Trolling is an effective fishing technique that is equally exciting for newbies and experts. As one of the most popular fishing techniques, there are essentials to make your fishing experience successful while learning simultaneously.
One of the perks of trolling is that it allows you to cover a wide area effectively during a fishing trip and pinpoint areas where you can gain a good catch. Although the technique seems straightforward, catching fish under constantly changing conditions requires practice.
A Close Look At Trolling
As a fishing technique, trolling involves using a lure or bait hooked on your rod while being dragged through the water. You can utilize several lines, but the main objective of the technique is to mislead the fish into thinking that live prey is available.
It’s crucial to remember that the technique is more than dragging lines. The best part about trolling is the limitless options regarding location, fish you want to catch, tactics, and fishing gear, to name a few. If you want a good start, consider investing in higher quality trolling rods.
How Trolling Enhances Your Fishing Experience
The trolling technique is worth trying to maximize your fishing trip. Below are several ways it can enhance your fishing experience.
1. You Can Explore Different Fishing Gear And Equipment
Trolling has been a favorite in fishing, but it’s a technique that requires specific gear. Investing in the correct fishing rods, lines, and reels can mean success on your fishing trips, especially regarding depth control.
Most trolling rods on the market are relatively long, spanning seven to nine feet long with tapers. It doesn’t necessarily mean you must spend big on your trolling gear to ensure a good start. You can settle for an entry-level fishing rod setup at an affordable price. If you have the budget and are serious about trolling, go for good-quality fishing equipment.
2. You Can Gain Knowledge On Creating A Fishing Plan
Before casting out your line, you must plan to start your fishing trip well. One of the main considerations is the lures that you’ll be using. Depending on where you want to fish, study a map or aerial views of the destination you have in mind.
Decide on a plan or strategy before heading out on the water. Generally, some recommended starting points include creek or river channels. Remember to pinpoint a route on your map that’ll serve as your navigation guide, and always follow it during your fishing trip.
3. You Can Learn Various Ways On Presenting Your Bait
The speed of your boat matters in presenting your bait. Maintaining the right speed while trolling is essential to deliver a realistic presentation. However, there’s no precise speed to serve as a basis for getting a successful catch. In theory, you may want to match the speed of your bait with the specific fish you want to catch. However, there are considerations to keep in mind.
The water’s condition is the first consideration. You’ll face a current when trolling out on the sea or river. With this in mind, it’s best to adjust the propeller speed or revolution per minute (RPM).
The next consideration is the bait or lure you’re using if it strikingly mimics a living creature. Naturally, if your bait appears alive, it can attract fish. If you see your bait spinning uncontrollably or unnaturally, it’s best to slow down the speed. Once your lure or bait appears to move naturally in the water, it indicates you’re currently at the right speed.
4. You Can Maximize Your Electronic Devices
Before heading out on a fishing trip, it’s best to check out your target location. Similarly, it’s ideal to assess your electronic devices briefly to gain insight into the depth of the fish and bait. Start on the right track by investing in sonar and global positioning systems (GPS). Radar is also worth adding in case you’ll be fishing in dark conditions or the weather in your area is routinely inclement. Don’t overlook a sonar device, which is excellent for finding fish you want to catch.
Utilizing your electronic devices will significantly help you pinpoint areas where you can gain a good catch. Always continue to monitor all your electronics while trolling. Also, note the fish’s location, temperature alterations, and even the bottom substrate.
5. You Can Experiment In Various Directions
A common mistake when trolling is following a certain speed and direction. You may only gain a few successful bites when you move your bait or lure in a straight line at a constant speed. However, it’s crucial to consider how fish naturally move in the water. Moreover, it’s best to try changing directions and varying the speed to improve your success in trolling.
As you turn or change the direction of your boat, it spreads or distributes the baits. At the same time, it allows the baits on one side of your boat to speed up and shift to the surface. As for the baits on the other side of the boat, they move in the opposite direction, ensuring a variety when it comes to speed and depth. To simplify, the movement provides an actual change.
6. You Can Learn About Potential Fishing Spots
One of the effective ways to ensure a good catch on your upcoming fishing trip is to research beforehand, particularly the spots you intend on going. Make it a priority to know all the details about the body of water and the kinds of fish in that location.
Aside from the kinds of fish, you’ll have an idea of their direction and the water’s depth, to name a few. If you want to gain a detailed insight into life underwater, consider investing in an underwater fish camera. When you have one, you can learn more about the underwater features present, how the fish moves, factors that can lead to missed and successful strikes, and many more.
7. You Can Gain Insight On The Role Of Speed
As for the speed, most anglers usually maintain speeds of around two to nine knots while on the water. The type of fish you may catch will depend on the speed of your boat, but other factors can influence it.
If the water is rough during your fishing trip, it may be best to cast your bait farther out and maintain a slower speed. Doing so allows the bait to reach clearer and calmer waters.
Some anglers prefer to use live bait. If you’re going to use one, go at a slower pace, so your baitfish has the opportunity to swim naturally.
If you navigate your boat at high speed, it generates excessive amounts of white water. This can disrupt the bait’s movement while also limiting visibility. Remember that it’s all about the motor of your boat. Generally, an inboard motor is less likely to generate white water while allowing you to speed up your pace on the water.
Final Thoughts
Trolling is a popular fishing technique that’s worth considering. The technique can be enjoyable, especially if you want variety in the fish you’ll catch and gain more knowledge about different spots and equipment. If you have an upcoming fishing trip soon, trolling may be the ideal choice to help enhance your fishing experience.