Trolling Techniques

[wtr dogs]

Way back when the ice was thick on the ramps and the wind chill would fill the eyelets on our rods there was info on websites and "The Trolling Guide".

As I dream of the cooler weather does anyone else remember the information??

[FishinCricket]

Well usually I start by making an off topic comment and seeing who gets their feathers ruffled... Then, when I find my mark, I begin with snippy little smart aleck jokes and, if that doesn't work, I out and out insult their mothers...

Oh, you mean trolling, like on a boat? Oh, well disregard my silliness...

[wtr dogs]

Yup, like the pheasant in the avatar.

Either with an electric trolling motor or with the big engine.

When it is really windy you can back troll to adjust your speed. Just wear your lifejacket and raingear.

Be sure the bilge pump is working and the plug is in the boat.

The heat is working on everybody

[rps]

Precision Trolling publishes a dive curve book for common lures. I use it as a guide to determine how much line to let out to reach the depth I want. Try the link below.

http://www.fishing411.net/

BTW - Don't mind FC. He can't help himself.

[FishinCricket]

  On 7/19/2011 at 9:54 PM, rps said:

BTW - Don't mind FC. He can't help himself.

Yes I can!!!

I simply refuse to...

[Seminole Decor Tom]

What type of rod action or stiffness is best used for trolling say at Stockton?

[rps]

For walleye?

I was having trouble with fish pulling off. Several people suggested I lighten up on the rod. I am now using 7' medium power rods (8 - 15 pound line rating) with moderate or moderate fast actions. Strong enough to put pressure on the fish but limber enough to flex when the walleye does its head shake or lunge routines.

Since I run braid, I still have good feel despite the more limber rods.

[Seminole Decor Tom]

Maybe something that would work for either Walleye or Crappie. If that would work?

[Seminole Decor Tom]

One other question that I have, what is a better reel to have a spinning or baitcast for trolling?

[rps]

I won't say better, but I will say I prefer a baitcaster. I learned over 50 years ago on my father's hand me down knuckle duster, so I am very comfortable with one, and can fish amazingly small lures and light lines with one. Obviously, not everyone has that same experience.

Now that both Power Pro and Suffix make high quality metered braid, you don't have to use a linecounter baitcaster to know precisely how much line you have out, so that reduces the argument in favor of trolling with a baitcaster.

I made the switch to metered braid last year, and I stopped using my linecounter reels. I have a Shimano Citica on my crank trolling rod, and an Okuma Serrano on my nightcrawler harness rod. Both are spooled with Power Pro Depthhunter braid in 10 pound test/2 pound diameter.

I would say you can use either, but I will caution that whichever you choose, make sure you buy a model with a high quality drag. When you have over a hundred feet of line out (or more), you want a drag that is smooth and won't stutter. If it stutters, that one little weak point in 100 feet of line will give.

Hope this helps.