Re: Why troll for bass?
 

Hey Gerry, I just got back and saw your interest in the bungee cord with downrigger, and I see that Hunter2 provided the layout for Tony Maja's bungee system. I was talking to Tony Maja at the Somerset Show about 2 or 3 years ago, and he told me he was working with bungee cords and trying to find the best length to use. I thought that to be a great Idea, and set up bungee cords with release clips at different lengths for my own testing. I tried 2Ft. and 3Ft. ( I see Tony's system is with a 3Ft-3In. bungee), with fixed clip on one end to attach to the weight ball, and a release clip on the other end, same as mine.
Perhaps the bungee I use is lighter in weight/strength, or provides more bounce, I really don't know. It is a thin bungee.
After testing while under way on the surface, I feel the 2Ft for me provides nice swing of the spoon, and even a little forward and back bounce. The action is very nice, and gets slammed by bass and blues on the downrigger.
I'm gonna splash after I get a couple more 55degree days to finish up my get ready projects............can't wait. Catch 'em up, guys..........Papa

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

My name is Jim and I'm a troller.

I was taught to troll as young boy on the waters of Lake Michigan and they told me it was an ok thing to do. Trolling has caused me tremendous grief throughout my life. Not only have I lost thousands of dollars of lures and terminal tackle to rocks, sunken trees and other snags, I have been the constant target for the ridicule of other, real fisherman. They told me, use the bait boy, stop dragging line and straining water. Put away those trolling ways and you'll grow up to be a fine fisherman.

After many years and much sorrow, I have hit rock bottom (and lost another umbrella rig) and finally acknowledged the error of my ways. It has been 5 months since I last trolled and, God willing, I won't troll today. However, the temptation is great. I see the bunker spoons flashing at me, the Stretch 25's asking for new hooks, my line counter reels begging to be put out to sing the song of drag pulling clicker.

But no, I will shuck clams, throw poppers and chunk bunker...it's better this way.

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

Because it catches more fish?

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

Thanks Tony and Papa for the bungee explanation. Makes sense as I guess it mimics the give of a specialized bunker spoon pole imparting the action you want on the spoons. Learn something new every day...

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

Some days it is just a simple relaxing way to fish. No muss no fuss if you get my drift lol

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

Trolling stretches is ok if that's what works. I'd rather call it a day and take the skunk than troll wire.

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

If you have the proper rods and reels trolling wire is simple. Spooning with wire is simple. it is also productive and and a good way to land large fish. First you need the proper rods . I like a 9' seeker with a 4-0 penn. Me and a million other guys that is lol. In Raritan Bay 100' of wire with no drail is all you need. I use 12' of 60 lb. mono from the wire to the spoon. Out rodders are a must!They keep them spread and low to the water. I have a hughe selection from Tony Maja spoons to Montauk to Julians. I like white but they all work. There is a great feeling of satisfaction when you master this. When i was young i was lucky to fish on the Janet C with Capt. Coles and i also learned from capt Otto Reut. Hope i spelled his name right. Try it you might like it.

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

I had a pair of rods custom rods from the tackle box. I just don't like the heavy tackle and hassles of wire (tangles etc...). To each his own but it's just not for me.

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

A few things you need to watch out for if you're new to trolling Stretches. These Lures can be dangerous if you're not careful.

- When you're reeling them back in take your time and slow down when you get them in close to the boat. If they happen to break water and loose resistance when you have a good bend in your pole, they can come right back at you like they were fired out of a sling shot. Always keep your pole tip pointed down and off to the side of the boat instead of high sticking pointed straight on to the lure.

- Watch when you are unhooking fish.. If the fish starts thrashing around while you're removing the hook, you could wind up with a treble hook in your finger or hand. Always best to make sure the fish is quieted down and use long pliers to get the hook out. For the same reason a lot of guys switch out the treble hooks with single hooks. Makes it easier to get the hooks out of the fish and lessens the risk of hooking yourself.

Happy trolling.

Re: Why troll for bass?
 

Jerry, When i was chartering i had a rule. Everyone should have sun glasses! I use to keep a few extra pairs on board. It can save your eye sight. It can get hectic also when jigging.You hit it 100%,when you reel a stretch up to the boat they can fly out of the water right at you.Safety first always.