Row Trolling Suckers
bwalsh
Posted 10/10/2012 12:20 PM (#590053)
Subject: Row Trolling Suckers


I'm new to row trolling, but so far I have really enjoyed the times I have been able to get out on the lake. I've seen some references to row trolling suckers and would like to give this a try as well. If someone can give me some pointers I would appreciate it -

Do you use a traditional quick strike rig or do you add some sort of a harness to keep the sucker on while trolling?

Do you weight the sucker to keep it down?

Do you set the hook by stopping trolling and grabbing the rod to set the hook or should you keep rowing to set the hook?

I'm guessing I should be rowing very slowly with suckers.

Thanks.
scmuskies
Posted 10/10/2012 12:25 PM (#590054 - in reply to #590053)
Subject: RE: Row Trolling Suckers


Standard harness and very slow, less than 1.0 mph. I do it with two lines, one on a bobber 1/2 way down the water column and one straight down on the bottom. Once you get a hit its the same situation as in a larger boat - get over the fish and give it the beans.

Sc
muskie! nut
Posted 10/10/2012 12:39 PM (#590056 - in reply to #590053)
Subject: Re: Row Trolling Suckers





Posts: 2894


Location: Yahara River Chain
Do you use a traditional quick strike rig or do you add some sort of a harness to keep the sucker on while trolling?

Of course quick strike rigs are what you need as you are not pulling them hard or fast.

Do you weight the sucker to keep it down?

Depends of the suckers. Some stay down on their own, but to make sure best to use some weight.

Do you set the hook by stopping trolling and grabbing the rod to set the hook or should you keep rowing to set the hook?

You will have to stop and set the hook. i doubt if you could generate enough force from rowing to break free the sucker and bury the steel in their jaw.
bwalsh
Posted 10/11/2012 8:39 AM (#590214 - in reply to #590053)
Subject: RE: Row Trolling Suckers


Thanks for the info.

The reason I ask about how to set the hook is that this summer I was pulling a topwater behind the boat and had a big hit where the fish came out of the water. The fish did come down with the topwater in its mouth and I could see the rod bend with the load. By the time I set the oars down, got the rod out of the holder and tried to set the hook, the fish was gone. At the time, I thought maybe if I had just kept rowing, it would have kept the pressure on and set the hook.

Do you all just row to set the hook when not using live bait or do you pull the rod out of the holder and set the hook like normal. It would be a help to know what has worked for people. I can see where slamming it home is necessary with a sucker, but is that also the way to do it with a lure?
scmuskies
Posted 10/11/2012 8:56 AM (#590219 - in reply to #590053)
Subject: RE: Row Trolling Suckers


With lures, row as fast and hard as you can for a few strokes then pick up the rod. This keeps the line tight and usually sends the hooks home. A hookset isnt required, but sometimes is good insurance.
bwalsh
Posted 10/11/2012 10:55 AM (#590235 - in reply to #590053)
Subject: RE: Row Trolling Suckers


Thanks. That's what I was thinking too.