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SALTWATER RIG LIBRARY

Spreader Bar

A rigid bar trolled offshore with rows of rubber squid hanging from it, so it looks like a school of squid at the surface. A hooked squid or bait trails down the middle.

Best forYellowfin & blackfin tuna, mahi
WhereBlue water, schools of tuna
MethodOffshore trolling
DifficultyModerate
Spreader Bar — BigJoe rig illustration
Leader + swivelSpreader barTeaser squid chainsCenter chain + hooked trailer

Rig diagram (component order)

Spreader Bar: Leader + swivel, Spreader bar, Teaser squid chains, Center chain + hooked trailer

Step-by-step how-to

Spreader Bar — BigJoe step-by-step graphic
BigJoe step-by-step graphic

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Start with the bar: arms of equal length, rings at each end.

  2. 2

    Attach the 130–200 lb leader to the center through a swivel.

  3. 3

    Hang a daisy chain of 4–6 squid from each arm.

  4. 4

    Run a longer center chain with the hooked squid or ballyhoo last.

  5. 5

    Set it from a short rigger or the stern so it skips and splashes.

  6. 6

    Troll 5–7 knots. When a tuna hits the trailer, keep the boat moving.

BigJoe Tips

  • Spreader bars pull hard; use a heavy rod and a harness.
  • Run them close to the boat in the white water of the wake.
  • Hookless bars work as teasers to raise fish to other baits.
  • Check rules: some areas limit the number of hooks on one line.

Variations

  • Swap squid for small shell squid or mackerel-style baits.
  • Bird bar or splash bar in front for extra commotion.
  • Shorter, lighter bars for blackfin and mahi.
  • Green machine squid for yellowfin.

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Target Species

Yellowfin tunaThunnus albacaresBlackfin tunaThunnus atlanticusMahi-mahiCoryphaena hippurusLittle tunnyEuthynnus alletteratus