Vinyl vs. Rubber Trolling Lure Skirts for Fishing Blue Marlin

Table Summary:

• Vinyl Lure Skirts: Lighter and less bulky, ideal for pusher lures to create a better smoke trail. Easier to rig on larger lures. Less durable in waters with toothy predators.
• Rubber Lure Skirts: Thicker and heavier, perfect for bullet lures to keep the lure submerged and produce a "black smoke" trail. Better performance in rough waters but less durable and prone to storage issues.
• Choosing Based on Sea Conditions: Rubber skirts swim well in rough seas, while vinyl skirts excel in calm conditions.
• Lure Rigging Tips: Hook position and washing lures post-use are crucial for maintaining effectiveness.

Insights from Captain Kevin Hibbard

Captain Kevin Hibbard's expertise in blue marlin fishing is rooted in his years of experience fishing the calm seas of Kona, Hawaii and every other hot destination in the world. His choice between vinyl and rubber trolling lure skirts is influenced by sea conditions, the type of lure head, and the desired action of the lure in water.

Vinyl Skirts for Blue Marlin Lures

Vinyl skirts, according to Captain Hibbard, are best suited for pusher-style lures. These lures are designed to swim up to the surface, gulp air, and then dive back down, releasing air bubbles in the form of white smoke. The lightweight and less bulky nature of vinyl skirts facilitate this unique swimming action, creating an enticing smoke trail that mimics the movements of prey sought by blue marlin. Vinyl skirts also offer ease of rigging, especially on larger lures, making them a preferred choice for anglers targeting marlin with pusher lures in calm sea conditions, such as those often found in Kona.

Rubber Skirts for Durability in Rough Waters

Conversely, rubber lure skirts are the go-to option for bullet-shaped lures. Their thicker and heavier composition helps keep the lure just below the surface, producing a distinctive "black smoke" trail that resembles the escape effort of a baitfish. This quality makes rubber skirts particularly effective in rough waters, where keeping the lure submerged and stable is challenging. Despite their advantages in turbulent conditions, rubber skirts suffer from durability issues, particularly in regions inhabited by toothy predators like wahoo, which can quickly damage the skirts. Additionally, rubber skirts can become sticky and degrade over time, presenting storage challenges.

Expert Rigging Advice

Beyond the material choice, Captain Hibbard emphasizes the importance of proper lure rigging. The position of the hook, whether up or down, should complement the lure head shape and the natural curvature of the monofilament leader material. This attention to detail ensures optimal lure performance and increases the chances of attracting blue marlin. Moreover, Captain Hibbard advocates for meticulous washing of lures after use, a simple yet critical step in maintaining their effectiveness for future outings.

Master Blue Marlin Fishing

Featured

Blue Marlin - Lures and Spread Setup with David Brackmann

Blue Marlin - Fishing Tackle with Kevin Hibbard

Marlin Fishing - Lure Spread Setup - Kona Style

Blue Marlin – the Fundamentals of Fishing Structure

Blue Marlin - Boat Driving Skills with Kevin Hibbard

Hooks for Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin - Rigging Lures with Vinyl Skirts and Sta-Stuk Hooks

Blue Marlin - Fishing Kona with Kevin Hibbard

Blue Marlin - Trolling Lures with Kevin Hibbard

Rigging Marlin Lures with Sta-Stuk Hooks

Conclusion

The debate between vinyl and rubber trolling lure skirts for fishing blue marlin is nuanced, with each material serving specific purposes based on the fishing conditions and lure type. Captain Kevin Hibbard's insights shed light on making informed choices that cater to the dynamic nature of marlin fishing. Whether opting for the lightweight flexibility of vinyl skirts for pusher lures in calm seas or the durable heaviness of rubber skirts for bullet lures in rough waters, the wisdom shared by a seasoned fisherman like Captain Hibbard can significantly enhance the fishing experience and success rates. As we continue to explore the depths of marlin fishing, the knowledge and techniques passed down from experts like Captain Hibbard remain invaluable, guiding anglers toward making smarter, more aware decisions on the water.