Boat Trolling: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Professionals

Boat trolling is one of the most exciting and effective ways to catch predatory fish, and it allows you to fish large areas, find active predators, and catch real trophies. But to be successful, you need to know not only how to bait, but also how to choose gear, set up a boat, and read a pond. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of trolling, from equipment preparation to the subtleties of wiring in different conditions.

Many newcomers mistakenly think that trolling is just towing a glitter behind a boat, and it's actually a whole science, where speed, depth of bait, trajectory choice, and even weather conditions matter. trolling-complex And with the right technology, you can catch not only pike, but also pike, catfish, and sometimes even ass, and let's figure out how to troll from a boat so that every outing ends in a catch.

What is trolling and why is it effective

Trolling is a way of catching fish from a moving boat, where the bait is towed at a certain depth, and the main advantage of the method is that it allows you to catch large areas of water and find an active predator, even if it does not respond to static tackle. Unlike spinning, where the angler himself animates the bait, here the movement of the boat and the features of the tooling are responsible for the game.

The effectiveness of trolling is due to several factors:

• 🔹 Coverage of large water area - in an hour you can catch several kilometers of coastline or deep eyebrows.
• 🔹 The natural game of bait - Correctly selected wobblers or splashes imitate the behavior of the fry without unnecessary jerks.
• 🔹 Possibility of fishing at great depth - with the help of deep baits and drain leashes, you can catch pits and ditches that are inaccessible to other gear.
• 🔹 Minimum load on fishermen - you do not need to constantly throw and wind, it is enough to control the gear and control the boat.

Trolling works particularly well in large bodies of water: rivers with currents, reservoirs and lakes with uneven bottoms. Rybinsk Reservoir or Lake Ladoga Local anglers troll pike and pike weighing up to 10 kg, but even on small ponds, this method can yield results if you choose the right speed and bait.

Choice of boat for trolling: PVC, aluminum or boat

Not only does the type of boat affect the comfort, it also affects the performance of the fishing, and different boats are suitable for trolling, but each has its own specifications, and let's look at the pros and cons of the main options.

Type of boat	Advantages	Deficiencies	Recommendations
PVC Boats	Lightweight, transportable, do not require registration (up to 20 hp) Suitable for small rivers and lakes.	The power limit of the motor, less stable on the wave, difficult to catch together.	Perfect for beginners and solo fishing. Flagship 320, The winger 360.
Aluminum boats	Durable, stable, you can equip the engine up to 30-50 hp Well hold the course.	Heavyer than PVC, require a trailer to transport, some models need to be registered.	Best for pair fishing. Kazankah-5M, Ob-420.
Motorcycles and boats	High speed, comfort, big waters, you can have a sonar and a navigator.	Dear ones, require registration, high fuel consumption.	For professionals. Yamaha 530, Quicksilver Activ 605.
Hard-bottomed inflatable boats	The trade-off between PVC and aluminum is stable, you can put the engine up to 15-20 hp.	More expensive than conventional PVC, harder to transport.	Good for catching on medium rivers. Bark 330, A 360 speed.

Not only is the design of the boat important for trolling, but it's also the equipment.

• 🔧 Trolling engine (Electric or gasoline with the ability to adjust the speed).
• 📡 echoer (for example, Garmin Striker 4 or Lowrance Hook Reveal) to determine the depth and topography of the bottom.
• 🧲 Fastenings for rods (trolling slingshots or holders) Scotty).
• ⚓ Anchor or drift stop For fixing on perspective points.

⚠️ Attention: If you're fishing from a motorboat, check the GIMS rules for your region. Many water bodies prohibit the use of motors more powerful than 10 hp without registering a boat. Also remember that trolling boat speeds rarely exceed 5-7 km / h - too fast towing will scare the fish away.

Trolling gear: rods, coils and line

Not only does the right gear depend on the comfort of fishing, but also the number of hooks, and trolling kits are different from spinning kits, which must withstand long loads and provide reliable cutting.

The rod for trolling should be:

• 🎣 Hard. class Heavy or Extra Heavy) - to clearly transmit the bites and withstand the fight against large fish.
• 📏 Length 1.8–2.4 m Short rods are more convenient in the boat, long ones allow further to take the bait away from the engine.
• 🔄 With high quality bandwidths (for example, Fuji or SIC) so that the line is not rubbed.

Popular rod models:

• 🏆 Daiwa TD Sol - universal rod for catching pike and pike.
• 🏆 Shimano Catana Trolling Lightweight and durable, suitable for beginners.
• 🏆 Salmo Elite Trolling Budget option with good sensitivity.

Coil shall be:

• ⚙️ Multiplier (for example, Shimano Calcutta or Daiwa Luna) — they are better at handling trolling loads.
• 🔄 Fluent brake. - to avoid descents when catching.
• 🧵 With spools with a capacity of 150-200 m fishing line On trolling, fish often make powerful jerks.

Leska It's one of the most important tools, and it's used to troll.

• 🪢 A wicker cord. diameter 0.18-0.30 mm) It doesn't stretch and it's better at passing bites. Power Pro, FireLine.
• 🎣 monolescu diameter 0.30-0.50 mm) is cheaper and easier to use but less sensitive.
• 🔗 Fluorocarbon leader (length) 1-2 m) - makes the tooling less noticeable to fish.

Heavy class rod (1.8–2.4 m)

Multiplier coil with smooth brake

Wired cord 0.20–0.30 mm or monoleaf 0.35–0.50 mm

Fluorocarbon leader 0.40–0.60 mm

A set of baits (wobblers, splashes, silicone)

Trolling slingshots or holders

Echo sounder (optional, but highly desirable)

Tralling lures: wobblers, splashes and silicone

The choice of bait depends on the type of predator, season and fishing conditions.

1. Wobbles. They're the most versatile troll baits, they mimic fry and they allow you to fish different water horizons.

• 🐟 Rapala Shad Rap - classic for catching pike and pike, works at depths up to 3 m.
• 🐟 Storm Deep ThunderStick - deep wobler for fishing at 5-7 m.
• 🐟 Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow - transparent wobler for clean water, works perfectly on the ground.

2. Splendid. - suitable for fishing in great depths and in muddy waters.

• 🌟 Fluctuating (for example, Mepps Syclops) good for pike in shallow water.
• 🌟 Rotating (for example, Blue Fox Vibrax) - create a lot of noise by attracting a predator.
• 🌟 Deep. (for example, Williams Wabler) for catching a pike in pits.

3. Silicone baits Used less frequently but effective in some cases:

• 🦑 Twisters. (for example, Mann’s Sting Ray) for catching a pike on jig heads.
• 🦑 Vibrotails (for example, Keitech Swing Impact) - operate on slow wiring.

A critical mistake many beginners make is to use too large baits. In most cases, the predator responds better to wobblers 7-12 cm long, rather than 20-centimeter "monsters", except for catching a trophy catfish or pike weighing 10 kg.

Trolling Techniques: Speed, Depth and Trajectory

The success of trolling is 80% dependent on the right technique, and even the most expensive bait won't work if the wiring speed or depth is chosen incorrectly.

1. Speed of movement

The optimal trolling speed depends on the type of bait and activity of the fish:

• 🐢 Slow trolling (1.5–3 km/h) - for wobble-woolers with a broad "body" (e.g. Rapala Fat Rap) and silicone baits.
• 🏃 Medium trolling (3-5 km/h) - a universal option for most fluctuating stains and crooks.
• 🚀 Fast trolling (5-7 km/h) for narrow-bodied wobblers (e.g. Yo-Zuri Mag Darter) and rotating florets.

Depth of immersion

To make the bait go at the right depth, use:

• 📉 Deep Wobblera (Indicating the working depth on the body).
• 🧲 Removal leash - allows you to catch the bottom layers.
• ⚖️ Bombard-Gruzil - for fishing at a great depth (more than 10 m).

3. Trajectory of movement

Don't move in a straight line -- predators often stand at the edges of currents or at the depths.

• 🔄 Zigzag. Alternate movement from shallow to deep and back.
• 🌀 "Spiral." The gradual narrowing of circles around the perspective point.
• ➡️ "Parallel ridges" - wiring along the brow or snag.

⚠️ Attention: If you catch a river with a current, consider its speed. In the passing flow, reduce the gas so that the bait does not "pop up." When you meet it, on the contrary, increase the speed so that the wobler does not sink.

How to determine the working depth of the wobbler without a sonar?

If the depth of immersion is not indicated on the wobbler, you can approximately calculate it by the formula:

Depth (m) ≈ (Long of line in meters × 0.3) / Speed (km/h)

For example, at a speed of 3 km / h and the release of a line of 30 m, the bait will go at a depth of about 3 m. For accuracy, conduct test wiring with different lengths of the line and note at what depth the pecks begin.

Catching different types of fish on trolling

The technique of trolling varies depending on the target, and let's look at the features of the most popular predators.

1. Pike.

Pike is the most common trolling object, and you can catch it all year round, but the best biting is in the fall and early spring.

• 🎣 Decoys: fluctuating splashes (Mepps Musky Killer), wobble-minnou (Rapala Husky Jerk), large silicone baits.
• 📍 Fishing spots: thickets of reeds, snags, boundaries of currents.
• ⚡ Wiring: snatching or uniform with speed 3-5 km/h.

2. Sudak.

Sudak prefers depth and clean water, and it is better to catch him trolling at night or in cloudy weather.

• 🎣 Decoys: deep wobbleurs (Storm Deep Jr. ThunderStick), jig heads with twisters, heavy wobbly splashes.
• 📍 Fishing spots: pits, underwater elevations, ditches.
• ⚡ Wiring: slow (slow)1.5–3 km/h) with frequent stops.

3.

Catfish trolling requires powerful gear and large lures. The best time is warm summer nights.

• 🎣 Decoys: large wobbles (Salmo Hornet 20), silicone "somics", bundles of worms on a jig head.
• 📍 Fishing spots: deep pits, riverbed dumps, places of confluence of tributaries.
• ⚡ Wiring: very slow (very slow)1-2 km/h) with periodic pauses.

4.

The jellyfish is one of the most difficult trolling fish, and it prefers fast wiring and surface baits.

• 🎣 Decoys: surface wobblers (Yo-Zuri Mag Popper), Devonians, small, oscillating splendors.
• 📍 Fishing spots: rolling overs, recurrent places, surface "boilers".
• ⚡ Wiring: fast (fast)5-7 km/h) with sharp jerks.

Mistakes of beginners and how to avoid them

Even experienced spinners often make mistakes when trolling, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

1. Wrong speed

Many beginners are either too fast to lead the bait (the predator does not have time to react), or too slowly (the Wobler begins to "fall" on its side). Decision: Start at speed. 3 km/h And adjust for the behavior of the bait, and if the wobler starts to pop up, turn it off.

2. Ignoring bottom relief

Trolling on a flat bottom is rarely effective. The predator usually stands at changes in depths, driftwood or rocks. Decision: Use the sonar to look for anomalies of the terrain. If there is no sonar, study the map of the reservoir in advance.

3. too long or too short leash

If the bait goes too close to the boat, it will scare the fish with the noise of the engine, and if it goes too far, you lose control of the wiring. Decision: The optimal length of the leash. 15-30 m depending on the depth.

4. Ignoring weather conditions

Trolling in a storm or in a strong wind is not only uncomfortable, but also ineffective - the fish goes to depth. Decision: The best time to troll is cloudy days with light wind or early morning / late evening.

5. Wrong selection of bait by season

In spring and autumn, the predator is active and takes on bright baits, in summer in the heat prefers natural colors, and in winter - small and slow. Decision: Have in the arsenal baits of different sizes and colors.

⚠️ Attention: One of the most dangerous mistakes is trolling without a safety cable for the engine. When a line breaks or a hook is hooked, the bait can wind on the screw, which will lead to a break in the gearbox. Always carry a knife and a spare screw!

Advice from experienced fishermen

To trolling brought a stable catch, use the advice of professionals:

1. Use several rods

Experienced anglers put 2-3 rods with different baits.

• 🎣 One with a deep wobble for the pup.
• 🎣 The second with a fluctuating splash for the pike.
• 🎣 The third with a surface bait for the bait.

2 Keep a fishing diary

Record the date, time, weather, baits and results, and this will help you identify patterns and repeat successful strategies.

3. Experiment with flowers

If the fish doesn't take the usual baits, try changing colors.

• 🟢 Green/yellow It is a universal color for muddy water.
• 🔴 Red/orange - works well in cloudy weather.
• ⚪ White/silver - for clean water and sunny days.

4. Catch on dumps

The depth swings are the predator's favorite spots. Run several passes along the brow at different speeds to find the active fish.

5. Don't ignore the small bites

Sometimes the predator will only bite the bait without swallowing it. In such cases, don't rush to cut it - give the fish time for a confident grip.

FAQ: Answers to frequent questions

🔹 Do I need to register a boat for trolling?

If your boat is equipped with a motor more powerful than 10 hp (7.5 kW), it must be registered with GIMS. Registration is also required for boats longer than 20 m or weighing more than 200 kg regardless of the engine. PVC boats with an engine up to 10 hp are not required registration, but you need to have the engine documents with you.

🔹 Which motor is better for trolling: electric or gasoline?

Both options have pros and cons:

Electric motor (for example, Minn Kota Endura):

• ✅ Silent, not frightening fish.
• ✅ It allows you to control the speed accurately.
• ❌ Limited operating time (depends on the battery capacity).

Gasoline engine (for example, Yamaha 9.9):

• ✅ Great power and range.
• ✅ It can be used on large bodies of water.
• ❌ Noisy, requires additional sound insulation.

For small lakes and rivers, an electric motor is better suited, for large reservoirs - gasoline with the possibility of switching to small gas.

🔹 How to avoid entanglement of the fishing line when trolling with several rods?

So that the lines don't get overstretched:

• Use rods of different lengths (for example, 1.8 m and 2.4 m).
• Throw them on different sides of the boat.
• Use a line of different colors or diameters for visual inspection.
• Make sure that the baits go at different depths.

Specialists also help. line-breaker (for example, Off Shore Tackle).

🔹 Can I catch trolling in the winter?

Winter trolling is possible, but it has its own specifications:

• Use it. bait (wobblers up to 5 cm).
• The speed of the wiring should be minimal (1-2 km/h).
• Catch on. depth (3-8 m), where fish accumulate in wintering pits.
• Use it. sounder To find fish stocks.

The best time to troll in winter is thaws or days with variable cloudiness.

🔹 What is the most common fish caught on trolling?

In most regions of Russia, trolling is most often caught pikeIt's a highly responsive to towed baits, and it's found in almost all bodies of water. pupilEspecially in large rivers and reservoirs, and less often catfish, ass and large perch.