How to rig and run Madmacs & DTX for offshore trolling
Join Nomad Design founder Damon Olsen as he breaks down how to rig the Madmacs and DTX Minnows for serious offshore trolling success. Whether you’re targeting Wahoo, Tuna, or other high-speed predators, proper rigging is the key to maximizing lure performance and hook-up rates.
Damon covers rigging setups for the DTX 165, 200, and 220 models, along with the Madmacs series, explaining how to fine-tune leaders, hooks, and connections to handle the toughest pelagic strikes at high speeds.
Built with Patented Autotune™ Technology, both the Madmacs and DTX Minnow are designed to swim straight, deep, and true fish after fish. Learn how to get the most from these lures and take your offshore trolling to the next level.
The DTX HD series is engineered to take on the toughest predators in the ocean. Built for maximum durability and performance, these lures are deadly on Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Mackerel, and virtually any aggressive pelagic species.
The DTX 220 HD swims deeper and faster than any other minnow in its class, maintaining a perfectly straight track when trolled between 4–12 knots and set 60+ feet behind the boat.
When trolled 200 feet back at 5–9 knots, the DTX 220 HD can dive to an impressive 50 feet, and even deeper when paired with lighter braid such as 65–80lb.
Rigging tip:
Keep your connections as small and streamlined as possible, smaller hardware equals greater depth. For optimal performance, we recommend:
- 150–200lb mono leader with a small crimp or Uni Knot to the solid ring
- 140lb single-strand wire
- Up to 250lb multi-strand cable
Each lure in the series is carefully balanced and tuned to perform flawlessly with the hooks supplied. Changing hook sizes or styles may affect the lure’s tracking, speed range, and maximum depth.
The DTX 200 HD holds true up to 12 knots and achieves 40+ feet of depth when trolled between 6–8 knots, ideal for covering ground fast while staying in the strike zone.
Part of the Nomad Squall Runner series, the DTX 180 HD Shallow is built for high-speed travel between fishing spots. It trolls at 18+ knots while running at approximately 10 feet with exceptional stability and accuracy, helping you maximize fishing time even when on the move.
