1st fall striper & trolling question.

[Blll]

Finally scored my 1st striper of the fall on my 3rd brooder pulling trip. 31", PC, wt 57. Several guide boats in PC, did not see any hook-ups, except white bass.  Here is my question and I've gotten mixed answers so far. My typical brooder trolling set is 4 rods off the stern. Usually 2 free lines and 2 split shot rods. Do you guys put the free lines to the outside or inside of your set? There must be a preferred way to make turns and land fish without a big tangle but I have not heard a consensus either way. I marvel at the 12 rod sets on guide boats with tight turns and no tangles.

[Stump bumper]

That is a good question, if I run 4 lines I have two with egg sinkers and two on planner boards with split shot then when I hook up everything gets tangled. With turns I have to pull in the one that is going toward the boat then reset after the turn.

Could have something to do with the size of boat, waiting to see responses.

[Dan the fisherman]

I’ll try to make this short.  I run 8 rods holders normally. Not at once, but in combination.  The rods at the very front always have the most weight ( 1oz-3oz) and are down lines.  If weather permits, I’ll run planner boards behind the down lines with less weight than the fronts ( 1/2 oz- 1oz) and with less depth than the fronts. Then at the back of the boat I’ll run free lines, balloons, and and umbrella rigs.  I can land 2 striper bites easily with this setup by my self.  Hopefully this helps. 

[bfishn]

To keep baits tangle-free and in the zone, you have to keep moving. Drifting counts as moving. Run your free lines straight back, and about 50 feet farther back than whatever you're running next, running deeper and wider with each successive pair as you move up the gunwales. The front rods are the deepest. Keep moving, plan your turns so they're loose, but you keep the baits in the zone. If you snag or hookup, clear the rods from the front to the back. Keep moving.

[1969Larson]

3 hours ago, bfishn said:

To keep baits tangle-free and in the zone, you have to keep moving. Drifting counts as moving. Run your free lines straight back, and about 50 feet farther back than whatever you're running next, running deeper and wider with each successive pair as you move up the gunwales. The front rods are the deepest. Keep moving, plan your turns so they're loose, but you keep the baits in the zone. If you snag or hookup, clear the rods from the front to the back. Keep moving.

Great info.  Thanks!

[Bass Ivy]

It’s been awhile since I’ve been out trolling for stripers. But was planning on maybe going in the next week or so.  Where are they at right now?  I can pull 10 up to 12 at once. Looks kinda funny with an 18 foot bass boat lol.  Run 6 planer boards. Been awhile since I’ve been out like a few years.  My 15 year old daughter is begging to go. Last time I went in was in about January years ago  and we were finding some in prairie creek. I’m sure they are on the move from the deep end up the lake. But some areas to Target sure would help out.  

[Ozark Flyer]

On 11/17/2017 at 9:11 PM, 1969Larson said:

Great info.  Thanks!

X2.   I have been working my tail off running 6 lines by myself.  I think this will help me keep them properly sorted.