NGT Mackerel Tinsel Trace (3-Pack)

When the mackerel are thick in the water, you need a rig that can stand up to the “chaos” of multiple hook-ups without tangling into a ball of mess. At Gerry’s Fishing, we’ve seen every type of feather on the market, but the NGT Mackerel Tinsel Trace is a firm favorite for those days when the fish are a bit deeper or the water is slightly colored.

This isn’t just one rig—it’s a high-value 3-pack of pre-tied traces. Each rig features three size 2/0 hooks dressed with shimmering, luminous tinsel. Unlike traditional feathers, this tinsel catches every scrap of available light, mimicking the scales of a panicked baitfish and drawing predators in from a distance. Built on a heavy-duty 50lb (0.70mm) mainline, these rigs are tough enough for the pier, the beach, or the boat.

Key Features & Performance

• Maximum Flash & Glow: The tinsel isn’t just shiny; it’s designed with a luminous quality that helps it stand out in deeper water or during low-light dawn and dusk sessions.

• 3-Hook “Easy-Cast” Design: Having three hooks instead of the standard six makes these much easier to cast for distance and significantly safer to handle when unhooking lively fish on a crowded pier.

• Heavy-Duty Mono: Tied on 0.70mm (50lb) line, giving you the strength to swing a “full house” of three big mackerel up onto the pier without worrying about the line snapping.

• Triple Pack Value: With three rigs per pack, you’ve got immediate backups if you hit a snag or a particularly aggressive shoal.

Technical Specifications

Where to Use the NGT Tinsel Trace

• Deep Water Pier Fishing: Perfect for fishing the deeper “holes” off the end of a breakwater. The luminous tinsel ensures your lures are seen even where sunlight struggle to reach.

• Night Sessions for Scad: Mackerel often move out at night, but Scad (Horse Mackerel) move in. The glow from the tinsel is a magnet for these night-time predators.

• Boat Drifting: Use these as “catch-all” lures while drifting over reefs. The 50lb line is strong enough to handle a surprise Pollack or Codling that decides to smash the tinsel.

Pro Tip from Gerry’s Fishing

“Because these tinsel traces have a luminous quality, you can supercharge their effectiveness! Before you cast, give the lures a quick 5-second blast with your headlamp or a torch. This ‘charges’ the luminous fibers, making them glow intensely as they sink through the water column. It’s a game-changer when the water is murky or the sun is starting to dip.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why use 3 hooks instead of 6?

Three hooks offer much better aerodynamics for casting further from the shore. It also means you aren’t trying to manage six vibrating, spikey fish at once—making it a much more pleasant experience for beginners and seasoned pros alike.

Is the tinsel better than real feathers?

Feathers provide a natural silhouette, but tinsel provides flash. On bright days or in clear water, tinsel mimics the silver flash of a baitfish’s belly much better than a standard feather.

Do I need to add bait to these?

Mackerel will hit these “dry” (without bait) all day long. However, if the fishing is slow, tipping the bottom hook with a tiny sliver of squid or mackerel skin will add a scent trail that can help trigger more bites.

Don’t miss out on the next big run. Stock up with the NGT Mackerel Tinsel Trace 3-pack—available now at Gerry’s Fishing.