River trolling tips

[PRO-V]

I have been hearing a lot of anglers having success trolling rivers using lead core and snap weights. What conditions usually dictate this kind of presentation? Do you want the crank bait suspended or just off bottom? Any help and suggestions would be appreciated.

[POLSKI]

About 2 years ago I started trolling the Menominee river out of Marinette with great success. I basicly just use a flat line out the back with large #11 or 13 count down repala. I think the key is to try and stay in the same general water dept, which is hard on most rivers with the ever changing bottoms. I also found that me and my partner both just use one rod, and when you get a strike, let the other guy get his line out of the water and handle the boat and net. We lost alot of fish next to the boat because of too many lines, fighting the fish and the current all at the same time. I still like my vertical jigging but trolling with the right conditions and river can be great. Also note, in Wisconsin many rivers are closed to trolling (like the Rock) so check your regulations and give it a try.

[PRO-V]

Thanks for the response Polski. I fish the Illinois a lot and last years MWC was won by this technique. I'm not a tournament fisherman but I'm always looking for new ways to catch more and bigger fish.