There are two ways you can determine the exact depth/lure/speed relationship of a specific rig. The first is to deploy it to a specific distance, then troll up a gradual shelf or edge until it starts dragging bottom. Note the depth, and try to crank it in before it snags.
What depth do you troll in?
Try deep-, medium- and shallow-runners, so that you have a lure or two that will run at every depth from 5 to 20 feet deep (or more, depending on how deep fish will hold in your local waters).
How do I know when my lure hits the bottom?
When they are in the water column, you should feel the vibration of the lure as it moves. If you feel anything else, you have either hit the bottom or some debris in the water column. If you just graze the bottom, you will feel a tick. If you are dragging the bottom, you will feel an uneven extra weight on the line.
How far behind the boat should I troll?
Every boat is different and you should make your boat your own study. Proper distance for most boats will be anywhere from 20 feet to 150 feet behind your boat. Whether you have inboard diesel or outboard gas engines, your power dictates the distance you troll your baits and lures.
How do you know if a lure is deep diving?
The diving depth of the lure can be roughly determined by the size of the bill; the bigger and longer, the deeper it will dive.
How do you know when a fish is on the line?
Watching a spinning line where it enters the water can show a tell-tale twitch of a fish taking a jig or a lure. Or watching the rod tip for little tugs, nibbles or simply a drag on the line can let you know that a fish is biting.
How do you know when to strike a fish?
Try not to strike at little taps but wait until you feel a more solid thump or weight on on your line…. this can be a good indicator that a fish has swallowed or solidly grabbed the bait. If you miss a few fish, try timing it differently… leave it longer, strike sooner, give the fish slack first.
How far offshore do you have to go to catch dolphin?
You just need to pay attention to the fishing reports. In South Florida and the Florida Keys, the stream runs from three to five miles off the beach. You can actually catch dolphin over the edge of the reef in forty feet of water or less. Again, it isn’t the norm, but it does happen.
How far offshore do you need to catch tuna?
You don’t have to travel very far to catch them – your fishing charter will take you about 50 miles offshore you will find schools of them swimming there, but if you want an even bigger catch you can travel about 75 miles offshore because this is where the real winners are to be found.
How far should lures be behind boat?
Being close to the boat is important when chasing structure-oriented species that need to be wrestled away from the reef. In most cases, I set this lure just 20m back.
How deep do crank baits go?
Crankbaits with square bills are best for running in the shallows from 1 to 4 feet, while a plug with a 1-inch bill will dive to about 10 feet deep. Crankbaits featuring longer bills have the potential to reach depths down to 30 feet. Time of year is a key in determining which style of crankbait to select.
Can you paint fishing line?
In most applications you can paint your lines in one to three foot sections, which models the Triple Fish line that I use. Again, brown, blue or green. If your line is already manufactured with one of these colors, then you will only have to paint on two colors.
How do you tie an elastic marker to a line?
How to tie the perfect marker knot
- 1 Make a loop. Take around five-inches of your material (either pole elastic or marker braid such as Fox’s Magic Marker) and make a loop against the main line.
- 2 Four turns. Take the tag end and pass it through the large loop you’ve created four times.
- 3 Pull the ends.
- 4 Trim to finish.
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