UPDATED July 2008

Slow trolling for Tuna (2 to 3kts) is not new for many areas. However off the East Coast of the USA, its not a normal sight. That is, until now. We started slow trolling and perfecting the dredge and other deep Draggin' Lures over the past few years. This year I did several Offshore Seminars at fishing clubs, and introduced the tactic during our at Sea Seminars. Many just couldn't comprehend trolling for tuna at anything less than 5kts. This year, it is just about the only way you can consistantly hook into BIG Blue Fin that are hugging the cool water on the bottom. The RDT Sport Dredge has proven to be MUST have tackle.

This year we have really put the dredge to the test, with the help of Anglers like Capt Tom on the Sea Shell, and Capt's Joe and Mike on the MuFF Diver. Their input has resulted in a few changes that are in place and shipping now. I have highlighted the changes below.

The Reel Draggin' Tackle Umbrella Sport Dredge is a 9 " diameter heavy duty six arm umbrella rig. It is fitted with six teaser lines on the tips. Each teaser line is 16 inches long and fitted with Two artificial 4" to 6" baits. The center line is thirty six inches of 200# Momoi Blue Diamond line fitted with two matching artificial baits. The last bait in this line has an offshore loop knot for connecting your stinger of choice, or simply run it as a teaser. Each kit comes with a matching stinger, packed in a FREE Black Mesh tackle bag.

The Sport Dredge was designed to be pulled as a hooked bait. The small diameter dredge and light weight squid make these excellent choices to run from the corner positions. To be successfull on deep blue fin, you have to get the rig deep. We have been slow trolling at 2 to 3Kts, lowering the dredges down to below 100 feet. Ya need to get the dredge down to the fish. Don't hesitate to pull the boat out of gear as you go over the fish.

This Blue Fin Tuna was one of three hooked on this day, the were all between 43" and 46".