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Mackerel Tree Rig | Clarkspoon

Mackerel Tree Rig | Clarkspoon

Regular price $4.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $4.99 USD
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Clarkspoon Mackerel Tree Rig

The Mackerel Tree Rig puts four hooks in the water on one line, each dressed with brightly colored surgical tubing that dances at trolling speed. No bait needed. Spanish mackerel and bluefish attack the colored tubing the same way they attack small baitfish. Troll it on topwater or run it behind a planer for deeper presentations. The versions with a Clarkspoon trailer spoon add a fifth attractor point with flash and wobble. At $4.99-$10.99, you can stock a dozen rigs and fish all day without worrying about bait supply or lost rigs.
  • 4 gold 3/0 Mustad hooks with colored surgical tubing
  • Available with or without Clarkspoon trailer
  • No bait required
  • Works on topwater or with planers
  • Deadly on Spanish mackerel and bluefish

Read our Spanish mackerel fishing guide for trolling tactics

Four Hooks, No Bait, Lots of Fish

Live bait runs out. Frozen bait gets mushy. The Mackerel Tree Rig catches fish on nothing but colored tubing and gold hooks. When a school of Spanish mackerel or bluefish moves through, you want as many hooks in the water as possible. The tree rig gives you four.

The surgical tubing pulses and flutters at trolling speed, mimicking the movement of small baitfish. Spanish mackerel in feeding mode do not inspect closely. They slam the nearest flash of color. Multiple hookups on a single pass are common. At under $11 for the full rig with a Clarkspoon trailer, you can lose a few to toothy fish without thinking twice.

Four Dressed Hooks

Each 3/0 gold Mustad hook is dressed with brightly colored surgical tubing. The tubing provides color, movement, and a soft texture that fish hold onto. Four hooks spread across the rig means any fish in the school can find a target.

With or Without Clarkspoon Trailer

The tree-only version runs the four dressed hooks alone. The trailer versions add a #00 or #0 Clarkspoon in chrome or gold at the bottom of the rig. The spoon adds flash and wobble that attracts fish to the entire rig from a distance.

Versatile Depth Control

Troll the tree rig on the surface for fish busting bait on top. Add a planer or trolling sinker to get the rig down to 10-20 feet for fish holding deeper. The rig runs true at speeds from 3-7 knots and does not tangle at moderate trolling speeds.

How to Fish the Mackerel Tree Rig

1. Tie the tree rig to your main line or leader using a snap swivel

2. Deploy at 3-7 knots for topwater presentation

3. For deeper presentation, add a planer or trolling sinker above the rig

4. Let out 50-150 feet of line depending on boat wake and target depth

5. When a fish strikes, keep trolling speed until the rod loads fully

6. Replace any hooks with bent points or missing tubing after catching fish

Specs & Common Questions

Everything you need to know before you buy

Full Specifications +
Brand Clarkspoon
Type Mackerel Tree Rig
Hooks 4x 3/0 Gold Mustad with Surgical Tubing
Trailer Options No Spoon, #00 Chrome, #00 Gold, #0 Chrome, #0 Gold
Target Species Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Bonito
Price Range $4.99 - $10.99
What species does the tree rig catch? +
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are the primary targets. You will also pick up bonito, false albacore, and occasionally king mackerel. The multi-hook design catches whatever is feeding in the area. Our Spanish mackerel guide covers targeting these species in detail.
Do I need bait with this rig? +
No. The colored surgical tubing provides all the attraction needed. Spanish mackerel and bluefish in feeding mode hit the tubing aggressively. Some anglers add a small strip of bait for extra scent, but it is not required. See our bait vs lures guide for more on artificial presentations.
Should I get the version with or without the spoon? +
The Clarkspoon trailer adds flash and wobble that draws fish to the rig from a distance. If you already have spoons in your spread, the tree-only version works fine. If this is your only rig in the water, get the version with the Clarkspoon trailer for maximum attraction.
What trolling speed works best? +
3-7 knots. The surgical tubing flutters best at moderate speeds. Faster speeds can cause the rig to spin. If you need to troll faster for other lures in the spread, the tree rig still produces but works best in the lower speed range. Check our trolling speed chart.
Can I use this with a planer? +
Yes. Clip a planer above the tree rig to get it down 10-20 feet below the surface. This is effective when mackerel are holding below the surface and not feeding on top. Our planer bridle guide covers planer rigging techniques.
How often do I need to replace the rig? +
The hooks and tubing hold up for multiple trips. Replace the rig when hooks are bent or corroded, or when the tubing is missing or torn from fish bites. At $4.99-$10.99 per rig, replacement cost is minimal. Browse our full Clarkspoon lineup for more mackerel options.
Can I troll multiple tree rigs at once? +
Yes. Run 2-3 tree rigs across your spread on different flat lines or planer rods. More hooks in the water means more fish. Stagger the distance behind the boat to cover different zones. Our trolling spread guide covers multi-rig positioning.