Saltwater Series - Trolling For Lingcod

Jigging has long been a go-to method for catching lingcod along British Columbia’s west coast. However, an innovative trolling technique is gaining traction. This approach involves using Rapala’s hybrid baits like the X-Rap Otus 25 as well as the CrushCity Heavy Hitter 5-1/2-inch soft plastic swimbait behind downriggers, and is very effective for lingcod and other large bottom-dwelling predators.

For Kyle Bryan, RapalaVMC Canada’s Western Account Executive, trolling offers a more efficient way to cover water compared to vertical jigging. By trolling, anglers can cover more ground with greater efficiency and, subsequently, increase their chances of catching more fish.

Bryan’s trolling speeds for lingcod typically range from 1-1/2 to 2 miles per hour, and target depths can vary from 20 to 150 feet. Consistently catching lingcod requires careful attention to sonar and GPS data, along with frequent downrigger depth adjustments to keep the bait swimming 5 to 10 feet off the bottom.

“We really need to be confident in the area that we’re fishing in terms of where the rises and drop-offs are with the structure,” Bryan said. “We’re trolling with downriggers and don’t want to get hooked up on any of the pinnacles or anything like that, so we are always watching our sonar for bottom depth, where the boat is and its depth, and our downriggers’ depth. Then constantly moving the downriggers up and down as the contour of the ocean changes.”

Making depth adjustments often gives a bait an erratic action and, in turn, can trigger strikes.  Similarly, directional and slight speed changes resulting from boat turns make a bait move erratically, which entices lingcod.

The X-Rap Otus 25 is a 9-3/4-inch, hybrid bait that combines Rapala’s fish-catching X-Rap construction with a colour-matched soft, PVC curl tail (spare tail included). Bryan explains, “The great thing about the Otus is that it swims like a Rapala, and isn’t just a soft-bait with a floppy tail.”

As it’s pulled through the water, the X-Rap Otus’ body creates an enticing side-to-side rolling motion, while its large tail pulses and produces vibrations. Reducing trolling speed causes the wafting tail to act as a parachute, stabilizing the lure as it slowly swims towards the bottom. All of which is very alluring to opportunistic predator fish.

This lure is built tough and can withstand multiple attacks from large, powerful gamefish with toothy mouths, like lingcod. As part of the X-Rap family, the Otus features rugged ABS construction. The tail securely attaches to the body with a 6-point stainless steel plate. It’s also equipped with strong, ultra-sharp VMC Coastal Black Treble Hooks.

Upon receiving early samples of the upsized Heavy Hitter, Bryan and other BC Rapala pro-staff immediately started using it on downrigger trolling spreads, rigging it on a 1- or 1-1/2-ounce VMC Grip-R Extra Heavy Jig. This 5-1/2-inch swimbait has a large profile, aggressive action, and good vibration output — all good characteristics for getting the attention of predators.

“This is a technique that you can use larger CrushCity 5-1/2-inch Heavy Hitter to target these species,” Bryan said. “Lingcod are notoriously devastating to plastic baits. The added durability of Super TPE makes the Heavy Hitter last longer.”

Tip: Bryan and others have also found success trolling other baits. Some include the X-Rap Peto 20, another hybrid bait, which has a boot-shaped tail that delivers a wide tail-kicking action, and the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 20 or 30.

“Some of the top colours for the X-Rap Otus are Hot Tiger Pike and Peacock,” Bryan said. “Both of these have an orange tail, which seems to be a preferred colour for lingcod. I’m not sure if that’s based on other, smaller rock fish or other species, but a green-orange colour combo seems to be popular with lingcod.”

Reliable Heavy Hitter colours for lingcod and other bottom-dwelling gamefish found along BC’s coastline are Perch, Baitfish, Neon Pearl, and Glow Shad. Bryan recommends trolling darker-coloured baits in murky, dark water, and brighter baits when the water’s clear.

“We essentially use the same rod and reel combination for lingcod that we use for salmon out here on the west coast,” Bryan said. “You can use a mooching or downrigger rod with a mooching reel with whatever line you have on that reel, whether that’s 30-pound mono or 50- to 65-pound braid.”

Specific products meeting this criterion include the following:

Gear: Luhr-Jensen Legacy 10’6” Medium Mooching Rod, Luhr-Jensen Legacy 9’ Downrigger Rod, Luhr Jensen Legacy Mooching Reel