Thread: Slow trolling question?

I don't pre mark the line if that is your question... I do two things (sometimes) one is when I catcha fish I mark the line in front of the reel to show where I need to lock the reel on the next set. Secondly I measure my line using my fishing pole (only takes a couple of seconds using 12' jig poles. Other times which is most of the time... I fish in a 20' boat and I cast ahead, from the rear of the boat, then let it drift back... it helps to estimate the length of line, but also gives falling jigs and such time to get down to the desiered depth (in freefall rather than being pulled) the last method is the one I use most, because it is easier for me and fast... oh yeh I use the rod technique when spider rig'n... Happy Fish'n

Fall and Spring is when I do it. Also I don't make anything. All I do is cast side arm as far to the side as I can wile moving and let it pull to behind the boat. That gives me my distance, but sometimes I may let out a little more line to see if it helps.

However my key is jig size and speed of the trolling motor. I use a 1/32 oz. when I fish 6' or less and over that I go to a 1/16 oz. jig. I set my troll motor at about 3 on a variable speed troll motor. That is 3 out of 0-10 and that will give you a speed very close to what you need. Only need to adjust for the wind sometimes. Head wind, add a tiny bit, tail wind I cut it back a tiny bit. That's all!

If you do this around grass and keep you boat at the right depth you will catch crappie!

Depth changes are good, like if you are going down a bank with grass and find where it drops a little and then comes back up you will catch fish at both changes.

Thanks guys.

I also use the 12 foot rods to measure depth. But I also watch the rigs sink on my sonar. I have to be moving forward a bit for this to work so the movement sweeps the rig up under the sonar cone. But it is great when it works you see your rig drop right into the fish or just below the shad.

~Fishin' Magician~