09-06-2020, 02:35 PM
(09-06-2020, 01:48 PM)komatsu-mike Wrote: Can anyone explain to me, when trolling what the big deal with speeds. Fishing Reports always seem to have something to say about trolling speed, Example. 1.6 to 2.0 mph. What is the big deal if lets say I troll at 1.9 to 2.8 or higher. Why does it make such a difference in catch rates. Is it Species, Water Temp , Water Depth, Time of year, Sunny of Cloudy, Type of Lure, Jig or Crank Bait, Spinner or bait being used. Please Help Me Understand how 1/2 mph faster or a 1/4 mph slower can make such a difference in catching lots Trout or Salmon or catching nothing. Talking, like 1 mph either way why such a game changer,There are a lot of factors that will influence the best trolling speed. First of all, what is the activity level of the fish...inactive, active or neutral. In other words, how far and fast will they chase a lure at any given speed. After that is water temp and clarity. In colder water with poor visibility you need to slow down to give the fish time to see the lure and the motivation to go after it when their metabolism is slower. Another important consideration is what kind of lure are you dragging? Does it work better at slower speeds...or higher. If you're not sure, watch it run beside the boat before putting it to work. Some lures have a nice tight wiggle at high speeds but hardly any action at low speeds. Others have a seductive side to side wobble at slow speeds but may go all over the place and even twist up your line at higher speeds. And you either need lures that will dive to the right depth...or use a downrigger or weights to get the lures in the right zone.
The species you are after should also be a consideration in setting your trolling speed...along with depth. Wipers, for example, really turn on to faster retrieves in clean water within their ideal temperature range. You almost can't troll too fast when they are "on the chew". On the other hand, when bottom bouncing for walleyes you often need to move at "paint-drying speed" to get any inquiries from those bottom-hugging, slower-moving fish.
On any given day you need to be aware of the conditions that will influence what you are trolling and how fast you troll it. Lots of experience over full years on your chosen water will help provide some help in getting it right. Listening to or reading current fishing reports will also help. But you always need to remain aware of any changes in water conditions or fish activity levels between that last report and your trip...and adjust accordingly.
In short, there ain't no tables or charts that will work 100% of the time for all waters at all times of the year for all species. And there is no universal speed that will catch fish ALL the time. But that is just one of the things that makes successful fishing/trolling so much fun. It is a challenge. And when you get it right, it is rewarding not only in terms of fish caught but in "psychic income" as well.