Question for trollers????

[seahorse]

Here it is. When using the dive curve in the percision trolling guide, is the depth that the lure is running figured using a inline board or a mast and board? Wouldn't the depth be differnt.When using a inline there would be 100 foot of line in the water if 100 was put out. When using a mast and board if 100 was put out would the distence that the line to the board is off the water make the lure run a little shollower. If so how much more line would have to be let out to get the same depth? Just something to think about. And wouldn't the wind drag on the line to the lure affect it too?

["COMA"]

I'm not a mast expert but I beleive the specs for the trolling guide are for line from in- line boards to baits. I have to run anywhere from 5' to 50' of extra line out on my down rigger rods with no board depending on the angle of the rod holder to achieve the proper depth. It is a matter of experimentation. After a while you just know how much more to put out with the rod holder in a certin angle. As far as the mast system goes I do not have a clue.

[ETT]

The dive curves were created in a flat line situation. (amount of line out = line in the water). For a mast and ski set up (big boards), you need to add whatever amount of line is running from the release to the water. That can be substantial in larger boats with high masts.
The problem with trying to be that exact is that, when you slide a lure out, after an outside line fires, the length of line to the water changes. So your choice is set up at your desired depth on the inside release and be a little deep on the outside, or set up for your desired depth on the outside and be a little shallow near the boat. We choose the later and have very little trouble. Besides I firmly believe your better off to be 6' above the fish rather than 6" below them. Don't try to get to exact with this stuff, you'll take all the fun out of it. Knowing exacxtly what depth your lure is running is not as important as being able to reproduce the set up. Hope this helps . Good luck.

[Airwave(OH)]

Well said Jim; The real key is remember your setup and when you find something that is working then duplicate it.Thats why the line counters are so valuable. Consistency(name of the game) The Precision trolling book is just a guide line to get you close. the rest is experience.There is just to many varitables in each persons application to say THIS IS WHAT IT IS...Hope to see ya on the water ...Hope ya beat me this year...:):)

[Erie_Tournament_Troller]

you hope I beat you ?!!?!!! WHAT !! I'll make you a deal. You pay my entry fee and stay home . Then you can be sure I'll beat you. LOL : I know what you mean . (I think). any way thanks. Later.

[larry g]

Theres quite a difference between trolling , and dragging lures behind the boat. i used to be an ardent spoonplugger, so in effect I was always worried about the exact presentation, and needed to have the right equiptment to do the job correctly.Well I've more or less resigned myself to a "luredragger" in my "golden" years. But the things about getting back to the action is very important, and that not only means depth, but boat speed.I think a lure running above fish will be the most practical thing for a troller to consider. I'd rather be up out of the fish zone than way under it.

[Airwave(OH)]

Jim the comment I hope you beat me was for Seahorse -he knows what I mean. I don't think I want to go head to head with you yet..:)

[seahorse]

Airwave, Any date on the tournament yet? If I enter I'll never get the same fish has I got last year, but I'll try. Thats how my luck is going this year.

[Airwave(OH)]

No not yet -it may be up to me ..Any preferences.I'll take suggestions gladly..

[seahorse]

What about May 20 or June 3, that way maybe all big fish won't be east yet. Went out today got 3 jigging in front of turtle creek 11 to 14 foot lost alot of others all nice fish bite reel slow only had about 20 bites between 3 of us in 5 hours, can count on one hand how many nets we seen. Hope it gets better!!!!