Absolutely, I'd be happy to help you learn more about trolling with lures on lakes! Trolling is a popular fishing technique where you slowly move your boat through the water while dragging lures behind you. This method is particularly effective for covering large areas and locating fish that are spread out.
Key Points on Lake Trolling with Lures:
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Equipment:
- Rod and Reel: A medium-light to medium rod paired with a spinning or baitcasting reel works well. For example, in the "Trolling Crankbaits for Trout in a Kayak" video, the angler uses a medium-light rod with a six-pound monofilament line.
- Lures: Crankbaits are commonly used for trolling. These lures can dive to various depths depending on their design. The video mentions using a shad dancer crankbait, which dives down to about 7.5 feet.
- Line: Monofilament is a good choice for trolling because it has some stretch, which can help absorb the shock of a fish strike.
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Technique:
- Speed Control: Maintaining the right speed is crucial. In the kayak trolling video, the angler mentions adjusting his pedaling to control the speed, aiming for around 0.4 miles per hour. This can vary depending on the type of fish you're targeting and the lure you're using.
- Depth Management: Use lures that can reach the depth where fish are suspended. For instance, in the "How to Troll Crankbaits for Crappies" video, the angler mentions trolling crankbaits at about 15 feet deep in 60 feet of water.
- Adjusting for Turns: When you make a turn, the speed of your lure can change. The video explains how to manage this by adjusting your pedaling or motor speed to keep the lure at the desired pace.
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Environmental Considerations:
- Water Clarity: In shallow waters, using a trolling motor can stir up mud and reduce visibility, which is why a push pole might be used instead, as mentioned in the "Bass Fishing Tournament Practice & Travel Partners" video.
- Fish Behavior: Understanding the behavior of the fish you're targeting is essential. For example, crappies might move to open water areas post-spawn, as noted in the crappie trolling video.
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Practical Tips:
- Covering Ground: Trolling allows you to cover a lot of water efficiently, making it easier to locate fish.
- Lure Selection: Match your lure to the local forage. If the lake has a lot of shad, using a shad-pattern crankbait can be effective.
- Patience and Observation: Pay attention to your surroundings and the behavior of your lures. Sometimes, subtle adjustments can make a big difference.
If you have any specific questions or need more details on a particular aspect of trolling, feel free to ask!