Trolling 101: How to reel in a fish

[manlystanley]

In the past two months, when even I get a hit while trolling, I have a real hard time trying to fight the fish. Always, I loose the fish from my ineptitude.

My issue is that I have primarily been a surf casting fisherman. With that environment, I plant my feet in the sand, fight the fish straight on. With trolling, it's the opposite. I've got the fish directly to my back, and I might have a rear 2nd trolling rod in the way as well.

I understand that Hobbie's can turn the kayak around while fighting a fish, but us less blessed people with paddle kayaks, how do we fight it?


**** So, my questions:
1.) How do you guys position your rod to fight a fish that is directly in back of you?? Point the rod to the side of the kayak and let the line rub against your body???

2.) How do you get the other rods out of the way? Do you put them down before picking up the rod with the fish??

I have hip arthritis, and standing up is a none starter (yes, someday you too will be a old fart.....)

Any pointers would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
Stan

[Ron75]

I find it difficult to troll more than one line at a time. For me it's just to complicated. So, when I troll, and in the event that I get a hook up. I keep paddling to keep the line tight and adjust my angle to grab the rod and have the line perpendicular to the kayak. Assuming any of that works, I reel in the fish. Not saying this is the correct way, but it has worked for me on occasion. Good luck!


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[D3NAL1]

Depends on what depth you are trolling, i used to troll both rods facing outwards. One method i used (moreso in deep water) was to let the lure sink to the bottom on both sides, start to paddle and get to the ideal speed. Once at the speed, let some line out on each rod. You might have to paddle in between setting both lines. I dont let alot of line out, so when a fish strikes, it goes directly down and away from the fish you are fighting up. A good fish will spin the kayak around, hobie or not.

[FishMoken]

https://youtu.be/TVqxQa1FS7Q
Here is a good video to watch that will show you from hook set to landing the fish. Also depending on how long and how much rocker your kayak may have will make it easier or harder to spin. I usually keep the rod lower when cranking in the fish and work your way to the bow. As said before a decent fish will turn your kayak. As far as other lines...I've never had issues as the kayak spins opposite of my other rod. If I think it will become a problem I will lay the rod with the fish down (with loose drag) tuck it under my leg. Then quickly turn and reel in the other line, and put it back in the holder. After that I'm free to fight the fish.


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[J.A. Veil]

I troll 4 rods from my pedal kayak and 3 rods from my paddle kayak. In the pedal kayak, I keep pedaling to keep the lines straight unless the fish is large and pulls the boat strongly to the side. If I get a bite on the rear rod holder, and the fish swims toward the front, I hold that rod in one hand, grab the rod in the front rod holder and move it to the back rod holder, then I can fight the fish in a clear sector.

In the paddle kayak, I stop paddling and concentrate on bringing in the hooked fish. I rarely get tangles with the other lines unless I have a large fish. In previous years, I tried loosening the drag on the reel with the hooked fish and setting that rod down while I wound in the other rods -- that often failed. If I catch a really large fish, I often get some tangles, but I don't mind for that result.

You mentioned fighting a fish behind you. I am surprised that the kayak does not turn after the fish is hooked so you can fight it to the side.

[manlystanley]

Everyone,
Wow, great advice. I was, trying to keep the pole straight, so that the line went over my head shoulders. Kind of dumb--I know. Watching that video (multiple times) and reading all your posts, I'm going to do this:

-- Let the fish turn my kayak, by putting the pole out sideways.
-- Only take 2 rods. You pros can do 4+ rods. "Enthusiastic want-to-be's" like me, has to do thinks simply.
-- I launch at 2:00 today. The waves are less the 1 ft, and I'm excited.
-- Going to try to do something different. Fish (of sandy point) the top of cliff (where the light buoy is). If there is any nuts with Skadoo's, I'll re-think this. But, a week-day in the afternoon, should be good.

Thanks again!

Best Regards,
Stan

[snapper]

Good luck today!

[M1A4ME]

Winding in a big spinner bait will turn your kayak.

I once worked my way across a small lake on about 94 casts/retrieves. No wind. Just casting and retrieving.

I hooked into a nice fish (never saw it, just water it moved just before I turned my head to grab the net and it got off) in the river above a near by lake. In no time at all that fish had me sideways in the river. It was taking drag and pulling me around to the right side of the river (we'd been trolling as we paddled up the river).

Sure would have like to got that one in.

As a kid I can remember my dad catching nice northern pike at Lake Darling, just above Minot, ND. We were in a 12 ft. Sears boat with a 6 hp. gas motor and two adults and two children. A nice pike would turn that boat around in circles by the time dad got it in to the net/boat. It just amazed me watching the boat go in different directions as the fish fought to get loose.

[Yakinzak]

I always notice that the yak will turn as you hook the fish even when the fish sets the hook. It will come naturally! dont stress it!

[Crotalus]

I paddle and troll two rods at a time. I always paddle a little further after the strike to help set the hook and make sure the fish is still on and then remove the rod from the rod holder as quickly as possible to keep tension on the line. That is a likely time for a fish to come off when paddling whereas pedalers can keep the kayak moving while grabbing the rod. Once you've got the rod in hand you can just fight it like normal.

[ronaultmtd]

I troll 4 rods from my pedal kayak and 3 rods from my paddle kayak. In the pedal kayak, I keep pedaling to keep the lines straight unless the fish is large and pulls the boat strongly to the side. If I get a bite on the rear rod holder, and the fish swims toward the front, I hold that rod in one hand, grab the rod in the front rod holder and move it to the back rod holder, then I can fight the fish in a clear sector.

In the paddle kayak, I stop paddling and concentrate on bringing in the hooked fish. I rarely get tangles with the other lines unless I have a large fish. In previous years, I tried loosening the drag on the reel with the hooked fish and setting that rod down while I wound in the other rods -- that often failed. If I catch a really large fish, I often get some tangles, but I don't mind for that result.

You mentioned fighting a fish behind you. I am surprised that the kayak does not turn after the fish is hooked so you can fight it to the side.

Other than the number of rods being trolled- I am doing the same in my Hobie Outback- with large fish I use the rudder control to try to overcome the fish's pull and maintain a straight line- if the fish is too big then I worry about landing the fish and don't worry about my second rod until after I land the fish- tangles are a small price to pay for a large keeper...

[eyedaddy]

My only advice is to do what works for you and be safe doing it. I can only handle two rods trolling on my paddle kayak but most of the time I am casting or using a Fly rod. Keeping it simple works for me.

eyedaddy

[manlystanley]

I did not hook anything big yesterday, except for a very dynamic crab pot (I think). But, I tried what you guys have said (and the video showed). It worked like a champ! So, if I ever do hook something, that I actually fight, I'll have at least the first few steps down.

I remember watching video's like the one FishMoken posted, when I first got my yak. I thought, it looked pretty straightforward. Now, after fishing for a few years, I am amazed at the skill it takes. No wonder with the few times I've hooked something, I lost in seconds.

One final word, thanks so much for giving new-be's like me such great advice!

Best Regards,
Stan

[FishMoken]

Glad you had success with all the tips. It is important to keep the rod tip toward the front of the boat with big fish as they will drag you around. Also this will aid in gaining back line as the fish pulling the kayak will also count as drag itself. Tight lines!


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[eyedaddy]

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