Questioning Trolling Speed . !!!

[komatsu-mike]

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, 

[Jig-fisher]

Others will probably have some great info, but for me it is lure action and how the fish respond.  There is a big difference in how lures act at different speeds.  Sometimes fish want a slow wobbling action.  Other times they want it moving very fast, like at certain times of the year at Willard.  Sometimes varying the speed will induce a strike.  There is a big difference in lure action at 1 mph increments.

If Liketrolling or other koke specialists respond, they can give you a good read on how kokes react to speed.

[TubeDude]

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.

[liketrolling]

with the two post you have every thing you need to know.
so get to know your lures and what you are fishing for.
Kokanee right after ice off and the dodgers and lures I use the best speed is 1.3 mph   later in the year this will change
say you are fishing with one line that has a flatfish on and the other has a spoon the flatfish needs a slower speed and the spoon needs a faster speed    the only way I know how to make them work together is keep changing your speed. I use a I-troll for my kicker motor to do that.

[Mildog]

I agree with the above posts good info. One thing you will often hear is making S turns when you troll instead of a straight line. This makes the inside line slow down and the outside line speed up, In essence changing the speed without changing the speed on your trolling motor. This does
a few things. It can tell you whether fish prefer the faster speed or the slower speed by which line gets the results and or a lure speeding up or slowing down can trigger a strike.
Pay attn and keep track and it will help you determine the best speed for the fish you are targeting. Varying the speed can be very effective !!!
Tight lines !!
Mildog

[Cowboypirate]

There is a fishing seminar being taught in them posts above. Study them close cause the boys that answered know their bussiness.

Pat, I bet you were the first to build one of these to test your concepts

https://youtu.be/ULFWmn3Z6G8

[2knots]

Ditto on above comments also pay attention if your catching fish on turns or doing “S’s” to what rods are going off, inside rods the lures will be going slower opposite for outside, adjust straight line speed up or down depending on what rods are getting hit. Speed affects the lure action and small adjustments can make a big difference. Other factors with Kokanee are dodger or sling blade size and length of leaders along with speed adjustments

[PAC12_AfterDark]

To answer the origional question: reference.


Of course .25 or .5 mph doesnt seem like a big deal, we boast around at 50mph in our cars regularly

Very different for a fish that swims (maybe) 10-20mph.

[Bduck]

You can't go wrong with above answers. GPS indicates digital speed while watching your dash odometer won't move at the slow speed. 

[TubeDude]

There is a fishing seminar being taught in them posts above. Study them close cause the boys that answered know their bussiness.

Pat, I bet you were the first to build one of these to test your concepts

https://youtu.be/ULFWmn3Z6G8

That is indeed a nifty system.  Sorry I can't take any credit for the development.

Anyway, I always prefer to test my tackle on a "well-stocked" pond.

[Bduck]

There is a fishing seminar being taught in them posts above. Study them close cause the boys that answered know their bussiness.

Pat, I bet you were the first to build one of these to test your concepts

https://youtu.be/ULFWmn3Z6G8

That is indeed a nifty system.  Sorry I can't take any credit for the development.

Anyway, I always prefer to test my tackle on a "well-stocked" pond.


Is this "well stocked" pond a secret? Just asking  

[TubeDude]

There is a fishing seminar being taught in them posts above. Study them close cause the boys that answered know their bussiness.

Pat, I bet you were the first to build one of these to test your concepts

https://youtu.be/ULFWmn3Z6G8

That is indeed a nifty system.  Sorry I can't take any credit for the development.

Anyway, I always prefer to test my tackle on a "well-stocked" pond.


Is this "well stocked" pond a secret? Just asking  

All I can say is that it is down in Las Vegas...where all the Utah "dear hunters" go.  But with the current pandemic situation those girls have probably moved part of their "costumes" up to cover their mouth and nose.  A shame to cover those purty faces. 

To the original poster...apologies for the sidetrack to your quest for usable knowledge on trolling.  But I guess it all gets back to the matter of what are you trolling for?

[komatsu-mike]

No apology needed Tube Dude. Getting Side tracked is not always a Bad Thing.

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I am a Big Fan of this Forum and all the great info that is posted. Observe a lot just seldom sign in. I promise to sign in from now on. Thanks everyone for responding to my question. Wanted to see if what I thought was true. You guys are just like me. FISHING FREAKS> and good people that don't mind sharing what they know.                                 
Thanks, again for all the input.    Mike.

[TubeDude]

No apology needed Tube Dude. Getting Side tracked is not always a Bad Thing.

---

I am a Big Fan of this Forum and all the great info that is posted. Observe a lot just seldom sign in. I promise to sign in from now on. Thanks everyone for responding to my question. Wanted to see if what I thought was true. You guys are just like me. FISHING FREAKS> and good people that don't mind sharing what they know.                                 
Thanks, again for all the input.    Mike.

You seem like the kinda guy who would fit in well around here.  Look forward to seeing some posts from you.  Where do you like to fish most...and how...and for what?

[liketrolling]

Pat that is the best post of the year
I'm going to buy a new fishfinder to see If I can find your
well-stocked" pond.

[TubeDude]

Pat that is the best post of the year
I'm going to buy a new fishfinder to see If I can find your
well-stocked" pond.

Well, there's side imaging, down imaging and other modern refinements.  But I ain't aware of any technology that will help you with the "double imaging" necessary to take full advantage of the "well stocked (stacked)" ponds.  Probably have to add on the "pulchritude" chip option.

[dubob]

My fishing partner didn't think it was THAT well stocked.

[Mildog]

LOL IN YOUR DREAMS (AND OTHERS BOB) LOL

Hope all are well, TIGHT LINES and keep dreaming !

[TubeDude]

My fishing partner didn't think it was THAT well stocked.

Nice pair of bass.

[dubob]

My fishing partner didn't think it was THAT well stocked.

Nice pair of bass.

Wait a minute - there's bass in that picture?  By golly, you're right Pat - there ARE bass in that picture.