How to Catch and Troll Blue Runners (Hardtails) for Kingfish 

Blue runners are great baits to use for trolling for King Mackerel. Today we couldn't find bait along the beach so we went offshore to jig up baits. When we started jigging up baits we found that there were Blue Runner (Hardtails) down below. To catch Blue Runner you need a bigger sabiki rig than if you were trying to catch Cigar Minnows or Threadfin Herring. It also helps to have a stronger reel to crank them in with. Blue Runners are bigger stronger baits so trolling these may mean that you catch less small fish. The fish that you do catch can be really nice fish. These baits are premiere baits to have when tournament fishing for Kingfish. You can troll them faster and they live great in your livewell.
After catching the bait we started trolling for them in the same area. We caught several Kingfish and even had an excited Hammerhead Shark busting through our spread.
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Blue Runner Sabiki Rig: amzn.to/2Pzk7ph
Luna Sea Cush-It Floating Rod Butt Cushion: amzn.to/2Y1GFkX
Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50 Moisturizer:
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Sea Anchor Drift Sock (we use two and shut off 1 motor to go slow enough for the live bait) amzn.to/2zkYLUl
For most baits I use 40lb camo wire that is NON-COATED. amzn.to/2S7dYUD
Spro Power Swivel-Pack of 50 (Black, Size 6) amzn.to/2Gf4Nuc
Sea Anchor Drift Sock (we use two and shut off 1 motor to go slow enough for the live bait) amzn.to/2zkYLUl
Below are some links to the hooks I like.
I typically use a #6 treble hook when fishing with pogeys (menhaden) or ribbonfish.
If I am using Blue Runners or Goggle Eyes in a tournament I might go up to a #4 hook though. amzn.to/2MLoj2K amzn.to/2G5gHYn
Most reels I use are TLD 20's. These are great all around reels though for Kingfish a reel with a faster retrieve is more ideal, like a torque, fathom, or speed master. amzn.to/2ltpYk5
Kingfish Rig Bag (Regular) amzn.to/2LnWOvZ
Insulated Fish Bag we use: click.linksyne.... (Great for holding your ice longer and transporting your fish later)
Please note: Some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product.