Mastering How to Troll Fishing: Tips for Success

What is Troll Fishing?

Trolling is a highly effective fishing technique used to catch fish, including a wide range of freshwater species such as walleye, trout, bass, and pike. By moving a baited line or lure behind a moving boat, trolling allows you to cover large areas of water and locate fish that are actively feeding. It’s a versatile method that can be adapted to various fishing conditions and depths, making it a favorite among anglers targeting larger fish. In this guide, we’ll explore the art of trolling, the best techniques to use, and tips for maximizing your success on the water.

Understanding Trolling

Trolling is a popular fishing technique that involves dragging a fishing line or lure behind a moving boat. This method is particularly effective for catching fish in open waters where fish are more likely to be scattered. By continuously moving, trolling allows anglers to cover a large area and target multiple fish species at once. The constant motion of the baited hook mimics the natural movement of prey, making it an enticing target for predatory fish. Understanding the basics of trolling, including the types of gear used and the best fishing spots, is essential for any angler looking to improve their catch rate. Safety precautions, such as wearing life jackets and being aware of your surroundings, are also crucial when employing this fishing technique.

Why Trolling Works

Trolling mimics the natural movement of prey, making it an excellent way to trigger a fish’s predatory instincts. Using the appropriate tackle, including the right fishing rod, is crucial for different environments, such as from a small boat or kayak. Here are some key reasons why trolling is so effective:

• Covers More Water: Trolling allows you to explore large sections of water quickly, increasing your chances of finding active fish.

• Maintains Consistent Depth: By using weights or downriggers, you can keep your bait or lure at a specific depth where fish are feeding.

• Triggers Reaction Strikes: The constant motion of trolling lures often provokes fish into striking, especially when they’re chasing after prey.

Choosing the Right Gear

Choosing the right gear is crucial for successful trolling. A good trolling rod should be sturdy enough to handle the weight of the fish and the trolling line, yet sensitive enough to detect even the slightest fish strikes. Look for a rod with a flexible tip that can absorb the shock of a fish strike without breaking. A trolling reel is equally important, as it allows you to control the line and adjust the drag. Opt for a reel with a reliable drag system and enough line capacity to handle long runs. When it comes to the fishing line, consider the type of fish species you’re targeting and the water conditions. Monofilament lines are versatile and suitable for most trolling applications, but if you’re targeting larger fish species, a braided line might be a better choice due to its strength and sensitivity.

Types of Trolling Techniques

There are several trolling techniques that anglers can use depending on the target species, water conditions, and depth. Let’s break down the most popular methods.

1. Flatline Trolling

Flatline trolling is one of the simplest and most effective methods for beginners. It involves letting your lure trail directly behind the boat without using any additional weights or downriggers.

• Best For: Shallow waters (10-20 feet), targeting bass, trout, and pike.

• How to Do It: Simply let out enough line behind the boat and use a steady trolling speed (1.5 to 3 mph). Use crankbaits, swimbaits, or soft plastic lures that dive to the desired depth.

2. Lead Core Fishing Line Trolling

Lead core line trolling uses a special line with a weighted core, allowing you to reach deeper depths without using additional weights or downriggers.

• Best For: Deeper lakes (20-50 feet), ideal for walleye and lake trout.

• How to Do It: Let out more line to reach deeper depths; for every 10 yards of line, your lure can drop an additional 5-10 feet. Use brightly colored lures for better visibility.

3. Downrigger Trolling

A downrigger is a device that uses a weighted ball to control the depth of your lure, making it highly effective for targeting fish in deep water.

• Best For: Very deep waters (50-100 feet), great for trout, salmon, and walleye.

• How to Do It: Attach your line to the downrigger clip, lower the weight to your desired depth, and adjust the tension so that the lure runs just above the bottom or near underwater structures. Downriggers help maintain a particular depth, ensuring your bait is presented precisely where fish are known to feed, enhancing the trolling experience.

4. Planer Boards

Planer boards are used to spread your lines away from the boat, allowing you to troll multiple lines at once without tangling.

• Best For: Covering a wide area, especially when fish are scattered.

• How to Do It: Attach your line to a planer board and let it drift out to the side of the boat. This helps present your lure away from the boat’s noise, increasing your chances of catching fish that are easily spooked. Planer boards also help in spreading trolling baits over a larger area, making it easier to monitor fishing activity and detect bites.

Choosing the Right Trolling Baits

Selecting the right lure is crucial for successful trolling. The choice of lure will depend on the species you’re targeting, the water depth, and the clarity of the water. Different fishing presentations, such as using live bait, dead bait, or a combination with lures, are essential to mimic live baitfish behavior and significantly impact the success rate of catching fish.

1. Crankbaits

Crankbaits are one of the best lures for trolling because they can dive to specific depths and have a wobbling action that mimics baitfish.

• Best For: Bass, walleye, and pike.

• Tips: Use deeper-diving crankbaits in clear water and brightly colored ones in murky water.

2. Spoons

Spoons have a fluttering action that mimics injured baitfish, making them effective for predatory species.

• Best For: Trout, salmon, and walleye.

• Tips: Use silver or chrome spoons in clear water and gold or copper spoons in stained water.

3. Soft Plastic Swimbaits

Swimbaits offer a realistic swimming motion and are perfect for targeting fish that are feeding on larger baitfish.

• Best For: Bass, pike, and lake trout.

• Tips: Use swimbaits in natural colors like green, brown, or silver to match the local baitfish.

4. Spinner Rigs

Spinner rigs are great for attracting fish with their flash and vibration, especially in murky water.

• Best For: Walleye and perch.

• Tips: Add a live bait trailer like a worm or minnow to increase your chances of getting a bite.

Finding the Right Spot

Finding the right spot is critical for successful trolling. Start by looking for areas with a good supply of baitfish, as these are often where larger fish species congregate. Use a fish finder or sonar to locate schools of baitfish and underwater structures such as rocks, weed beds, or drop-offs. These structures provide hiding spots for predatory fish and can be particularly productive for trolling. Consider the time of day and water conditions when choosing a spot. Early morning and late evening are often the best times for trolling, as the lower light levels make fish more active and easier to spot. By understanding the habits of your target species and the environment they inhabit, you can increase your chances of a successful catch.

Tips for Successful Trolling to Catch Fish

To make the most out of your trolling experience, keep these tips in mind:

1. Monitor Your Speed

The speed at which you troll can make a big difference in how effective your presentation is. Use a GPS or trolling speed indicator to maintain a consistent speed.

• Faster Trolling (3-4 mph): Great for targeting active fish like bass and pike.

• Slower Trolling (1-2 mph): Best for walleye, trout, and other species that prefer slower-moving prey.

2. Use a Fish Finder

A fish finder is an invaluable tool for locating schools of fish, identifying structures, and determining the depth where fish are holding. Adjust your trolling depth based on the readings.

3. Vary Your Depth and Presentation

If you’re not getting bites, try adjusting the depth of your lure by letting out more line or using weights. Vary the type of lure and speed until you find what works.

4. Troll in S-Curves

Instead of trolling in a straight line, use an S-curve pattern. This changes the speed and direction of your lure, making it more enticing to fish.

5. Pay Attention to Weather, Water Conditions, and Fish Strikes

• Cloudy Days: Fish are more likely to be active in shallower waters.

• Bright Sunny Days: Target deeper waters or shaded areas where fish are hiding from the light.

Safety and Best Practices

Safety should always be the top priority when trolling. Make sure to wear a life jacket and follow all safety guidelines when operating a boat. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for other boats, swimmers, and obstacles in the water. When handling fish, use a net and handle them gently to avoid injury. It’s also essential to follow local fishing regulations and handle fish sustainably. When trolling, using multiple lines can increase your chances of catching fish. However, be careful not to overcrowd the lines, as this can lead to tangles and lost fish. Utilize a downrigger or outrigger to control the depth of your trolling lines and prevent tangles. By following these safety and best practice guidelines, you can enjoy a successful and responsible trolling experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced anglers can make mistakes while trolling. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Trolling Too Fast: Going too fast can cause your lure to move unnaturally, reducing your chances of getting a bite.

• Using the Wrong Lure: Match your lure to the fish species and water conditions.

• Not Adjusting to Depth Changes: If you’re trolling over varying depths, adjust your line to ensure your lure stays at the optimal depth.

• Neglecting Line Maintenance: Check your line for frays and knots regularly, especially when using braided line, as it can wear out quickly.

Conclusion

Trolling is an effective way to cover large areas of water and catch a variety of freshwater fish species. By mastering different trolling techniques, selecting the right lures, and adjusting your depth and speed, you can significantly increase your success rate. Whether you’re targeting walleye in a deep lake or bass in a shallow river, trolling is a versatile technique that can help you catch more and bigger fish.

FAQs

1. What’s the best trolling speed for walleye? A slow speed of 1-2 mph is ideal for walleye, as they prefer a slower presentation.
2. Can I troll with live bait? Yes, live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers can be highly effective when trolled with spinner rigs or bottom bouncers.
3. How deep should I troll for trout? It depends on the season, but generally, trout are found in deeper, cooler waters during the summer and shallower waters in the spring and fall.
4. Can I use trolling techniques in rivers? Yes, trolling can be effective in slower-moving sections of rivers, especially when using planer boards or downriggers to control depth.
5. What’s the best line for trolling? Braided line is popular for trolling due to its strength and sensitivity, but using a fluorocarbon leader can help reduce visibility in clear water.