Trolling is often mistaken as a passive type of fishing, where the rod only serves as a bait holder, but the right choice of tackle is critical for performance and safety. Spinning for trolling It must have a tremendous margin of safety to withstand the constant load of stubborn wobbleers and the jerk of large fish at the speed of the boat, and an error in choosing a test or a set can lead not only to the loss of expensive bait, but also to the breakage of the form itself at the most inopportune time.
The modern market offers a lot of specialized solutions, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused in the abundance of specifications, such as: trolling specific You need to be clear about what predator you plan to catch, how deep and how fast the vessel is going, and in this article we will go through all the details so that you can build a gear that will last for many years.
Key specifications of trolling rods
The basis of choice is always bait-testUnlike jig or twitter fishing, it takes into account not only the weight of the wobblear, but also its drag when wiring at a speed of 3-6 km / h. Many manufacturers specify a double test, for example, 20-100 g, where the first digit indicates the weight for throwing, and the second - the maximum load during wiring, which is the first digit. critical For the security of the form.
The second most important characteristic is the structure of the rod, which in trolling is often slow or medium-slow. Fast and Extra Fast They are rarely used because the hard form does not cushion fish jerks and creates excessive pressure on the lips of the predator, which leads to gatherings. Soft comet and flexible whiplash allow you to effectively catch trophies, quenching their energy at the expense of the entire form.
The quality of the bandwidth and the coil holder should not be ignored, as these elements take the brunt of the fight against the trophy. The rings must have a reliable insert of silicon carbide (SiC) and a strong frame that can withstand the tension of the wicker cord under load. Reeler It should be screwed, securely fixing the coil leg to exclude backlashes and spontaneous unwinding during movement.
⚠️ Warning: Never use rods with a test below 20-30 grams for wiring large deep-sea wobbles, even if their weight formally falls into the range.
When choosing a form material, you should prefer composite solutions or fiberglass, which are more tenacious than pure high-module graphite. Graphite sticks are certainly more sensitive and lighter, but they are more fragile and require careful handling, especially when transported in a boat. composite It will become a middle ground, combining acceptable sensitivity with high strength.
The length of the rod and the number of tackles on board
The length of the spinning has a direct impact on the ease of handling the tackle and the number of fishing rods you can place on the boat at the same time. Short rods 1.8-2.1 meters long are more often used when fishing on the track using downrigers or when the number of tackles is limited by rules or space. Long sticks 2.4-3.0 meters allow you to breed baits in the sides without the use of additional outriggers, which increases the area of catch.
However, the increase in length has the opposite side: long whip is more difficult to manage in the limited space of the boat, especially when catching fish. Balancing tackle It also shifts, and it's tedious to hold a heavy long rod in your hands, although it's more often in the holder in trolling. The optimal length for a versatile PVC boat or aluminum boat is a range of 2.1 to 2.4 meters.
- 🎣 Short (1.8-2.1 m): Ideal for downrigers, deep-sea trolling and cramped conditions.
- 🎣 Mean (2.1-2.4 m): The middle ground for most situations, convenient for catching and installation on board.
- 🎣 Long (2.4-3.0 m): allow you to use more gear without crossing the cords, good for shallow water.
It is important to consider that when using several spinning wheels of different lengths, you need to correctly distribute them on the sides. Usually the longest rods are placed in the center of the stern or on the outriggers, and the shorter ones are placed closer to the sides so that the cords do not overlap when turning the boat. Arrangement scheme It should be thought out in advance before getting on the water.
Materials of manufacture and design of the form
Modern trolling rods are made from three basic materials: fiberglass, graphite (carbon), and composite.fiberglass) are extremely durable and flexible, they do not break down during impact loads, but have a high weight and low sensitivity. Graphite models are light and light, convey the slightest changes in the game of the wobbler, but require careful handling and are afraid of being hit on the side of the boat.
Composite rods combine layers of fiberglass and graphite to combine the strength of the former and the lightness of the latter, a popular choice among practicing anglers, as they forgive many of the mistakes in use. Handle design EVA materials are more pleasant to the touch and do not slide in a wet hand, while cork is classic, but requires care.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a graphite rod, be sure to check the form for microcracks in bright light. Even the slightest damage to the carbon structure under a constant trolling load will lead to breakage.
Special attention should be paid to the joint of the knees. In trolling, the load on the joint is enormous, so the plugs with a large overfit are preferable. Telescopic options for serious trolling are not recommended due to uneven load distribution and the risk of jamming the knees under the tension of the cord.
Specificity of the choice for different types of predator
The choice of spinning is dictated not only by fishing conditions, but also by the type of fish targeted. For the catch of pike and bears, which live at depths and have relatively soft lips, softer and more sensitive rods are required. Pike and catfish They require powerful "sausages" with a large margin of safety, capable of dragging the fish through the trunk or grass, not giving it a chance to tangle the cord.
Salmon fish, like trout and salmon, are very brisk and jumpy, so they need rods with a very parabolic structure, and they're very good at cushioning jerks and keeping the fish from getting off the hook. Sea trolling involves the use of specialized rods with increased corrosion resistance of fittings.
Nuances catfishing
Catfish are bottom-heavy, and they require rods with a test range of 200 to 300 grams or more to catch, and they need to use powerful bytranner coils and a high-throwing wicker cord, and they need to be very flexible at the top to quench the first jerks, but they need to have a powerful comet to force the catch.
When fishing in large reservoirs, where depths can reach 20-30 meters, you have to use heavy deep-sea wobblers or rays. Heavy and Extra HeavyThey can work with baits up to 200-300 grams, and light sticks in these conditions simply can't control the wiring horizon.
Compatibility with coils and cords
Trolling spinning is only part of the system, and it depends on the right coil to work. Multiplier coils are the standard for trolling because of their power, reliability and ability to fine-tune the friction. Non-minertial models are used less often, mainly on light tackles, because they are less reliable under constant static stress.
The most important parameter of compatibility is the forest intensity of the spools and traction force. A wicker cord (a braid) is almost always preferable to monolesque, because it doesn't stretch, allowing you to feel the bite better and control the bait, and also has a smaller diameter at the same strength. However, the lack of stretchability requires a quality friction and flexible form.
| Predator type | Recommended test (d) | Strike. | Type of coil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudak, Bersh. | 20-60 | Medium / Medium-Fast | Multiplier |
| Pike (medium) | 40-100 | Medium | Multiplier |
| Catfish, Big Pike. | 100-300+ | Slow / Regular | Big cartoon |
| Salmon, trout | 30-80 | Parabolic | Multiplier with forestry |
Remember to check the gear ratio of the coil: trolling does not require a high winding speed, more important than thrust. The optimal values are in the range of 3.5:1 – 5.0:1. Also make sure that the coil leg fits tightly into the coil of your spinning, as the sizes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
☑️ Test tackle before season
Popular manufacturers and models
The market of trolling rods is represented by both famous global brands and decent budget options, and leaders in this segment are traditionally considered American companies, such as: St. Croix, Shimano and Daiwa, whose series are specially sharpened for harsh operating conditions, their products are of high quality materials and accessories, but also the price is appropriate.
Among the available models, brands have proven themselves well. Norstream, Salmo and Black Hole, which offer specialized trolling lines. Norstream Kando or Black Hole River Hunter Often recommended by experienced anglers for the best value for money, Chinese OEMs have also learned to do decent things, but require careful control when buying.
- 🏆 Premier (St. Croix): Reliability standard, fiberglass, unbeatable classics.
- 🏆 Techinigan Trolling (Shimano): Modern materials, excellent ergonomics.
- 🏆 Magnum (Daiwa): powerful forms for serious mining.
When choosing a particular model, be sure to take the rod in your hands, appreciate its balance and ease of grip. Even the most expensive spinning will be uncomfortable if it does not suit you personally for the tactile sensations. Producer's guarantee It also plays a role, but remember that a breakdown due to exceeding the test is not a warranty event.
When buying a rod in the store, ask the seller to load it (imitation jerk) to check the operation of the rod and the absence of foreign creaks at the junction of the knees.
Maintenance and storage of trolling gear
Trolling is an aggressive type of fishing, and tackles are exposed to the sun, water, sand and constant loads. After each fishing, you need to wipe the form and coil with a wet cloth, removing salt (if fishing was conducted at sea or in salt lakes) and dirt. Pay special attention to the throughput rings: sand, trapped inside the liner, will rub the cord like a razor.
Keep rods should be scattered (if the place allows) or in spacious tubes, so that the form “breathes” and not prel. Long-term storage When compressed, it can deform materials, especially composite materials. Regularly check the condition of the lacquer coating and when chipped, immediately paint them with water-resistant varnish, preventing moisture from entering.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the gear in a closed boat in direct sunlight for a long time. Overheating can lead to softening of the binder composition of the form and deformation of the rod.
Timely lubrication of the rubbing parts of the coil and checking the tightening of the screws of the coil holder will extend the life of your gear for several seasons. Remember that prevention is always cheaper than repairing or buying new equipment.
Proper maintenance and storage of trolling spinning increases its service life by 2-3 times and guarantees reliability on fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use regular spinning for trolling?
Theoretically, you can if the test and the rod fit the loads, but it's not recommended. Conventional spinning is not designed for constant static stress and can quickly get tired or break. Specialized trolling rods have a reinforced design.
Which cord is better to choose: a wicker or a line?
For trolling, wicker cords are better than 95 percent of the time, they don't stretch, they give you better sensitivity and bait control, and they have less sailability, and they're rarely used, mostly for catching cautious fish in shallow water.
Do I need a byterunner for a trolling coil?
The presence of a bytranner (beitranner) is highly desirable, especially when fishing for pike, pike or catfish, which allows the fish to freely pit the cord when grazing while you take the rod in your hands, which prevents the gear from pulling into the water.
How often should you change the cords on trolling gear?
The wicker cord for active trolling is recommended to be changed once every 1-2 seasons or as the "shagginess" and loss of strength appear. Regularly check the last 10-15 meters of the cord, as they wear out the fastest.