in the skirt as legally possible. Meaning that the point of the hook barb should be just outside of the skirt area and the hook eye must be within the skirt area.

3. Improve your lure spread. Choose lures that have a history of being successful in a particular area that you are fishing. Use colors for example- in the Bahamas, blue and pink is a productive combination. In the Carolinas blue and white is historically the locals color of choice, and in the Virgin Islands, black and purple is a favorite.

Basically, you need to become familiar with what has worked in the different regions you are fishing. Be sure to ask around the dock, sometimes a particular lure will seem to out perform all others. If you are lucky enough to be in the know, you can benefit with more releases at the end of the day and a higher hook-up percentage.

Finally, just follow through with common sense and tweak away. You would be well advised to keep a personal fishing journal. After you gain enough experience you will become the expert and know of other ways to increase your own hook-up ratio. By keeping accurate records you will soon learn more about your performance, which in return will sooner or later enable you to address your techniques in a more useful and comprehensive manner.

Aloha, Great fishing
Captain Bart Miller