Trolling

[Yak Fish]

What size jig heads are you guys using for trolling to keep the bait in the right water column


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Trolling crankbaits is a much more precise way to go and takes out a lot of the guesswork of trolling a paddle tail. If the water is really shallow and it's full of schoolies, it won't matter much because if one lure is 1' deeper or more shallow, it's still in the strike zone. But each different lure may require a different size jig head to reach the same depth. For example, a 3" paddle tail requires a smaller jighead than a bulky 6" paddletail to reach the same depth. And if you add a skirt, it requires an even heavier jig head. The only way you really know is to test each one.

So it'll come down to where and how you'd like to fish. I'm really big on precision, and I'll even adjust my line diameter and raise/lower my rods to be in the perfect strike zone because I've found that 1 to 2' difference makes a big difference on catching vs not for where I fish. For example, if there's a boulder field I want to target. I want that lure to hit the top of it to make a commotion not dig in or not miss it completely. I'll run two rods with the same lure and different line weights until I dial it in perfectly.

[ronaultmtd]

This topic comes up a lot from year to year...dragging a lure through the water is the definition of fishing whether casting and retrieve or trolling- same thing. I have made a DIY pvc rod rack that slips into the two behind the seat factory rod holders that holds six rods. It has two of these rod holders that allow me to easily troll two rods within easy reach from my seat when a fish strikes. Trolling is a tool in the fishing tool box. I find it helpful in locating fish that you can stop and cast to. Many times I troll until I get a hit. Then I stop trolling and cast. If casting is non productive and the fish are scattered, trolling is the most productive way to fish. I usually hold one rod and yo-yo the rod as I troll...this varies the action of the lure resulting in a high hookup on the rod I am holding. Especially if fishing shallow grassbeds or sandy flats of three to five feet of water. Deeper water trolling using deep diving crankbaits and heavy jigheads of 5/8 Oz or heavier requires much more effort and I just leave the rods in the holder until the fish rips drag...there are many strategies of trolling as there are many trolling lures. Books have been written about specific techniques...You Tube videos abound...I don’t even think about mine- it just is something I do that works well for me. And yes, I get a skunk like everyone else. Weather conditions, loose grass, CNR infestations, Fish migrations and the opportunity to fish based on seasons all play a huge part in our failures or successes fishing. Luck favors the prepared is an old saying that is as true today as it ever was. Being prepared to succeed is key. Tie strong knots. Keep sharp hooks. Replace old frayed line. Repair worn equipment. Think positively- expect to catch trophy sized fish. Prepare to catch them. Have confidence in your equipment and your lures. What works for me may not work for you. Vary your techniques. Experiment, tinker with trolling speeds, depths. Study the topography of the waters you plan to fish. Don’t stick with any one lure or color if you are not getting hits. Empty out the tackle box by trying different lures, different colors,different speeds and depths. Find what works for you and, of course, you cannot catch what is not there. Fish areas known to hold your target species. You cannot catch tuna in a lake.