Trolling bag

[REW]

There has been quite a bit of discussions on using large motors - 2 stroke or 4 stroke motors to troll. The question is asked - do I need a kicker - can I slow my boat??

The following site - gives a nice source - and or idea for making a trolling bag - of the correct diameter, size and design - to nicely troll with your big motor, without having the bag tear or rip out, and not give up boat control. Lots lighter and much less expensive than a kicker.

http://www.amishoutfitters.com/buggybag.htm

Take care

REW

[Eyecrosser]

REW,

Thanks for the tip and information. I have been using a Sea Anchor for a couple of years. I have had problems with the lead weights coming out of the bag. These bags are a lot less expensive, I'll have to give them a try.

[Rick-Wy.]

Searching the archives seems that using two bags is the preferred method.

What about using a cleat(s) more towards the front (as opposed to the transom) that would keep the bags out of the fishing area - but if the cleat up front was not at the edge of the boat beam would a problem be created with the bag riding up against the boat?


Rick

[REW]

Whether front or back trolling, I generally tie the bag off the bow eye.

If I find that the control is a bit of an issue, then I will use two smaller bags - off each side of the boat, off the front cleats.

I use a rope that is only about 4 feet long - just long enough to submerge the bag - without having to worry about fouling the prop.

Also, the shorter rope keeps the bag - basically under the boat - and although it rubs the boat from time to time - it isn't an issue as far as boat control etc. is concerned.

By keeping the bag under the boat and out of the way - there is little issue, with the bag during times of netting and or boating fish - etc.

That is one of the principal reasons that I don't like to use two bags off the sides.

Take care
REW

[FreeByrd]

Rick,
Most of the guys with larger (24'+) boats on Erie use two bags off the middle /springline cleats. Keep the front line just long enough for the bag to fully open in the roughest conditions you are likely to fish. This will keep the bag out of the way for setting lines and will not allow it to get in the prop(s). You want to also rig a rear line to use to retrieve the bag.

The Buggy Bags in the link REW provided are the best I've seen. They are very popular on Erie and Lake Ontario.

Steve

[Rick-Wy.]

REW:

Thanks.

Searched the archives after posting. Found a lot of information. Should have done that first.

I see your idea about one bag only.

However, if I was going to order, seems like getting two to cover all bases would be the way to go.

So, going with the web site you listed; which size to cover one or two bag conditions? (19.5 fiberglass -150 hp)

28" or 22"'s. Seems that going with the bigger size would make the most sense to handle the different situations.

But the smaller size is easier on the pocket book and something smaller to have under/at the boat!


Roger, by the way I did go ahead and get the ST. Croix ES60MLF. In the hand it is noticeably lighter than the IMX 720.


Rick

[Dave S]

Rick, I use two heavy duty trolling bags that appear identical to those shown in the above website. These bags are much heavier construction than drift bags and hence can take the additional stress of continuously holding back a large motor. I have one one each side of the boat fastened with short nylon ropes secured to boat cleats on each side of the front bow which helps to balance out the drag forces on the boat. I always forward troll, the bags swing under the boat and do not come back past the midpoint of my boat leaving the entire rear half clear to net fish.

The main drawbacks of the trolling bags vs a kicker in my opinion are 1) The extra noise associated with holding a large kicker motor back. In shallow water I am often wonder how many more fish are spooked by the larger motor and 2) You will run through more gas in a large motor vs a kicker motor in a days time. I go through 20 gallon of gas/ day in my big motor with trolling bags vs problably 2-3 gallon for a kicker motor. In my opinion, if you troll predominately over deep water and don't troll allot to where the difference is gas consumption is not an issue, then the trolling bags work fine.

[tahoej]

Ive got a 25hp 4-stroke to troll. Dont like using bags the get in the way of my out rigers and down poles. I would get a 4-stroke kicker!

[fishhunter]

still nice to have the bags when it is windy. there not that expensive