Erie Trolling

[Bob Denison]

Looking for advice on type of and #lb of line to fill my Daiwa 47's with.I use planer boards,dipsey divers and flat line ect..what would be the best all around choice?Thanks in advance Bob

[ETT]

Bob, For boards (in-line or full size) most use 10# mono. That is mostly because the "bible" Procision Trolling by Mark Romanac use that line to establish the dive curves. Dipsys require heavier line and heavier rods. I'd strongly suggest using a superbraid in the 35 - 50 # test area. They simply make dipsys easier. Good luck. If you want to learn trolling and save headaches and hastles, buy the book, best 25 bucks you could spend.

[Capt. Denny Bergeman]

Bob,

I use a 10 lb. diameter braided line. Due to cost I fill up most of my reels with cheaper mono line (Same diameter) and then add 400 to 450 ft. of the braided. It last a full season. Reason for the 10 lb. diameter it goes along well with the Precision Trolling books I have.

One other way of savings. Before the beginning of the next season I reverse the braided line on each reel. Therefore getting two years out of the line. Good Fishing.

[Free Wheeler]

Capt. Denny or others who use braided line. How often do you change braided line ? Have heard it is good for two to three years. Thanks

[ETT]

Super braids is a catch all phrase, and includes both lines made from Spectra fiber, and microdyneema. Fireline and fussion are microdyneema and will show wear fairly soon (they get kinda fuzzy at the wear points). The life expectancy of these lines is not alot diferent from good mono. The spectra fiber lines such as spiderwire, power pro, gorrilla braid and others is much longer. To go 2 seasons in a charter situation is like 10 years of fishing for most sportsmen, BUT I DO NOT DOUBT IT. The spectra fiber lines are very wear resistant, and their longevity is awsome. Hope this helps, good luck

[Fishnwiz]

Please be aware that when super lines are used on trolling rods, that you need to use caution when reeling in large fish as due to the lack of strech, you can and will pull and straighten out hooks on alot of fish. Constant pressure and a good drag are a MUST and above all...don't horse the fish or hooks will pull out! A lot of guys will use a mono leader of 30 to 50ft as a shock leader to put a little strch back into the line to avoid pull outs! Wiz

[FreeByrd]

Bob,
I'd go with one of the Spectra Lines that has the diameter of 10# mono. That way you can take advantage of the dive curve info from Precision Trolling and also have the versatility to use it for pulling dipseys. Sounds like you are looking for ONE line to use depending on what you pull on any given day rather than spooling up with mono on some reels for the cranks/boards and a different line for dipseys. Many Erie Charter Captains use the spectra lines for pulling cranks/jet divers behind boards and also for pulling dipseys. Spectra lines will take some getting used to - loosen drags! don't horse the fish, etc. If you're using big boards, buy some small rubber bands from an office supply store (I have an assortment from size 12-16 depending on conditions and what I'm pulling.) Cinch the rubber band around the line and connect the board release to the rubber band instead of the line. (Spectra lines have a tendancy to slip through releases). I tried Fireline and went to Spectra (Spiderwire) which I like better. Definitely spend the $25 on Precision Trolling if you don't have it.
Good Luck,
Steve

P.S. - Before we get blasted for poluting Lake Erie with rubber bands...the bands stay either on the line or in the release.

[ETT]

Absolutely right!!! We call em "rip offs", bacause that is exactly what they do. Best way for me to explain the situation is to say that with any superbraid it should take you at least 50% longer to bring a big walleye in, then it would take you to do it with mono. When they are out there shakin their head, stop reeling until they settle down. Good luck.

[Bob Denison]

Thanks for all the info, it seems all of you are on the same page. Do these types of lines cause any damage to the rod tip?
Bob

[ETT]

On the right type rod (longer w/ soft tip) there is littke chance of problems. You need the forgivness of a soft tip to help cushion the hooks.

[Redeye]

Bob;an old fishing partner once told me,when you fish big water use big equipment.you wont go wrong with 10# Fusion. Tight lines Redeye