Trolling

One of the most effective fishing methods out there, trolling is popular among commercial and recreational anglers alike. Not to be confused with trawling (a commercial fishing method using nets), trolling involves dragging multiple lines with lures, bait, or bait-and-lure combinations through the water, typically from a moving boat. Trolling can also be done by slowly winding the line in when fishing from a static position, or even sweeping the line from side to side, such as from a jetty. Most anglers will troll from anything from a kayak to a powerboat. A mainstay of bigger and smaller lakes alike, trolling allows you to cover large areas of water with precise depth and speed. This can spell big success out on the lake.

Technique

Trolling involves a variety of equipment and methods. Depending on the boat you use, you may need a trolling motor to help you accomplish the right speed. Your basic equipment can be anything from hand lines to fly rods, but your best bet is casting equipment for freshwater, and special short, heavy rods for the sea. In general, longer, stiffer rods with heavier line will serve you better. When choosing location, look for structure: drop-offs, mid-lake shallows, sunken islands, points, inflow creeks or bays all create great trolling opportunities.

Set-up is the key to trolling – expertise comes in handy! Set up multiple lines for maximum reach. Use outriggers to spread them widely and to reduce their chances of tangling. Downriggers will help you control trolling depth. Make use of spreaders and troll multiple baited hooks or lures from a single line. When choosing your lures, go for surface lures, plugs, swimbait, spoon lures, spinnerbait, and any combination of lures and bait appropriate to your targeted fish. Make sure to hit the right speed – typically in the neighborhood of nine knots – and off you go.

Tips

Some of the most common trolling lures are Flatfish, Krocodile and Little Cleo spoons.
Useful trolling flies include Carey Specials, Woolly Buggers and Doc Spratleys.
Work the area just off the drop-off in a figure-eight pattern to vary direction, depth and speed.
When trolling for cutthroat, try a silver Muddler Minnow or other baitfish patterns.
In the fall or winter, troll a streamer type fly pattern, like a bucktail, quickly behind the boat.
In warmer weather try an Apex, Lyman plug or flasher with a hoochie in 10 to 30 metre (30 to 90 feet) depth for bigger fish.
Hard baits are helpful because they travel at predictable depths.
Some fish that are great to troll for include trout, walleye, black bass, striped bass, salmon, mackerel, kingfish, muskie, tuna, marlin, bluefish and various jacks.
Always check local regulations before you head out!