Trolling for Blues and Strippers

[Seanm22]

I recieved an umbrella rig as a gift recently and I will probably use it, but I had a couple of quick questions:

It didn't have a "trailing" lure on it, does it matter what I put on it?

How heavy a line would you recommend?

Thanks for any info!

[cowkiller]

Umbrella rigs are a good tool for catching bass and blues.The proper way to fish them is on wire line trolling rod, But with the new technology of braided line this is becoming the NEW WAY.Usally they are fished from 15-40 feet of water trolling around5 knots or so.You can also add a drail for added weight.
If the rig doesnt have a Trailer its no big deal, but if you want to add one , just tie one on with some heavy mono and let it two feet behind the rig.

Try 50lb Braided line or use the old school 50lb monel wire marked every 50 feet.On the wire for every 100 feet of wire you let out the rig goes down 10 feet. With the braid you would have to experiment a little on depth control.,,,joe

[Seanm22]

Thanks Joe, I'll use your advice on the braided line. I just thought of another question, does the color of the tubes matter? The ones on my rig are translucent white with red tails, and the teasers are red. What works best? Should I use something different for bass than I use for blues? Same question for the trailer, something different for bass vs blues?

Thanks again!

[cowkiller]

The colors dont make a difference to much, but mostly all the colors work well. Same for trailer.The rigs were made to catch bass and blues. Sometimes weakfish or fluke will grab them as well,,,joe

[aboutime2]

Lets hear it for old school trolling. Pulling in a few blues or bass on 50lb monel is a great way to break in the greenhorns in your crew.

[reeldeely]

I can feel my forearms burning already

[Alberto]

On one umbrella rig, 4 gorilla blues, penn senator and all wire line... My arms burned for the rest of the trip.....:D:D