Fishing by trolling opens up opportunities for a boater that are not available when fishing from the shore or on a drifting boat. Smooth movement It allows you to catch large areas, find active points of the predator and provoke even passive fish to attack, and a PVC boat in this context is the perfect tool: it is light, maneuverable and allows you to get to the shore for a minimum distance without scaring off the inhabitants of shallow water.
However, the use of inflatable board imposes its limitations on the choice of tractor Unlike heavy aluminum or fiberglass boats, PVC boats are more sensitive to wave and wind, which requires a special approach to balancing and speed management. Correctly tuned trolling turns your vessel into an efficient platform for mining a trophy pike, pike or catfish.
The success of this fishing depends on many factors: the type of fishing. transom-wheel Miscalculating the speed or sinking of the Wobblers can negate all efforts, so it is important to think ahead of time about the configuration of the equipment and the wiring tactics, so that each launch is effective and, most importantly, safe.
Selection and preparation of PVC boats for trolling
The basis of successful fishing is the right boat. rigidity Inflatable boats are divided into two main types of bottom design: plywood (with plywood or aluminum sheets) and inflatable (BNDM). hydrodynamics and stability in the wiring.
Size matters: Boats less than 3 meters long (e.g., Flagship 290 or Hunter 290) suitable only for solo fishing with a minimum of tackle, the optimal size for comfortable trolling is from 3.2 to 3.6 meters. Cayman 330 or Solar 350It allows you to accommodate two fishermen, a sonar, a navigator and several rods without losing controllability.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum load capacity of the boat indicated in the passport. Overloading the inflatable side when actively fishing with the engine dramatically reduces stability and increases the risk of flooding with a wave overboard.
The most important element of the preparation is the installation transom-wheelWhen trolling, you often have to move the boat along the shore, drag it to the water or lower it from a flat bank, and the wheel must be removable or lifted so as not to create resistance to water and not interfere with the operation of the engine propeller while driving.
- 🚤 Be sure to check the pressure in the cylinders before leaving: in the sun it grows, and in cold water it falls, which affects the hardness of the stroke.
- 🔧 Make sure that the boat’s transom is reinforced with linings and withstands the thrust of the engine during prolonged operation at low speeds.
- 🎣 Secure the anchor shaft so that it cannot wind on the screw when stopping or drifting.
Motor traction: power selection and speed control
The main requirement for the motor for trolling is the presence of stable low-speedThe engine must confidently keep the boat on plane or in displacement mode at a minimum speed, which is often 2-4 km / h For PVC boats up to 3.5 meters in length, the optimal motors with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp More powerful units (15 hp and above) are often excessive and make the boat excessively rolling at low speed.
Japanese brands such as Tohatsu and Yamaha, traditionally famous for reliability and a wide selection of models with a long leg, which is important for deep cylinders.HdX, Parsun) also offer decent solutions, often with built-in electroregulation This is a huge plus for trolling.
The key control is the rummel or remote control. rod Or a cable-drawn vehicle to be able to move freely around the cockpit, changing gear or catching fish, and some anglers install special cranks to control the motor, sitting on the nose or in the center of the boat.
Electric motors are particularly noteworthy, and they are ideal for trolling because they can be fine-tuned with steps, but for large PVC boats with current or wind, their thrust may not be enough. Electric motors are effective only in calm water and in the absence of strong headwind or current.
Use fuel tanks with a capacity of 12 liters or more. Long-term work at low speeds consumes fuel economically, but the sudden need to go far from shore or against the wind may require a range.
Equipment: rods, coils and holders
The trolling gear is different from spinning bait fishing, and it's about reliability, strength and the ability to handle heavy wabbers at great depths. The rods must have a test that matches the weight of the baits, usually a class. Medium or Medium HeavyThe length of the PVC form is optimal between 1.9 and 2.4 meters, and longer rods will interfere with the tight cockpit of the inflatable boat.
The coils are predominantly multiplier, they provide better traction for large fish and allow you to accurately control the release of the line. The non-inertional models are also applicable, especially for light baits, but require high-quality linelaying and reliable maintenance. friction-brake.
The rods are attached to PVC boats with special holders, which can be cut-in (glasses) or overhead (suction cups or screws), and it is important that the base of the holder is based on a hard stringer or floorboard, rather than a soft balloon, otherwise the rod will “walk” when wiring.
☑️ Checking tackles before exit
The table below shows the recommended ratio of tackle type and target fish for trolling:
| Target fish | Type of rod | Test (gr) | Type of bait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudak | Spinning, fast formation. | 20-40 | Wobblear-minnow, Rattlenecks |
| Pike. | Spinning, parabolic | 30-60 | Big wobbles, wobbles. |
| Som | Casting, powerful. | 60-100+ | Deep-sea crotch, silicone. |
| Perch | Light/Ultralight | 5-15 | Micro-oblers, rotatories |
Navigation and sonar: fish search and bottom control
Modern trolling is impossible without a sonar, and it's not just a fish-finding device, but a navigation system that allows you to see the bottom relief, thermoclines and the structure of the water column. For PVC boats, compact models with a screen diagonal of 4-7 inches are popular, such as: Garmin Striker or Lowrance Hook.
The key is scanning frequency. The standard beam (200 kHz) gives the big picture, but you need a mode to study the bottom in detail and find individual fish. DownVision or SideVisionThey allow you to see what's going on under the boat and on the sides, which is critical when you're going through brows and dumps.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the sonar sensor on the PVC boat transducer, make sure that the fastening bolts do not damage the inner layer of the cylinder. Use special adapters or suction cups if transom drilling is undesirable.
The GPS allows you to save routes and mark catch points ("waypoints"), which allows you to return to the tested places with an accuracy of a meter. The combination of sonar and GPS allows you to build maps of depth (kartplotting), which is especially important in poorly understood water bodies.
How to set up a sonar for trolling?
For trolling, increase screen refresh rate and sensitivity. Turn off automatic mode if the boat changes speed frequently, and set the depth range manually to see the bottoms clearer.
Tactics of wiring and arrangement of gear
The basis of trolling is movement. The wiring speed is selected experimentally, but usually it is from 2 to 5 km / h. For pike and pike, a slower stroke is often effective, and for perch or cache - a little faster.
Arranging gear (bringing) is an art. PVC boats typically use 2 to 4 rods. The basic scheme is two rods on the sides on a short vacation and one or two stern on a long one, which allows you to catch different horizons and avoid overlapping.
- 🎣 Use outriggers (removable bars) to breed lines to the sides if you catch more than two spinnings.
- 🌊 Change the horizons of the wiring: if there is no cool at the bottom, raise the wobblers in the floes or to the surface.
- 🔄 Do periodic stop-and-go (trolling stop-and-go) to provoke a passive predator attack.
In the course of fishing, direction is critical: anti-current (head) movement allows you to better control the speed and play of the bait, but requires more power of the motor. Driving along the flow saves fuel, but makes it difficult to control speed and can lead to a wave on board.
The main secret of trolling on a PVC boat is to constantly monitor the baits. Visually watch the nod of the rod: any game failure or poke can be a signal to cut.
Safety and behavior on the water
A PVC boat is a soft side that, in case of a puncture or an acute situation, will not forgive mistakes, so compliance with the safety rules for a water motor here is even more important than on a rigid hull. Life jacket It should be worn on each crew member, regardless of the ability to swim and the depth of the reservoir.
When trolling, the angler's attention is scattered: one watches the sonar, another watches the gear, a third looks around, which increases the risk of collision with other vessels or entering shallow water. Always carry a serviceable anchor with a reserve of line, so you can emergency stop.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to untangle a line or take a fish off a hook while standing on or over the sides. All manipulations are carried out only sitting on the bottom so as not to turn the boat over.
Checking equipment before each exit is a must, and having a scoop, refit, pump and a working communication (telephone in a sealed bag) is the minimum, and remember that the water situation changes quickly, and help may be needed at any second.
Respect other water traffickers: Trolling often occurs in the fairways or in places where other fishermen or pleasure craft may be located, do not cause interference and observe the rules of navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the optimal speed for trolling pike and pike?
The optimum speed varies from 2.5 to 4.5 km/h Sudak often prefers slower wiring (2-3 km/h), especially at night or in cold water. Pike can attack at higher speeds (up to 6 km/h) if a large Wobler with active play is used.
Can an electric motor be used on a PVC boat for trolling?
Yes, but with limitations. The electric motor is ideal for quiet wiring at short distances and calm water. For boats longer than 3.5 meters or with strong wind/currents, the electric motor may not be enough to hold the course and speed.
How to avoid cross-section of lines when using 3-4 spinnings?
Use different lengths of fishing line (near spinning line shorter than far) and spread rods to the sides with outriggers or mounting on the sides at different angles, and using fishing line of different colors for visual control also helps.
Do I need a keel sleep for a PVC boat when trolling?
The presence of a keel (inflatable or hard) significantly improves the course stability of the boat, especially in lateral winds. This reduces the load on the engine and allows you to keep a smooth course without constant thrusters, which is important for high-quality wiring of Wobblers.