How Do I Set Up My Boat For Trolling?

How do I slow my boat down for trolling?

1. Shut Down Your Boat’s Engine(s) If your boat has multiple outboards, shutting down one or more engines will allow you to drop speed.
2. Shifting Engines Out of Gear.
3. Using Drift Socks and Trolling Bags.
4. Benefits of an Auxiliary Outboard Engine.
5. Using an Electric Motor.
6. Outboard Engines with Troll Mode.

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 much line should you let out when trolling?

Downriggers. Downriggers allow for extra long length between the downrigger ball and the lure. Let out 50 feet of line and clip into the release. If that’s not enough distance to prevent your lake’s wary walleyes from seeing the ball…then let out 150 feet of line!

What do I need to troll?

Other necessary equipment for trolling are as follows:

1. Rod Holder. Having rod holders set up behind your boat is the best solution for keeping your rods steady throughout the expedition.
2. Depth Rigs.
3. Paravane.
4. Planer Board.
5. Sonar.

Should you troll with or against the current?

When in an area with current, troll crosscurrent as opposed to with and/or against the current. Going crosscurrent, you don’t have to worry about how the current is affecting your lure’s or bait’s speed through the water. Plus, fish generally swim into the current.

Can you troll without a trolling motor?

If you don’t have a trolling motor to cruise dock lines and mangroves, you can always troll the edges of channels and flats for trout, ladyfish, jacks, bluefish, and mackerel. And once you find a spot with a lot of fish, you can anchor up or drift.

Can you troll with a drift sock?

The preferred way to use your drift sock for trolling is to first find the fish or landmark on the map you want to target. Then continue past the spot heading into the wind. Drop all lures or bait into the water that you want to use. Deploy your drift sock and let it slow the boat down.

Can you troll with a 4 stroke outboard?

You use a four-stroke outboard, either your primary motor or a kicker, for trolling. You usually troll for many uninterrupted hours.

What speed should you troll at?

So, what is the best trolling speed? The best trolling speed depends on several factors including the type of fish, water conditions and lure choice. In general, trolling speeds between 1.5 and 2.5 mph, as measured by GPS, are a good starting place for most species like walleye, trout and salmon.

How do you control crankbait depth?

Move your crankbait too slow or too fast and it’ll run too shallow. The bill has to bite into the water at the correct angle for the lure to run as deep as possible. The length of your cast is the next thing that affects running depth. A longer cast will let the bait get down deeper.

How fast do you troll for striper?

The tube and worm fishes best when trolled slowly, usually between 1.5–2.5 mph (2.4–4.0 km/h).

Can you troll with a crankbait?

When trolling crankbaits, use a bait casting reel and a medium heavy rod, six to seven feet in length. I prefer to use Magnathin in the ten-pound test (walleye color). The new superlines will also work. Longlining crankbaits is a very simple technique that will produce fish.

How fast do you troll for mackerel?

The secret to more effective Mackerel trolling is speed. If you want to catch more Mackerel on lures, troll faster. While 6 knots is okay, 7, 8, 9 or 10 knots is even better. The faster you can troll, the more likely you are to get connected.

What depth do you troll for mackerel?

I find that Spanish mackerel prefer depths of around 30 metres, although I have caught them in depths as shallow as 9 metres and as deep as 60. If you can find drop offs, or structure in 20-30 metres to 30-40 metres, it will pay to target these areas if there are no bait schools around.

What is the best lure for mackerel?

Small soft plastic lures also work well. Mackerel will nail these in the top 20 ft or so of water. Effective lures include the Fiiish Black Minnow 70, Savage Gear Sandeels in the mini 10 cm or small 12.5 cm sizes and many others that imitate small baitfish such as sandeels and sprats.

How do I attract fish to my boat?

Top Ways to Attract Fish to Your Dock and Lakeshore

1. Use Fish Lights around your lake dock and shoreline area to attract fish.
2. Using aeration in your lake or pond to create a healthy environment for your fish.
3. Create a home for your fish using an old tree placed in your lake.

Where can I find fish when trolling?

There are two things you’ve got to pay attention to when trying to find a good trolling spot. Number one, getting close to your fish. You can do this by either using a sonar to find schooling baitfish, looking out for birds swooping into the water, or tracking down floating weed lines.