Trolling Fishing Tips and Techniques for Beginners

Trolling is one of the most popular and effective fishing techniques for catching a variety of fish species. It requires patience, skill, and some proper knowledge to be successful. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the necessary trolling fishing tips and techniques you need to know to get started.

We’ll show you how to pick the appropriate tackle, set up your lines, and which trolling lures are most effective for different types of fish. We’ll also share some of our best trolling tips so you can spend more time fishing and less frustration. So grab your rod, sit back, and let’s get started.

What Is Trolling?

Trolling is a fishing method where the fisherman moves slowly, typically using a boat, while trailing one or more fishing lines to catch fish. Some trolling methods involve live bait, while others incorporate artificial lures to attract and catch fish. Trolling is often an effective way to target large, predatory gamefish. The key to successful trolling is finding the right spot, choosing the right bait, and moving your boat at varying speeds.

Different Trolling Methods

The two main types of trolling are downrigger trolling and jigging. Downrigger trolling involves dragging bait near the bottom in deeper water, usually with a downrigger to keep the line taut and off the bottom. Jigging occurs in shallow or deep water by jigging, bouncing, or jerking a rod with bait attached. Both methods can target various fish species depending on where you are fishing and what bait you use.

Gear Checklist

No matter what trolling method you choose, you should always have several pieces of essential gear. These include rods, reels, trolling motor batteries, lead weights, swivels, leaders, and other tackle such as hooks and sinkers. These items are necessary for successful trolling, and you can buy them at any good tackle shop.

Baiting Tips

Live bait is useful for downrigger trolling because it naturally attracts gamefish and remains near the bottom layer of the water column. Nightcrawlers or minnows work great for this type of fishing, but they also require additional preparation time. You can use artificial lures for either downriggers or jigging, but they often require more skill to properly deploy them.

Remember what size bait works best for your target species, as some will only hit smaller prey while others may prefer larger prey items. If you’re having trouble in a particular area, add an attractant, such as a scent or color enhancer, to your lure or bait.

Setting up and Preparing a Trolling Run

To successfully troll, it is crucial to locate the ideal spot. This spot could be an area with movement or structure, like drop-offs, where gamefish gather when feeding due to the abundance of food available. Before you start trolling, pre-fishing techniques can help you determine the most effective lure or bait for a specific area. It’s crucial to vary your trolling speed during your run. Doing so will give your baits or lures different appearances, potentially enticing strikes from fish that would otherwise be unresponsive or from nearby schools of fish.

Post-Trolling Aftercare

To maintain your gear’s longevity, cleaning and inspecting all your equipment is essential after each fishing trip. This practice ensures they remain in optimal condition for future outings. When targeting gamefish, it is crucial to employ catch and release practices. Gamefish are delicate creatures, and you need to use special handling techniques during the harvesting and post-harvesting. This process includes promptly cooling them with ice packs after catching them, allowing for safe release back into their original habitat. Before heading out for a fishing trip, you need to fuel your body with proper nutrition. Ensure your trolling motor battery has enough charge to avoid running out of power during your trip.

Conclusion

Trolling fishing is a fun and effective way to target various fish species. With the proper knowledge and techniques, you can become a successful troll fisherman in no time. We hope that the tips and techniques outlined in this article serve as a helpful guide to start your fishing journey. Now all that’s left is to grab your rod, pick the right spot, and get ready for some good old-fashioned trolling fishing.