Thread: Deciding where to troll?

In this situation, all you have is the "Old" 200DX, so use it!!..Although I have a newer unit with SI and DI on it, I rarely use it. Sunday was the first time out in almost 5 months and I went to Blackshear..I haven't been to that lake since January. I started trolling some flats looking for fish and found nothing. As I worked my way to the channel, I started seeing fish on my screen. As it turned out, they were hanging around the ledges and once we found them, we put a little weight on and got down to them. Had 23 in 1 1/2 hours. So basically I guess I am saying that relying on your fishfinder is what you are gonna have to do unless someone just puts you on the fish. That Hummingbird may be old and in gray scale, but I bet it still picks up the fish when you go over them. Sometimes we don't want to put faith in something old but I have seen many times I questioned the newer stuff...Us old farts still work....well....Some of us do!!Rofl...But to answer your question as to where to start trolling, right now I would start in the channel and the ledges looking for fish...Then go from there...In another month or so, I believe you will start finding more fish in the flats and off of points. When you find the fish and determine what depth they are holding at, make whatever adjustments you need to get the bait to them...Just my opinion...Good Luck!!

Advice taken thanks for your help. I havent used the fishfinder as much yet so I wasn't real sure how well it works but the simulation screen is great. Ill repost in the next couple of weeks since Ill be out on the water a lot more.

Thanks again sir!

Like I mentioned before, I have SI and DI on my unit, but Sunday I only used the the "fishfinder" screen to locate fish and watch my depth...Never turned the SI or DI on...I enjoy using those features, but for trolling and locating fish, that H'Bird 200dx should serve you well.

I fully agree with TnT cause I cought all of my crappie yesterday fishing the river channel ledge. Could have had the limit but came on in around 1:30pm.

Very good advice. I usually prefer checking the flats first. I'm easing around in likely spots with the big motor looking in water with a constant bottom depth (and having GPS) I normally follow the creek channels straying off from side to side looking for bait balls and/or fish. If the water looks "dead" (not seeing anything on the screen) then I dont put lines out. Rather I go to the next spot and start looking again. Especially this time of the year with the water beginning to cool, the bait and the fish are on the move so when you find 'em then you can catch 'em. Doesnt do you any good at all fishing in water where there arent any though. Check the map and pick a few places, get on the water and learn about your lake, and rely on your electroinics. If you do these things you'll find some fish to catch.Thumbs Up And remember, the hunt is half the fun so dont get discouraged. Good luck to ya!

Here's one screen shot that tells me there are fish and bait...

great advice guys, but what will help you even more is go with someone that familar with the lake and trolling and just follow them.

Originally Posted by drill instructor

great advice guys, but what will help you even more is go with someone that familar with the lake and trolling and just follow them.

Now we know who told Rawhide to follow us around...Rofl

LOL I'll be the guy behind Rawhide. This is really a great site, my first few times out I was just overwhelmed. Every spot looks like a good spot and all of those good spots brought me a grand total of 1 baby yellow perch. And yes I took a picture with the BIG guy.

I am going to hook up with lc tomorrow so I'm sure ill be in good hands and i've spoken with a lot of the guys thru PM so I'm getting some good stuff. I'm going to ride up to the gathering in S.C. next month also so I'll be sure to introduce myself. I will definitely let you know how it goes this weekend.