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| What do you guys like to use for trolling for muskies? I have always used braid but I was wondering if there might be a better option such as mono to give things a bit more give. Also curious what lb test you like to run.
thank you |
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Posts: 947
| Musky1- I use 40lb Berkley Big game mono. For 2 reasons, your inline plannerboards and releases will stick better on mono. and like you said mono gives better-has more stretch and is alot more forgiving especialy if your drag is a little tight.
I have never had a line break trolling with mono and have caught tons on it. I used to troll with braid 7-8 years ago but after switching to all mono trolling I lost a lot less fish.
All the Charter Captians that I know on St.Clair all troll with mono also.
Good luck,
Jeff Hanson
madisonmuskyguide.com |
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Posts: 906
Location: Canada | I have both my trolling rods set up with mono. One is Berkely Big Game 60lb? and the other is Ande's and can't remember the weight of it but I think it is somewhere around or above the 60lb range. I also use long mono trolling leaders which I make using Ande's mono leader material that is 125lb. Mono has a lot better give (stretch) for trolling as already stated. Never had any problems with breaking line, knot strength or etc. with using mono and the knots I tie. |
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Posts: 1289
Location: WI | 80 and 100lb braid. No problems here. |
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| yes to braid and a big no no to mono.the last thing you want when you troll is something that stretch,another major thing is mono diameter is way to big when you want to go deeper.
after a good read of a article writed by lazarus i have choose to stop mono and guess what,i lose a lot less fish.
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Posts: 4266
| 60# Stren Chartreuse Magnaflex with Trplefish Flouro knotted right to that. If I want depth, I'll make lures with bigger lips or add lead, but I like trolling above the fish.....you know, that whole "their eyes are on top of their head for a reason." I've seen too many shows and read saltwater trolling books instead of concentrating on what muskie trollers do. Trolling is just another presentation, so learn as much as you can. When I see guys fishing on the oceans catching 200# fish on 60# and 80# mono using half the poundage of the main line for the leader and having no problem at 5+mph, I'm going to do what they do until I have failure issues. None yet. Besides, other people can see that chartreuse main line very easily, and have no excuse NOT to avoid it. I still like dry hands too. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | 80lb braid for long line trolling and 100lb braid for short line trolling. I use 36" 130lb F/C leaders.
60lb mono ???? in cold water that line has to be stiff and you must weight it to get it down ???? |
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Posts: 742
Location: Grand Rapids MN | I've only used braid just because my casting stuff has doubled for both. Hook ups have been fantastic but I think it has to due with the whole setup. If your using braids and your stiffer casting rods then you will have to lighten up on the drag more. We set our drags lighter than others I've seen in videos and still manage great hook ups. My thoughts are there can be to much pressure when the fish hits it and can aid in tearing the hooks free. Plus it's easier to get the rod out of the holder when stuck in the rocks. If you like tighter drags then the use of glass rods and/or mono would help for the same reasons.
I'm getting some strictly trolling rigs this year and have considered going to mono. Just because I sometimes would like longer leads but keep the bait up some. Only thing is I will have to re-learn my lure dive curves. Plus I will have to consider line capacity when I get new reels. |
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Posts: 1289
Location: WI | A loose drag will keep fish from jumping while you grab the rod and then put the motor in neutral. You can always tighten it or use your thumb while fighting the fish. My hook up % is pretty good while trolling, but we still have a few fish shake off/jump while short lining. |
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Trolling line