Why troll for bass?

[Papasown]

Thanks for that post, Sal. Like you, I am also most happy to throw poppers, or snag and drop, but early on trolling is the good option. I have long been avoiding dragging wire, as that isn't fun anymore. Most recently, I have purchased down riggers, and like the idea of using a stretch with the planer cut down, or bunker spoons. Better yet I like to troll small plugs, and crocks or hopkins using light tackle, which works well with the release clips on the rigger. One trick I did learn last year, was when trolling a large bunker spoon, use a 2Ft. piece of bungie cord connected to my release clip to get good movement in the spoon.
Catch 'em up, guys.........Papa

[Gerry Zagorski]

Not much of a troller myself either but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get some fish onboard.

Interested in hearing more about this bungee method Pappas

[Gerry Zagorski]

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.

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

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.

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.

[Papasown]

Thanks for the tips, Gerry. I also have had the stretch plug rocket out of the water, but I tend to hold it out over the side, so I have been lucky, so far. Over the last year or two I have been changing out the trebles for siwash hooks. They are single hooks with long point, and work very well on Bass and blues. These are typical of the hooks on Maja Spoons.
Also, another point I like about the downrigger, is that you can adjust the depth of your spoon/plug very easily, and even keep an eye on the weight ball while trolling by watching your depth finder. All good stufff. Be well, Papa

[MrAC1980]

I've been out plenty of times when the live lining bite died with the boat traffic and the only way to put more meat on the deck was to put the spread out. I do umbrella's or spools out the outrodders and one or two plugs down the middle. I tend to run slower because of the umbrella's and spoons, but the plugs do sometimes get hit being up higher. Trick is to watch your machine and figure out what depth the bait is at and go from there.

[bunker dunker]

hated it!!!!