Trolling

[jerry241]

Okay I have decided to jump in on this trolling deal so ...

I guess it's time to invest in some equiptment does anyone have any suggestions as to rods and line counter reels?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[Tanderson15]

I personally like Bass Pro walleye 8.6 rods with Daiwa sealine linecounters, I have the 27's, but if I had to do it over I would get the 17's. I use power pro braid the 4/15. Well you got my 2 cents. Have fun.

[J-Doc]

I got two Cabelas line counter reels about two years Avon. Haven't done anything to them but use them a lot. I think I might have added some "Hot Sauce" lube when they were new. Come to think of it, I should clean them this weekend. So thanks!! Lol

For the price point, those are about the finest reels you can get. I'll probably buy two more.

For trolling rods, some 7-8ft Ugly sticks would be great. You don't have to have hi-dollar trolling rods. It's not about sensitivity. It's about having a flexible rod tip where you can see the action of the bait, not losing a fish due to a stiff rod, and something that's tough enough to handle the occassional big fish.

As for trolling, look at the sticky above this forum. More info than you can read in one night. Lots of info there.

Oh and buy the dang Flicker Shads. Start off with.6mm and 7mm in Pearl White and use some barrel swivel snaps. Smaller the better. And 10lb flourocarbon line.

And as some think, you're randomly catching fish by just driving around. You're not.

Think bass fishing. Where would you throw cranks baits down a bank? Now apply that and troll them behind you at a select depth and place the baits I'm the strike zone. Watch your graph, Mark waypoints, etc. It is a very methodical practice that has taught me a lot.

[Tanderson15]

Something that has helped me is I have the last 3 editions of the trolling bible. They give the deeps of most lures by feet of line out and type of line. The only lures I'm missing are the newer ones.

[Lance34]

"For trolling rods, some 7-8ft Ugly sticks would be great. You don't have to have hi-dollar trolling rods. It's not about sensitivity. It's about having a flexible rod tip where you can see the action of the bait, not losing a fish due to a stiff rod, and something that's tough enough to handle the occassional big fish."

Would a 7' Medium-Heavy rod be a good option? I've been looking at those ugly sticks too and for the price they seem to be the best bet for just starting out.

[J-Doc]

I currently use 7ft Medium heavy Abu Conolans. Graphite jig rods is what they were bought for many years ago. Sensitive rod tips. They are WAY overkill but I catch crappie with them trolling. Just turn down the drag. If by yourself, turn on the bait clicker. That way when a fish hits, you hear the clicker. Flip it off, reel em in! :-)

I'm about to start playing with a dipsy diver. Adds depth to baits without using downriggers.

Leadcore can get baits deeper also but 10lb flouro seems best all around. Downriggers is almost like cheating. Much more control, tighter turns, full on trolling.

[J-Doc]

You don't want a wet noodle for a rod. Good strong backbone, medium limber rod tip, good strong handle and reel seats.

Cabelas makes some nice trolling rods for a fair price.

I'll have to check out the BPS rods suggested above.

[Feathers and Fins]

For trolling I use a pair of ( St Croix - PC70MHF ) rods paired up with ( Okuna StrataMaster ) reels with 10lb Seaguar fluorocarbon line.

You will need a good graph on the boat, preferably one with structure scan and definitely a good lake map on it.

Baits;

1. Flicker shad in sizes # 5 6 7

2. Rapala SR-9

3. Bandit 300's

4. Bottom Bounces / slow death rigs

5. Tail Dancers

Those 5 will get you started. some light reading Don't get frustrated, trolling is much more than just pulling a bait behind a boat hoping to get a bite. Sure a Blind Squirrel finds a nut but if you get prolific and confident in trolling you seine the nuts.

[kjackson]

Hmmm... I'll throw in my $.03, which may be all it's worth.

On the Ugly Stiks-- 8.5' medium is all you need for flatline and downrigger use. However, if you're thinking of leadcore, Dipseys or similar divers, you will want medium heavy.

Divers are a decent alternative to downriggers, but you will want and should run them off a sliding dropper for easier retrieval and better action.

For linecounters, I run a pair of Abu Garcias in the 5500 size, and I have no complaints. I have one of the older Cabela's reels, and it is losing the metallic plating--however, it was used in the salt. Also. Okuma just introduced a low-profile linecounter that is available in both right and left retrieve.

If you've got Flicker Shads, you have most of the bait choices covered. However, I've had good luck on Storm's Smash Shad in UV finishes and the Flat Shad. This season, I'll be playing with Hot'N'Tots as the have a hunting action and dive fairly well. I also use some of Strike King's new walleye lures.

And don't forget bottom bouncers, snelled spinners and slow death rigs.