Troll gear is a type of hook-and-line gear used to target albacore tuna and salmon (chinook and coho). Trolling involves pulling artificial lures (jigs) or baited hooks attached to lines through the water. The fishing lines are attached to a pair of outriggers (trolling poles) that are lowered to hold the fishing lines away from the boat. The depth fished and vessel speed are specific to the targeted species, limiting the catch of other species. Fish are landed one at a time, cleaned (bled and gutted), and put on ice or frozen to ensure high quality.
Trollers targeting albacore tuna pull jigs with one hook per line along the surface of the water at speeds of three to six miles per hour. They may travel 50-200 miles offshore, with trips often taking from several days up to three weeks. Because salmon are found deeper in the water, ten to 50 pound weights, known as cannon balls, are used to keep the lines at the desired depth. Salmon trollers may use several lures per line, with baitless hooks on monofilament leaders known as spreads. Float bags or shear boards attached to the main fishing lines help spread out the lines and prevent tangling. The depth of the hook and vessel speed, typically between one and four knots (1.5-4.5 miles per hour), varies depending on the species of salmon targeted. Salmon trollers travel up to 50 miles offshore, with trips ranging from a day to a week. 