Long Line Trolling Help- Trolling Rookie

[Blazer]

I am a bass fisherman by heart but I would like to learn how to learn how to become a better walleye fisherman. I would like to learn some of the general specifics that I can use when I try trolling this weekend. I have a decent starter trolling rod and Daiwa depth counting reel. Plus the rod holders mounted on my boat. My questions are:

1) For long lining- What is the more preferable amount of line to let out? Up to now all that I have read is 100 yards is all that I have been advised.

2) Should I use any special leaders when I pull cranks/crawler harness type set ups?

3) Any other basic starter hints?

I run a 90HP Merc that can troll down to 2.1MPH. Sometimes slower on my 1650 Fishhawk.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!!

After getting better at this, I will move on to Planer boards.


Blazer

[perchjerker]

It all depends on what kind of presentation you are trolling with. Your best bet would be to pick up a copy of Precision Trolling, aka "The Trollers Bible"

It is a very good reference for most of the crank baits, how deep they run and how much line out, etc.

Lots of other info in it too. You cant go wrong with this book.

[GU]

PT is a "must have". Understand there are numerous exceptions to everything but until you get PT:

1) For long lining- What is the more preferable amount of line to let out? Up to now all that I have read is 100 yards is all that I have been advised. ---- 300 ft leads are not typical in most situations. Depending on water clarity and other stuff picking a lure that will reach desired depth with a 80 to 120 ft lead is fairly common. Anything beyond about 140 ft gets less efficient because of time setting and reeling in + most dive curves start to level off around there. Less than around 65 ft and spooking can be a consideration. Always exceptions.

2) Should I use any special leaders when I pull cranks/crawler harness type set ups? ---- Generally, use a round end snap or Bill Norman speed clip for cranks, direct tie ok if it has split ring. Get one or two swivels in there if pulling harnesses. Typical harness speeds are maybe .8 to 1.8, but then can work well at 2.1 & faster at times.

3) Any other basic starter hints? ---- Avoid fishing areas w/o marking fish. Never pump fish, steady crank. Set drags light, especially if there is any chance of snags. 2.4 and less are decent summer speeds in a lot of situations,but don't be scared of trying fast as the baits can handle. S turns, zigzags, pauses & speed ups, + slowly pull rod forward and fall back slow can be good.

To figure out depths of lures - Say you mark fish at 15 ft over 20 fow - run in to a 15 ft flat & let out line on your lure until you tick bottom, remember counter reading or passes on baitcaster. Fishing marks on bottom, let out til you touch & then bring it up a bit.

Post questions specific to your favorite WI lakes. What works best can be very lake specific.

Flatlining with gas motor in a similar rig, I favor targeting fish deeper than 15 ft because of spooking but nothing is set in stone. If you have a PD or AP, they can be nice to use for as long as the battery lasts & slower speeds.

Good Luck,
GU



I run a 90HP Merc that can troll down to 2.1MPH. Sometimes slower on my 1650 Fishhawk.

[Trophy]

If your going to pull harnesses be sure to use some sort of weight which will not allow twist such as a bottom bouncer, or keel weight. If your motor will only get down to 2.1 invest in a drift bag, and pull it as you troll and it will help get you a slower speed. Use long leads on your harnesses. 4-5 feet are not too long.