This seasons gear list, is almost as exciting as the new deep water trolling techniques I have been studying in various online sources and journals. After last years efforts, that produced mixed results, I thought it would be fun to experiment this year with sewn on bait, new knots, varied depths, lures and boat trolling speeds. Due to the thousands of variables it will obviously be impossible to draw any definitive results as to the effectiveness of last years (old) compared to this years (new) techniques BUT it is still FUN to try new stuff!
Here is a quick list of a few things I have been researching:
Sew on a Smelt
Trolling Techniques at Luhr-Jensen
Trolling Techniques
Fishing Knots to Know
Deep Trolling:
Reel to 100 yards of Backing – Tie over hand knot in backer, then thread backer around reel and tie to backer with two overhand knots.
Backing to Lead Line - Pull out 1.5 inches of lead from lead line and then secure to backer using a Blood Knot (See Picture).
Lead Line to 12 lb Mono - Pull out 1.5 inches of lead from lead line and secure to mono using Leader to Line Knot (See Picture).
Secure 12 lb Mono to Lure using Blood Knot or Palomar (if using braided lines like Firewire).
* Throughout the course of the adventure, this set-up will be modified with the incorporation of the Dave Davis, sewn-on-smelts and various lure classics as the Swedish Pimple, DB Smelt and Mooselook Wobbler). When this occurs the Dave Davis will be tied directly to a barrel swivel attached to the lead line. To the end of the Dave Davis will secured 16-18 inches of leader and a sewn-on-smelt.
Surface Level Trolling:
Reel to 100 yards of Backing – Tie over hand knot in backer, then thread backer around reel and tie to backer with two overhand knots.
Backing to Floating Fly Line - Secure backer to fly line using a Blood Knot (See Picture).
Fly Line to barrel swivel to Mini-Dipsy – Secure using blood knots.
Mini-Dipsy to 12 lb Mono – Secure using blood knot or Palomar
Secure 12 lb Mono to Lure using Blood Knot or Palomar (if using braided lines like Firewire).
* Throughout the course of the adventure, this set-up will be modified with the incorporation of lures including Gray Ghosts, Black Ghost, floating 6 inch Rapalas and DB Smelt.
As Mainers start fishing the cold waters of the state in pursuit of Lake Trout and Salmon I hope you enjoyed this brief synopsis of trolling techniques. If you use any of them and catch a MONSTAH please send me a picture and story as it would be great to post to the blog. Thanks for stopping by and good luck this fishing season!
Good post buddy, and thanks for working on my wish list... cabelas here I come!!!
ReplyDeleteThank Bud. Can't believe more comments weren't posted . . . maybe it was because it was such a comprehensive and well written post?!?! Spring trip in just a few short weeks away . . . can't wait!
ReplyDelete