speed

[Tommy G]

In the middle of the summer when it was really hot suface temp 90 plus in the green bay area we were really slamming walleyes at speeds of 1.7 to 2.0 mph. Now that it has cooled down our catch rate has dramatically slowed. We still mark fish in the same spots but they are tight lipped. I have a 9.9 kicker on my boat but I can't go any slower than 1.6 at idle speed. do I need to slow down. Most of my fishing is with crawler harnesses. Is speed that critical and any ideas on how to slow the motor down.

thank you
Tom Gibson

[Den]

There are times that we barely move when the water is real calm, the colder the water sometimes the slower we may have to move too.in the late fall and early spring we have been down to less than 1 mph. the speed does make a differenc, but the lure presentation and the right depth is the most important. i like the slower speeds when the trash fish arent around, it usually produces the bigger fish, at least i think it does.whatever works consistantly for you stick with it. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[Tom]

what about one of those trolling plates?.


Tom

[Walizz]

Tom- try this. Trim the big motor all the way down and put the shifter in reverse. This locks the prop and gives you more drag. It may not sound like much but try it, you'll be surprised. Let us know if it works for you.

[Den]

There are some other ways that may help too, like was stated above, put the big motor in reverse, and then tilt the trolling motor at a different angle, it should help. also check the idle speed on the smaller motor, it may need adjustment. the trolling plate would help, but you shouldnt really need it on the kicker. i hope this helps you. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[JCarp]

Also, S-turns and zigzagging will impart speed changes. Of course this will fool with your depth, but it triggers fish. You can also circle troll with boards to slow down the inside lines (if waves allow). Size of circle and distance board is out will affect speed.

Otherwise, drift sock or a 5 gal bucket or 2. You punch holes in the bucket and replace the handle with a rope handle. One bucket off the bow or one off each side. Long term -could change prop????. I'm kinda surprised a 9.9 won't go slower.

Good luck.

I always learn something here. I've used the big motor for drag to slow down a bit, but never thought to put the sucker in gear.

[Jig Master]

How 'bout using your electic motor.

[Den]

That would work if he has one.

[Reels]

I would try to find more active fish. When I have seen this, I try to find a sandy area between 20-50' and go with live bait rig. The fish are ussually active somewere, dont beat your brains out going after the tight lipped ones. If that dont work, keep switching till you find an active pattern. Gotta mix it up sometimes.

[tom]

thanks for all the tips i will try them this weekend

[Fishoil]

Tom, pull the cover off your kicker and find the carburator, there is a idle adjustment screw on it. Turn it out until you get the speed you want.