Trolling

Trolling means dragging lures or bait behind a boat at controlled speeds. It covers enormous water, targets multiple depths simultaneously, and works for species from freshwater walleye to blue marlin. Modern trolling uses downriggers, planer boards, and outriggers to spread lines and vary depth precision.

Boat with troll speed control, trolling rods (medium-heavy action, 7-8ft), conventional or trolling reels with line counters, trolling motor (optional, for stealth), downriggers, planer boards, spread of lures (spoons, plugs, skirted lures, cut bait), fish finder.

1) Locate structure or bait schools on sonar. 2) Deploy multiple rods at varying depths and distances. 3) Set boat speed for target species (1.5-3 mph for walleye, 6-9 mph for tuna). 4) Adjust presentation until strikes come. 5) On hookup, clear other lines to reduce tangles.

Freshwater: walleye, salmon, lake trout, muskie. Saltwater: tuna, marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi, kingfish, striped bass.

1) Change speed by 0.5 mph - often provokes strikes. 2) Vary lure spacing and depth until pattern emerges. 3) S-curve boat path - inside lures slow, outside speed up. 4) Match lure color to water clarity: bright in stained, natural in clear.