View Full Version : Trolling Speeds
Musky Fever
11-01-2002, 09:33 AM
What speed is everyone trolling at now that the water is getting colder, let's say 40-45 degrees.
strike_zone
11-01-2002, 03:10 PM
Ralph,
Whatever speed works on that day. In the past 2 weeks I've gone from 2 1/2 to 7 mph. Every day seems to be a new challenge!!! BUT, that's why they call it fishing.
Steve Wickens
guideman
11-01-2002, 03:50 PM
Hi Ralph,
Like Steve said, just let the fish tell you what they want. I start fast and if
I get no action, I just slow it down a bit. :)
Hi Ralph
are you using GPS speed when you determine trolling speed ?
rebs
Skyman
11-17-2002, 09:33 AM
3.4 mph
strike_zone
11-18-2002, 12:55 PM
My last fish of 2002 was a fat 45"er. It hit a Sledge at 5.5 mph in 39F water at 4:15 in the afternoon. Earlier that afternoon, we also boated a 32" fish and lost another low 40" fish on Sledges at 5.5 mph. "Rules" are for anglers, not the fish. Anything is possible if the fish are keyed in to your presentation. The "Rule Book" says this couldn't and shouldn't work at this time of year, and at these water temperatures. Fortunately for me, muskies can't read!
Steve Wickens
Darren
11-19-2002, 03:08 PM
Nice going with the sledges Steve.Remember the very first time we decided to troll one?I think we were passing near that raft by the tip of Washburn headed toward the sandbar and nailed one after only 10 minutes or so.It wasn't the last one either!Still some quality time left.
Musky Fever
11-21-2002, 11:15 AM
Way to go Steve!!!!
Just goes to show you, anything goes when it comes to MUSKIES!!!!!!
Mouskie
11-22-2002, 03:10 AM
Two thirty-eights on the flats off Clayton, New York on Believers at 35 feet, speed 2-1/2mph, Nov. 13 and 15. Six rods out, total distance traveled 32 miles. About the same return as Enron stock...
Musk Rat
11-22-2002, 02:52 PM
Going fishing with my buddie Marc in canada the first week of December and I`ll bet we will still try some speed trolling as well as crawling. One big misconception is that there is a rite trolling speed for the day. I`ve caught fish a 5mph and then caught others at 2mph on the same day. And whos to say a fish that bit a lure traveling at 2mph wouldn`t have bitten if the lure was moving a bit faster. I would recomend you troll at a speed where you feel you have the best control over the boat while checking lures and stuff. If your going so slow you get blown off course each time you check your baits thats no good. Neither is speeding out of control tward or away from the structure. Troll at a speed where you can work the structure most effectively. Also different lures have different speed ranges. Some may work from 1.5 to 12.5 like wileys but most work best in a certain range so that should be considered as well. Your never realy going to be able to predict what the next fish will want so just try to increase your efficiecy. Good Luck Andy
Marc Thorpe
11-23-2002, 07:14 AM
Andy is right,swithing it up sometimes picks up all the active fish.
Come in fast but not faster than the water temps is a norm I try to follow.Weather is the determining factor.Warm go quick,cold go slow but try and cover your structure with both speeds and yes the big ones will bite at 4 plus mph in 40 and 30 degree water.
Doug Jonhson posted about the strike speed and mentioned they still strike with lighting speed in cold water.They may not chase or follow the bait too long but I do beleive the reaction strike does not change.
marc
Musk Rat
11-23-2002, 07:48 AM
Hey Marc i kinda got a cold but i`m still hopein to make it up for that first week of december if you got the time. New moon on the fourth Maybe we will get Fat Freddie, P.S. I got lots of leaders for ya I`ll try and give you a ring tonight. Andy
fishgraf
11-23-2002, 08:14 AM
waaa waaa waaa, to sick to fish.
Musk Rat
11-23-2002, 09:25 AM
I hope a groundhog stole your flashlite.