top speed for trolling

[harmon]

What do you think is the top limit for walleye trolling? As you approach the top limit do you effectively cut out the bigger fish?

[Walleye Express]

Harmon.
We kicked this around a little on my "Three way swivel with spoons" thread.

I think the faster one trolls, the better and more selectivley he cuts out the undesireable fish species. I know that anything below 1.8 while trolling tot's on the Saginaw Bay during the early summer, put's you in sheepshead heaven. Catfish are also a little faster and more aggressive than the perseved science of them being slow, bottom feeding vagrants. I've caught some impressive cat's while trolling in the mid 2's, both in shallow and pretty deep waters.

Seems when I'm trolling in the summer at the faster speeds, both the walleye and pike specie are the main biters. They are both built for super fast bursts of speeds, and reaction strikes are a big part of the trolling stratigy. Giving a fish that's in the so-so biting mood the time to smell, feel, look over and size up your offering, may end up in a "Fallow" versus a savage strike.

[mac]

I have a buddy who trolls almost fast enough to tow a water skier and does well. When he gets a strike the fish almost breaks water it pops to the surface so quickly.
I'm still in the slow troll mode, although I do change speeds to find the "speed of the day".

[ETT]

Most think that 2.7 is fast for trolling. I know guys who have trolled successfully at speeds approaching 5mph, but you need to use lures that will tolerate that high speed. Fast is ussually from 2.3 to 3 mph.

Appropriate speed depends also on your set up and what lure you are running. Slowest presentations involve live bait (Lindy Rigs), then spinners and harnesses, then cranks or riggers, then Disys and spoons.

This is a gross over simplification to give you a general idea.

Good luck and come on spring.