The best lure for trolling depends largely upon the species of fish you are targeting, as different lures are effective for specific fish. Generally speaking, trolling lures should provide a steady, slow, erratic motion in the water.
Additionally, the action of the lure should replicate that of the prey fish that the targeted species feeds upon.
When it comes to trolling, diving plugs and crankbaits are usually the best choice. These lures are designed to dive deeper into the water when they are pulled through and are weighted differently depending on the desired depth.
Soft plastic swimbaits, spoons, and spinners can also be effective, although they typically stay nearer the surface. With soft plastics and spoons, though, you can change the speed of the retrieve in order to attract different fish species.
When trolling for freshwater species, worms and jigs, crankbaits, spoons, and spinners are all great choices. For saltwater species, trolling for larger gamefish such as tuna, marlin, and wahoo, larger diving plugs and skirted lures are effective.
Additionally, trolling big-eyed baitfish like mullet and ballyhoo will often create a good strike from big game fish.
No matter what type of lure is chosen for trolling, be sure to match its size, action, and speed to the species you are trying to target in order to ensure the best results.
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How do you catch a fish while trolling?
Trolling is one of the most popular techniques for catching fish. It involves moving your boat slowly over the water with one or more fishing lines suspended behind the boat. When trolling, you should move your boat at a steady pace so that your lures or bait have time to be attractive to the fish.
Moving too quickly can make it difficult for the fish to find and take the bait.
When trolling, it is important to choose the right bait. Live bait is often the best choice, as it is more attractive to the fish. You should use scent-based baits that are appropriate for the type of fish you are trying to catch, such as worms or minnows.
You can also use artificial lures that mimic the characteristics of the bait fish or insects that the fish would normally be attracted to.
Once you have selected your bait and started trolling, you should use a rod and reel setup that is appropriate for the type of fishing you will be doing. The reel should have a good drag system and the rod should be suitable for both casting and trolling.
It is also important to use the right type of line for the type of trolling you are doing. Monofilament lines work best when trolling with light tackle, while braided lines work best when trolling with heavier tackle.
Once you have the setup ready, you will need to find the right area to start trolling. Fish generally congregate in areas that have their preferred types of food and cover. Look for areas with drop-offs, structure, weeds, or rocks that can provide a hiding place and attract baitfish.
Once you have found a good spot, you should set the boat speed and line length to a comfortable trolling pace and troll the area. Keep an eye out for signs of fish such as a tail breaking the surface of the water or the flash of a fish jumping in the air.
Once you spot a fish, slow down the boat and start casting to entice the fish to your bait.
Trolling is a great technique for catching fish and following the tips in this guide will help you become successful at this popular method of fishing. With practice and patience, you can become an expert troll fisher and enjoy many successful fishing trips.
How far behind the boat should I troll?
The exact distance you should troll behind the boat will depend on several factors such as the size of your boat, the speed of the boat, the type of lure, and the type of fish you’re attempting to catch.
A good starting point is to troll at least 10-15 feet behind the boat, though this distance can be adjusted based on the conditions. Generally speaking, the further behind the boat the lure is, the more likely you are to be successful.
Depending on the size of your boat and your trolling speed, you may need to adjust the distance to ensure your lure is at the depth where the fish are. For example, if the fish are located in deeper waters, you may need to adjust the distance so the lure is further from your boat.
Additionally, certain lures such as large crankbaits, which dive down deep during the retrieve, may require a longer distance from the boat to reach the desired depth. It may take some trial and error for you to determine the optimal trolling distance for your set up.
How fast should you troll for fish?
The ideal speed to troll for fish will depend on the species of fish you are targeting as well as the local conditions. Generally, you should start with a slow trolling speed, as some fish species may be suspended in the water column and a slower speed gives them time to recognize the bait or lure and react to it.
You can also try trolling with your motor in and out of gear, which changes the speed of the trolling action. Some areas may also have current and structure, so you may have to adjust the trolling speed to match the conditions.
For example, trolling over a shallow flat may require a slower speed, while trolling around deep reefs or deeper waters may require a slightly higher speed to get the lure down. Additionally, as the sun rises and conditions change throughout the day, it may be necessary to adjust your trolling speed to get the fish to bite.
As a general rule, the slower the better, but always use your judgment and local conditions to find the sweet spot for trolling.
Do you troll with the tide or against it?
Trolling with the tide can be beneficial for fishing success. By trolling with the current, you can cover more water than if you were trolling against the current. When trolling with the tide, you can attain greater depths and can often create a more natural presentation for bait.
You can also often cover more ground in less time, increasing your chances of finding fish. However, trolling against the tide can be advantageous in certain circumstances. When trolling against the tide, you can better target certain holding spots and can retrieve lures at a much slower speed than if trolling with the tide.
Boaters who fish tidal waters should consider both techniques to maximize their chances of hooking into fish.
Do you set the hook when trolling?
Yes, when trolling, you should set the hook. Setting the hook means striking back when a fish takes your bait, which helps you to keep the fish on the line. Even when trolling, which uses a lure rather than bait, setting the hook is important.
Setting the hook starts the process of reeling in the fish. The action of setting the hook may be different depending on what type of hook and bait you are using, and the technique you are trolling with.
In most cases, when setting the hook for trolling, you simply reel in the slack on the line and keep the pressure on. This will cause the hook to penetrate the fish’s mouth and become hooked. When fishing with a circle hook, you should only be using the pole to keep pressure on once the hook is set in the fish’s mouth.
It is important to learn the technique of setting the hook and to practice when fishing. Doing this will ensure the best hook set.
How much fishing line should you let out when trolling?
The amount of fishing line you should let out when trolling depends on the type of trolling you’re doing, the speed of the boat, and the depth of the water. Generally, 15 to 30 feet of line per every 10 feet of depth is recommended, although some anglers use as much as 50 feet of line.
If you’re trolling very fast, you might need to let out more line in order to allow your lures to sink deep enough. It’s best to experiment with different lengths of line to see what the fish prefer.
Keep your rod tip down and parallel to the surface of the water, and reel the line in gradually if you don’t see any bites. Additionally, be sure to attach a quality swivel to the main line so that your line can move freely without getting tangled.
Is it better to troll with braid or mono?
It really depends on your individual preferences and the type of fishing you’re intending to do. If you’re going to be using heavy lures or if you need to cast farther, then braid might be the best option as it more power without stretching like mono will.
However, mono is more abrasion resistant which can make it better for covering more areas or for dragging your bait along the bottom. At the end of the day, it’s whatever works best for you and the type of fish you’re trying to catch, so you might have to try out both to find out which line will be the best fit for you.
What lures to use on a lake?
When fishing on a lake, a variety of lures can be successful depending on the type of fish you are targeting. Some popular lures are crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, jerkbaits, and swimbaits. Crankbaits are excellent for finding bass as they can reach depths of up to 20 feet and they also travel along the bottom which can make it easier to find and catch bass.
Spinnerbaits are effective for targeting a wider variety of species, including crappie and largemouth bass. Jigs are good for bottom fishing and can be dressed with soft plastics for added attraction.
Jerkbaits are effective for finding and catching smaller fish, such as crappie, and they can be used in open water and around cover. Lastly, swimbaits are useful for targeting larger gamefish, such as muskie.
They can be found in various sizes, styles, and colors and they can be used near weeds, docks, and deep water structures.
How do you troll in a lake?
Trolling in a lake can be a great way to catch fish. It involves dragging a lure, bait, spoon, or other type of artificial lure behind a boat while it moves slowly through the lake. Depending on the lake you are fishing and the type of fish you are seeking, the best way of trolling can vary.
When trolling in a lake, one of the most important pieces of gear and perhaps the most overlooked, is a planer board. This allows multiple lures to be pulled from both sides of the boat, allowing for the full coverage of the lake.
In addition to a planer board, depth finders, fish finders, and other electronics can be helpful in finding concentrations of fish and choosing the best trolling speed. Once you have found a good concentration of fish, use the electronics to see what depths they are located at and select the proper bait.
When trolling, it is important to experiment with different speeds and depths. This allows you to cover different depths and speeds to find out which ones the fish prefer. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different baits and lures, as different fish will prefer different ones.
Finally, be sure to check the lake regulations before you head out, and make sure you are trolling with lures and baits that are legal. By following all the right steps, trolling in a lake can be a great way to bring in some big catches.
Can you troll with a jig lure?
Yes, you can troll with a jig lure. Trolling with a jig lure can be an effective method of fishing, and it is especially useful in deep water. A jig lure consists of a lead head attached to a plastic or rubber skirt.
The lead head creates an enticing wobbling action when it is reeled through the water, which can tempt fish in the area. It is important to select a jig that has a weight proportionate to the depth of the water, and to ensure that it is large enough to attract fish.
When trolling with a jig lure, it is also important to vary the speed of the boat to ensure that the jig is at the desired depth. In addition, you should experiment with different angles of trolling to figure out what works best.
With the proper technique, trolling with a jig lure can be an effective and enjoyable fishing experience.
What is the way to troll for trout?
Trolling for trout is a popular and successful way of fishing for trout. Trolling involves towing a lure or bait behind a boat at a specific speed and depth. Depending on the type of trout you are targeting, different strategies are used.
When trolling for lake trout, it is best to target the deep water areas in the lake where they usually congregate. Trolling with high speed, in-line trolling lures, like spoons or blade baits, is a great way to catch Lake Trout in deeper water.
When trolling for Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout, you should focus on the shallower areas of lakes, rivers and streams. Small spinners, Rapalas and streamer flies are great lures to use. Troll at a speed of 1.
5mph-2mph and use the natural contours of the lake to help target fish. Look for areas with structure, like rocks, stumps, weeds and eddies — all of which can attract trout.
For better results, when trolling for trout it is important to vary your lure and the speed of your trolling. You can also use two or more rods to cover more area. When trolling, it is important to remain quiet and not cause vibrations on the water, as this can scare off the trout.
Additionally, using bait can be a great way to attract trout, as they are attracted to the smell of the natural bait.
What time of day do trout bite most?
Generally, trout bite most actively during the cooler parts of the day, such as the early morning or late evening. This is especially the case during the summertime, when the temperatures become too hot during the day.
That being said, some species may bite more actively during the warmer parts of the day as well, so it is important to know the species and habits of the local trout in order to maximize success.
Fly fishing techniques also tend to become more successful during the cooler parts of the day, as this is when the trout become more active. Many anglers will use an array of dry, wet and nymph flies to attract the trout during this time.
To sum it up, trout tend to bite more actively during the cooler parts of the day, such as the early morning or late evening. Knowing the species and habits of the local trout will help to maximize success, and using a variety of different flies can often be very effective during this time.