Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

  • 0

Trolling equiptment info needed, please


stoneeyes317

Question

O.K., I am taking a trip to Star Lake @ the end of Aug. and I want to try some trolling (mostly for walleyes), pulling plugs, bottom bouncers with spinners, or 3-way rigs. I was @ Fleet Farm Sat. and I bought myself a South Bend Phase 2 IM8 med. hvy. action rod, and a Diawa Accudepth 17LC reel. I think I paid about $50 for this outfit, and I would like to know if I've made an O.K. initial purchase for the type of fishing I'm hoping to do??

All replies are welcome, as well as any help with the trolling aspect of things, since this will be the first time I try something like this...

eyes317

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

You should be fine. I just did a Winnie trip and used 3ways and Lindys and bottom bouncers with much lighter set up than you have. The key is matching your weight to the trolling speed to keep vertical.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

That setup will work fine if you plan on using monofilament fishing line. I have a couple rods set up in a simuliar fashion.

Although I've gone more so to the super braid lines for trolling and pulling spinners. It is just so much more senitive than mono with no stretch. I can tell if my spinners or cranks are working properly. But to use the superbraids you'll need to go lighter. A medium action at the heaviest and tame down your hooksets or you'll rip hooks out.

Good Luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks Paul!!

I've been considering getting the book, since I seem to have an array of crankbaits; wonder how that happened!!! grin.gif I did purchase the rapala trolling booklet, but I have some hot-n-tots and ripsticks (anyone know how deep I can get a ripshad on 8 lb. line mono?), so I think the precision book will be a godsend...

Since you replied, Paul, would you mind telling me what type of bait might be best if I decide to pull spinners, i.e. crawlers vs. leeches vs. minnows??

Thanks...

eyes317

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

My choice for cranks on star would be blue/chrome shad rap in the sizes #7 and #9 and the same models in the firetiger color. Might even want to have some #5's with too in case you need to work a little shallower. As far as live bait goes I'd stick to crawlers and leeches. Hammered gold, chartruse, chartruse/orange will all work well, might want to try some blue/glow white also. I dont use three ways or bottom bouncers much, mostly for me I use the old fashioned bead chain trolling sinkers, they slip thru the weeds better than everything else. I have been using the new foam walkers this season with some success for straight live bait rigging, love them for minnows!! Good fishin!! Paul

------------------
Paul Rohweller
Pine to Prairie Guide Service
218-962-3387
N.P.A.A. 425
http://fishingminnesota.com/pinetoprairie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

As far as cranks go you'll need a trolling guide to get persise depth. I like Shad Raps,Hot-n-Tots,jointed Raps,Wally Divers,and Frenzys. Fire tiger,perch,blue,and silver. 1.5 2.5 mph. Maybe throw in some snap weights and planer boards too. I spool with 12 lb. mono, I like the stretch. 7 1/2-9' rods with line counters. Pulling crawlers you'll need harnesses, I make my own. I like large single bait grabber hooks and interchangable clevis which lets you change blades in a flash and I think the single hook runs better. As far as blades, use metal colors either smooth or hammered,fluoresants,and throw in a few blue one also. Colorado or willow leaf are my favorites. 2-3 oz. bottom bouncers. The heavy bottom bouncers keep a more vertical presentation allowing for depth control. Run about a 5-6' leader to the harness. If the lake has a lot of depth change and is weedy you might want to hold the rod in hand to make your adjustments as you go. If shallow you probably want to run boards to avoid spooking the fish. If I run multiple lines I keep the shallower ones on boards to avoid bottom and fish the deeper ones in rod holders. In lakes that have little weeds is where you can really have success pulling crawlers, especially over deeper flats. Run baits at .8-1.5 mph for the most. GPS is a must for speed and keeping on the fish. can it be luck?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • SkunkedAgain
      I thought that I remembered reading a statement years ago from the DNR, where they said it was unlikely that the rusty crayfish would be able to migrate from the east to west basins of Vermilion. It would be a shame if they have already. I'm sure that my wife and daughter will like swimming better with less weeds, but the fishing will suffer.
    • benj
      Well bred Brittanys pups available, will not disappoint.  30 yrs on breeding Brittanys.   Www.bensbrittanys.com
    • benj
      Brittany pups available, great lines, proven breeder.  Will not disappoint.  Reach out if interested [email protected]  
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...  Some great fall walleye fishing this past week on Lake of the Woods.  September is a transition time, both for walleyes, bait, and what techniques they prefer.   Walleyes are being caught at many locations around the lake.  The north end continues to be producing a good number of eater walleyes with the mixed in trophy.  This part of the lake has been consistent all summer and now into the fall.   The south end of the lake is kicking out some nice limits as well, just have to find the fish.  Electronics help of course, but so does covering water.   The two techniques to cover water are spinners / crawlers and crankbaits.  Both are still producing fish.  The third common technique that is starting to kick in more and more every week as the water cools is jigging with a frozen emerald shiner.  Once you find the fish, this can be super effective.   Most fish are being caught in 18 - 32 feet, depending upon where you are fishing.  There can be a morning / evening bite along the shoreline areas which is worth exploring.  The shallower water can also light up during the day if bait is present.   Areas throughout the lake with rock hold nice numbers of smallmouth bass.  The south shore between Long Point and Morris Point has many scattered areas with rock as does the areas around Knight, Bridges and Garden Islands.   Saugers, big pike, jumbo perch and a few crappies in the mix of walleyes throughout a day of fishing.   On the Rainy River...   Some good fishing in the Rainy River right now.  Walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, crappies, sturgeon, suckers and bullheads are all in the mix, depending upon what technique(s) you are using.     Walleyes continue to be caught in Four Mile Bay, along various shoreline breaks, bars and other pieces of structure up and down the river.  Trolling spinners and trolling crankbaits continues to be effective.  Many anglers are jigging key areas and success.  It will get even better as the waters continue to cool.      Pike and smallmouth bass are being caught casting shorelines, bays and areas with rock or structure.   Sturgeon activity is also getting better.  Fall sturgeon fishing is normally excellent.  The sturgeon season is open through the winter into the spring. Up at the NW Angle...  The NW Angle is putting out some nice fish.  Most anglers are targeting walleyes, but crappies and muskies are favorite species as well during the fall months.   Walleyes are hanging out on points, reefs, flats and neck down areas with current.  Good reports are coming from anglers using jigs, spinners and crankbaits.  Some anglers swear by a jig and plastic or minnow.  Others believe moving around with a spinner or crankbait is most productive.  All three methods are catching fish.   Crappies are being found in 20 - 30 feet off of points and around brush piles. Electronics helps to find the schools.   Casting shorelines this time of year will put a plethora of species in the boat and is very enjoyable.  Crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, inline spinners and bladed jigs are all good lures to work shorelines. Muskies have been active.  Great reports as most muskie anglers fish just over the border from the Angle.  With 14,552 islands, lots of spots, lots of fish.  .      
    • Rick
      The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments through Oct. 19 on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet related to the rehabilitation of the Lake Bronson Dam, located within Lake Bronson State Park in Kittson County.Discuss below - to view set the hook here.
    • Rick
      As the days turn cooler and hunting seasons kick off, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ K9 Unit’s five teams are preparing to shift their focus to the field.Discuss below - to view set the hook here.
    • delcecchi
      The rusties are sort of into west end, but I don't know how much.   But in my experience the weeds vary from year to year.   Like this year, our beach didn't have as many weeds as last year.   And the bay on the east side of center Island didn't either.   But other places seemed to be about like usual.   
    • ozzie
      I will be going up at the end of the month to do a little fishing.  I will do a little calling around and find what others have to say as for the bite on the chain if they have been out.  I will report back to what I find.  Should be good fishing with the cooling temps!
    • Randy schaefer
      Numerous residents report tree damage/destruction along Munson Lake lakeshore, just south of Detroit Lakes. Would like an approximate cost for removal of beavers causing damage. thanks randy Schaefer
    • Randy schaefer
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.