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| I would consider myself a rookie by far when it comes to trolling. I know we have some wizard trollers out there. What are some consistent boat patterns that you have found successful for trolling (i.e. lazy S, in and out off of the breakline, great big circle, aimlessly wander, etc........). | |
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| Interesting question. It depends on the kind of trolling I am doing. If it is suspended fish (15% of the time), it is more a of a wander aimlessly searching out schools of suspended baitfish in open water. If it is structure or precision trolling (85% of the time), generally I follow the structure/edges. At key points along the structure - inside turns and pronounced points - I will work the area using a mix of parallel and perpendicular passes, mixed with hard sudden turns ("Crazy Ivans") and some hand rips on the line. Hand rips can be as or more effective than zig zag trolling, but you have to be very alert. Never grab the line. Dacron will burn you, superbraids will slice you. The moment you feel pressure, you get your hand out of there FAST. Use the flat of your hand and just give the line a sharp tug. This technique puts 8-12 extra fish in my boat each year. I believe that muskies will follow a trolled bait for limited distances, just as they do a cast one. The rip is the trigger.
Steve Wickens | |
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Trollers - Boat Patterns