Trolling

[powerdive]

Nwtf, I would recommend just getting the hang of flatlining (trolling with regular line and a lure, no frills) to start with. Leadcore requires special gear and a deeper understanding of lure placement and such.

If you get out on the flats between Points 5 and 7, there are plenty of walleyes roaming the 15-25 foot depths right now, and the consistent contours will help you learn to recognize how deep different lures will run, how they track, and how best to present them--and have a high chance of quick success too. It's how most of us start out, just using the gear we have. I've been using specialized trolling gear for, what, 10 years now, but I caught my best-ever walleye (12 lbs.) while I was just starting to learn the basics of trolling, using a handheld spinning rod and braided line tied to the lure with (gasp!) an improved clinch knot rather than a Palomar. I really didn't know for sure where my lure was running, whether it was within a couple feet of the bottom as intended or 10 feet up. But that fish about stopped my heart and made me seriously pursue the trolling thing, and over time I got better (I hope). So get out on those flats and start pulling some deep-diving cranks with whatever gear you have, and it won't be long until you start dialing 'em in. Good luck!

[kwall]

Yep , just get out , Powerdive has it right --

I have found the trick is getting the lure and/or harness speed and placement of what your trolling with close to the fishes depth as you can , and that takes practice to learn , a journal sure helps .my early days of trout fishing helped me to see this , if I presented my bait at the precise depth the trout were at I got alot more strikes , I could actually watch there reaction to my presentation

[wtr dogs]

NWTF: Do you have a GPS? Handheld/ phone or depth finder to determine speed?

As the water temp raises so can your trolling speed. Powerdive and RPS have been very helpful with their posts.

If I can make the 7/1 get/together, hopefully I can share some info with you.

Or possibly we can fish together. In the meantime get your 40HP to idle and run at its slowest RPM.

Good Luck and be Safe

[Nwtf gobbler]

NWTF: Do you have a GPS? Handheld/ phone or depth finder to determine speed?

As the water temp raises so can your trolling speed. Powerdive and RPS have been very helpful with their posts.

If I can make the 7/1 get/together, hopefully I can share some info with you.

Or possibly we can fish together. In the meantime get your 40HP to idle and run at its slowest RPM.

Good Luck and be Safe

Thanks for the help. Hopefully you can make it next weekend.