Boat trolling is a very different technique from the usual glittering from the shore or anchor fishing, opening the angler to catch the trophy predatory fish that hides in deep-sea brows and pits during daylight hours. It is an active method that requires not only a powerful spinning and reliable reel, but also competent equipment of the boat, since it is the speed of movement and the depth of wiring that play a crucial role in success.
Many beginners mistakenly believe that it is enough to tie a large Wobler and swim slowly, but trolling This is a complex engineering challenge where it's important to take into account the hydrodynamics of the bait, the bottom relief and the behavior of the fish, and in this article we'll look at all the subtleties, from the choice of motor to the secret wiring techniques that will help you fill the cage.
Choice of craft and preparation of boat
The basis of successful fishing is a properly prepared boat, which should provide stability when driving at low speeds and safety when catching a large predator. PVC boats length from 3.6 meters with a hard floorboard or inflatable floor, as well as aluminum boats with a flat or moderately keel bottom, allowing you to develop a minimum speed without going to sleeve.
The rod attachment system is critical. The use of inertial coils or simple holders of "glasses" is unacceptable, since when a trophy pike or pike is peeled, the gear can be instantly pulled to the bottom. You will need special outriger bars or on-board holders with adjustable angle of inclination, rigidly fixed on the transom or sides.
Do not forget that when driving on an electric motor or small turns of a gasoline engine, the boat becomes less maneuverable and more susceptible to the influence of the wind. anchor-feeder (anchor-cat on the cable) or the use of GPS-anchor (Spot Lock function on modern electric motors) becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity to hold a position above a perspective point.
- 🚤 For rivers less than 4 meters long, it is better not to use because of the risk of tipping over with sharp jerks of fish.
- ⚓ The presence of a transom plate on motor boats helps to stabilize the course at minimum speeds.
- 🔋 The battery energy reserve should be designed for at least 6-8 hours of sounder and motor operation.
⚠️ Warning: Never wind the fishing line on your hand or fingers when trolling! with a sudden boat stop or hook, the inertia of movement can lead to serious hand injuries or ligaments ruptured.
Equipment: spinning, coil and line
Trolling tackles experience tremendous static and dynamic loads, so the choice of spinning should be based not on sensitivity, but on power and reliability. The optimal test of the rod varies from 40 to 100 grams, and the formation is preferable fast or extra-fast, which allows you to tightly control the game of a large Wobler and make a confident cut at a distance of 40-50 meters.
The coil should be exclusively multiplier, since the non-inertial models cannot withstand constant pressure on the friction and quickly fail. 4.5:1 or 5.0:1), which provides high traction when pumping fish from the depth and easy winding with strong resistance.
As the main cord, only a braid with a tear load of at least 15-20 kg is used, since the monophilic line is very stretched, which prevents the correct play of the wobbler at great depths. To protect against pike teeth and prevent rubbing against the shell, you need to use a metal or fluorocarbon leash with a length of at least 30-40 cm.
Pay special attention to the spinning bandwidth. Cheap soft-insert rings are quickly rubbed with a wicker cord under constant load, which can lead to an unexpected cliff of the trophy. Use rods with rings SIC or AlconiteThose who have a high level of wear.
Electronics: sonar, navigation and downskan
Modern trolling is impossible to imagine without a sonar sonar that acts as a navigator and sonar at the same time, the main requirement for the device is the presence of detailed mapping and the ability to display the structure of the bottom in high definition to distinguish single snags, stone ridges and the boundaries of dumps.
Regime is critical to effective fish search DownScan or SideScanThey're looking at a picture that looks like a photographic image, and it's not just a fish arch, it's looking at whether it's above the bottom, whether it's hiding in a snag or if it's spread out in the water column, and without that information, it's turning trolling into blind riding around a pond.
GPS navigation accuracy allows you to return to verified points with a meter accuracy, which is especially true when fishing in large reservoirs. Save tracks of successful wiring and create wayspoints on bottom anomalies, so that next time you go along the brood with perfect accuracy.
| Parameter | Minimum value | Recommended value | Impact on fishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emitter power | 300 watts | 600-1000 watts | Clearness of the picture at depths of more than 10 meters |
| Frequency | 83 kHz | 200 kHz + HD | Details of small objects and fish |
| Viewing angle | 45 degrees. | 110 degrees. | Coverage of the search area on the sides of the boat |
| GPS receiver | Built-in | External with GLONASS | Positioning accuracy and update speed |
High-quality sonar with cartography function pays off for 2-3 fishing, allowing you to find fish where other anglers see just depth.
Choice of baits: wobblers, splashes and deepening
The main working tool of the trollingist is the Wobler, and here the model with a large blade, capable of sinking 6, 8 and even 12 meters, rules the ball. Rapala Deep Tail Dancer, Salmo Perch or Bomber They have established themselves as leaders in catchiness and stability of the game on the course.
When choosing a lure, it is important to consider its working horizon. If you catch a perch standing at the bottom, the Wobler should scratch the blade on the ground, raising a cloud of mud. For pike, which can stand in the gulfs, models with less depth or speed adjustment are released so that the lure goes higher.
Blazes and silicone in trolling are less commonly used but have a right to life. Large oscillating splashes are effective over cold water when the fish is sluggish, and bulky silicone on heavy-duty jig heads works great on deep pits. However, Wobler remains king of this method thanks to its active play even at minimal speed.
- 🎣 For muddy water, choose wobblers with a noise chamber and a bright color.
- 🌊 On a strong current, use baits with a narrow blade for less resistance.
- 🐟 The size of the wobbler should correspond to the size of the expected prey: 7-9 cm for perch, 12-14 cm for pike.
It is important to understand that The actual depth of the wobbler is always greater than the manufacturer's stated depth.Because it depends on the length of the line and the speed of the boat, you let go of the 40-50 meters of the cord, you make the Wobler with the declared horizon of 4 meters go 6-7 meters.
Posting tactics and speed control
The speed of the boat is a "volume handle" for a predator. The optimal speed range for trolling is from 2.5 to 4.5 km / h. At speeds below 2 km / h, the big-blade wobblers can get out of the game and pop up, and above 5 km / h - the fish simply does not have time to attack or takes the moving object for inedible.
There are several tactics that improve performance: stop-and-go (stop and jerk) often provokes a predator to attack, as the Wobler dramatically changes the horizon and the nature of the vibrations, and wiring along the brow "zigzag" is also effective, when the boat periodically shifts to the side, changing the angle of attack of the bait.
The secret of wiring on the flow
When you go against the current, the speed of the boat relative to the water is summed up with the speed of the current. If you go 3 km/h on GPS against the current of 2 km/h, the real wiring speed will be 5 km/h, which can be too fast. Adjust the engine speed by looking not at GPS, but at the behavior of the wobbler.
When fishing on rivers with strong currents, the "reverse" method is often used, where the boat goes backwards or becomes a nose against the current, and the wobbler is released downstream, which allows you to catch deep pits, where otherwise it is difficult to get to.
⚠️ Attention: When using multiple spinning lines, make sure that the fishing line does not overlap. The optimal arrangement scheme is short vacations in the center, long at the edges, or using gliders to breed baits to the sides.
Secrets of Success and Typical Mistakes
Many anglers make the mistake of relying on only one type of bait: one day a pike may aggressively pick up on acid green, and the next, ignore it, preferring natural colors. Always have a supply of wobbles of different colors and sizes to quickly adjust.
Another common mistake is ignoring the weather. In calm, the fish may be careful and require slow wiring, and when the wind ripples and the water is turbulent, the predator becomes more active and reacts to a faster and more aggressive game. Don't be afraid to experiment with speed depending on the conditions.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Keep in mind safety and comfort. Trolling is a long time on the water, often in an uncomfortable position, comfortable seat, protection from sun and rain, and reliable fixation of gear will make fishing pleasant, not painful.
The ultimate success depends on a set of factors: the right gear, accurate navigation and, of course, your ability to read a pond. Trolling gives an incredible advantage in finding fish, allowing you to walk tens of kilometers of promising terrain in a day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum length of a boat for trolling?
The optimal length ranges from 3.6 meters for PVC boats and 4 meters for metal boats. On shorter boats, it is difficult to safely place 2-3 spinnings and catch large fish, since there is a high risk of hooking the board or flipping over.
Can a non-inertial coil be used?
Technically possible, but it's not recommended. With constant friction load and prolonged cord tension, the non-inertial coil mechanism wears out quickly, and the spoole can deform. The multiplier is more reliable and durable.
How do you know if the Wobler is at the right depth?
The best way to do this is to periodically lightly touch the bottom blade ("scrolling"). If you see on the sonar that the bottom is 6 meters away and the Wobler is 2 meters from the bottom, increase the length of the vacation or slow down. If the Wobler is constantly stuck in the ground, reduce the temper or increase the speed.
Do you need a cookie when trolling?
Yes, a cookie is necessary. When trolling, there are often double and triple bites, and keeping the fish in a cage or on a crate is inconvenient. The kukan allows you to keep the catch in the water next to the boat, keeping the fish alive.