When tuna fishing in Southern New England, nothing gets the blood pumping quite like the words “dragger bite.” For those in the know, it’s a unique opportunity to cash in on some of the most productive tuna fishing around. Dragger bites occur when commercial fishing trawlers, or “draggers,” unintentionally create feeding opportunities for tuna by stirring up bait schools and discarding bycatch. But before you speed toward the nearest dragger, let’s talk strategy, etiquette, and gear.

What is a Dragger and Why Does It Attract Tuna?

Dragger is the local term for trawlers—commercial boats that tow nets along the seafloor or through the water column to catch species like squid, herring, or sand eels. In the process, draggers discard unwanted bycatch and stir up bait from the bottom, essentially ringing the dinner bell for tuna. Southern New England’s waters host a variety of draggers, from small coastal boats targeting squid to massive offshore trawlers pulling herring.

Knowing the type of dragger you’re dealing with is important because it can help you anticipate the kind of bait (and fish) you’ll encounter. Squid draggers often attract smaller recreational bluefin and yellowfin, while herring draggers can pull in giants.

Working with Draggers: Etiquette and Strategy

Fishing a dragger bite isn’t just about skill—it’s also about playing by the unwritten rules. The draggers are there to work, not to accommodate you, so approach with respect.

Make Friends, Not Enemies

A friendly approach goes a long way. If you want to get on a dragger bite, build rapport with the crew. One time off Block Island, we offered a dragger crew a case of beer (leave your craft IPA's in the cooler, real men like something of the Miller variety) for some fresh discards, and they happily obliged, even giving us tips on where they’d seen tuna feeding. Always ask politely if they’re okay with you fishing nearby, and never interfere with their operation.

Stay Out of the Way

Trawlers operate nets and long tow lines, which can be extremely dangerous if you’re not paying attention. Stay clear of their stern, keep a respectful distance, and monitor their movements. If they’re hauling back nets, give them extra space to maneuver. Nothing ends a bite faster than a recreational boat getting tangled in a net.

Communication is Key

If the dragger crew gives you the green light to fish nearby, maintain clear communication. Keep an eye on their hand signals, radio instructions, or even shouted commands over the water. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask what they prefer.

Tactics and Gear for the Dragger Bite

Fishing around draggers could be considered probably the most "active" means to fish for tuna. Often there is a small strike zone relative to dragger where the fish are feeding. This zone can sometime be in the dragger's wake, allowing multiple boats to set up and establish a drift.

Howeevr, most often the strike zone is 100' radius around the aft quarter of the dragger. These fish are adapted to eating off the discards, so they know to follow the dragger and are constantly looking in the area where the discards are thrown over. When fishing this zone you need a confident captain who can keep the boat positioned while actively avoiding the cables and outriggers of the dragger.

Below is a great example of positioning and fishing the aft quarter:

Bait Choices

• Live Bait: If the dragger discards by-catch like herring, whiting, or squid, use those same baits for the most natural presentation. A live herring bridled to a circle hook and dropped into the fray can be deadly. Additionally, a bluefish, live lined in a cloud of discards can trigger a competitive predator strike from a nearby giant bluefin.

• Chunking: If live bait or discards aren’t available, cut up chunks of butterfish, whiting, mackerel, or squid and drift them near the dragger’s slick. If the fish seem "stuck" to the dragger, use your boat to create commotion and sound, similarly to a dragger hauling back, while dumping chunks into the ocean. This can sometimes draw in tunas that will begin feeding on your chunks.

• Artificial Lures: Although less than ideal, jigs and stickbaits work well if the tuna are actively feeding. Match the hatch—smaller profile jigs for squid, shiny chrome lures for herring, and white for whiting. Going with lures can be most effective when sight fishing on feeds behind the dragger.

Tackle Setup

• Reels and Rods: For recreational-sized fish, a 20,000-size spinning reel paired with a popping rod works well. If there’s a chance of giants, switch to a heavy trolling rod and a 130-class reel.

• Leader: Use fluorocarbon leaders in the 80-130 lb range, depending on the size of the fish. Tuna around draggers can be leader-shy, especially if the water is clear. Start heavy and work your way down if the bites don't happen. Even leader as small as 30 lb may me needed based on light conditions and fishing pressure.

• Hooks: Use high-quality, sharp hooks, whether circle hooks for live bait or heavy-duty jig hooks. Size the hooks to the bait/fish class, but something in the 7/0 range is perfect.

Pro Tip: When you hook a fish near a dragger, steer it away from the boat immediately. Tuna have a knack for running toward the nets, which can result in cut-offs or tangled lines.

Reading the Signs and Locating Fish

Dragger bites are all about reading the water. Here’s what to look for:

• Birds and Bait: Flocks of diving birds often signal a dragger bite in progress. They’re picking off the same bait that’s attracting the tuna.

• Boil Lines: Tuna feeding on bycatch will create boils and splashes near the dragger. Look for this activity behind the boat.

• Electronics: Use your fish finder to mark tuna holding in the water column near the dragger’s nets or bycatch slick. Adjust your presentation depth accordingly.

When the Dragger Isn’t “Hot”

Not every dragger is holding fish, so don’t waste time if nothing’s happening. A few years back, we chased draggers for hours off Rhode Island with zero success, only to find a bite later by running to a nearby fleet. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to check for real-time reports. Local fishing pages and groups often post updates about where the bite is happening. Just remember to share your own intel once you’re on fish—it’s a two-way street.

Final Thoughts

The dragger bite is one of the most exciting and unique tuna fishing opportunities in Southern New England. When done correctly—with respect for the draggers, a good understanding of bait and tackle, and an eye on safety—it can produce incredible results.

The next time you see a dragger hauling back nets, don’t be afraid to politely pull up, crack a beer, and toss them one for their troubles. They might just point you toward the bite of a lifetime.