Plugs w/o boards- best methods and setups

[tj1n]

I want to learn more about pulling plugs effectively this year. I live in SE SD and fish smaller lakes and the Missouri River system.

1. If fishing with three rods (1 out each side and one straight back down the middle) does it make sense to run one line counter (sg27lc) with mono and what test/line and the other two with lead to run accurate lengths/speeds. If so what rods/reels do you recommend for the lead.

2. What mono line is the best to use in conjunction with accuracy to "precision trolling."

What other accessories would you acquire with the setup i've suggested? I probably already have it, but appreciate your insight.

Thanks,
Travis J.

[Dutchman]

Personally I like using Fireline 10lb/4lb diamter. I also like to use boards to spread the lines so I can turn sharply without tangling when contour trolling. This also keeps the cranks in the zone. I'll run a shallow diver up close and stagger the cranks to the depths of the contour. I've found that it's tough following the contours with longlines and lead without getting some kind of mess. When fishing the flats it's a great technique though. I would advise the SG27lc's for the entire trolling system. The precision Trolling book gives you all the differences in line diameter to depth, but if I remeber right they did all of their studies with 10lb mono. Haven't looked at one for a while. The best way I've found is to skip the bait and then you know you're at X feet deep at so much line out. I do this when tuning the cranks on a slow day of fun fishing, then I write the depth and the line out on the crank with a permanent marker. Hope this helps...


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[tj1n]

Thanks Dutchman - Looking for other opinions as well?

So is it everyone's preferred method to use boards and line counters or can the same be acheived more efficiently so other way?

How many competitive anglers are using lead? I like the idea of boards, just haven't used them much. Does everyone agree with LC reels and 10/4 fireline? What is the ample rod size in this setup or is their a length that might be multipurpose for other presentations?

Thanks again,
Travis J.

[Water Dog]

Trolling ideas :

Lead core .................consider this as a must try presentation .

In-line swival weights...........................1/4 thru 2 ounce .

Jet Divers ...............the most predictable depth trolling tool to tie to a line in regards to depth .

Downriggers ........................................yes downriggers .

Wire Line ...................................try it you will like it .

Dipsey Divers ..................Hot stuff , in warm water conditions .

[JCarp]

A lot of questions! I'll touch on a few. Precision Trolling Dive curves are based on Trilene 10 lb XT. There is a conversion chart for several other diameters of mono and fireline. 10# fireline is recommended by many if you need maximum depth out of your baits. I'm very content using 14# & 20# fireline in all my trolling applications, though based on good reviews on WC, I plan to try 30 lb powerpro (8lb dia.).

Prior to line counters, people counted passes on baitcasters, still works. Measure the amt of line pulled from the spool for one pass across your baitcaster. EX: 7'/pass X 10 passes = 70' lead. Buying one linecounter means that for one set-up you don't need to count passes and that you'll soon want to buy more linecounters. If your buying reels for trolling, make sure they have a clicker feature and always use it. Also set drags light. (trust me, sooner or later you'll discover why)

Generally, you run shallower baits and longer leads on outside lines and shorter and deeper leads inside to avoid tangles. Running all your baits/leads the same is another "safe" alternative.

Good Luck

[eyecatcher_1]

tj,

I live in SE SD too and have had the same questions you have right now. I have recently started fishing with a great friend from MN and he insists that I get planer boards and line counting reels and all the rest of the stuff that goes along with it. If I saw a reason proved to me that it is more productive using that equip, I would get it, but I have fished my whole life without that stuff and done just fine. I usually run two 6'6" rods with baitcast reels when I am alone and add one out the back when I have someone else in the boat. This works just fine and when compared to the productivity that we have in my friends boat using all the other gear, I really can't tell the difference except it is easier to turn the boat while using boards.

I know a lot of you out there will disagree with me on this and I honestly believe there is a time and place to use that other equipment, but i fish a lot with both and I have not seen any times when the fish bit better using boards than without. The bottom line for me is, I try to use the most simplistic way to effectively catch fish that day.

Can't wait to hear everyone elses responses!!!