trolling techniques

ralphl

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 2, 2010
Messages
223
Do you slow troll with your pontoon? If so ,how do you do it, Trolling plate, electric,gas kicker?? WHAT IS THE BEST WAY??
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
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Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: trolling techniques

What's your definition of "slow troll". Barely moving in search of crappies is one definition. Slow trolling for walleye is quite another and may range from barely moving to 2.5 - 3 mph. For really slow trolling you need a bow mounted electric troller. Anything from 2 mph on up you can use the main engine provided it is not a 150 HP beast. 40's, 50's and even 75's will troll down nicely on a pontoon.
 

ralphl

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 2, 2010
Messages
223
Re: trolling techniques

From 1 - 3 mph ,with control in a reasonable bit of wind ,and all day long.
 

lmuss53

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Sep 9, 2008
Messages
1,227
Re: trolling techniques

With a minimum 55 pound trolling motor.

I have a 19 footer that I have a bow mounted MinnKota 55 Autopilot on that will troll from dawn to dusk on 1 charge of a good group 27 trolling specific battery.

I pull live bait at what we call "dead slow" which is just fast enough to maintain control of the boat.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: trolling techniques

You will not drag a pontoon around all day at 3 MPH with an electric troller unless you have a minimum of two large deep cycles. A pontoon is like a barn door when it gets into the wind so that eats electrical power.
 

ralphl

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 2, 2010
Messages
223
Re: trolling techniques

how do the trolling plates work??
 

Mr Crabbs

Petty Officer 1st Class
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May 28, 2010
Messages
267
Re: trolling techniques

You got me, what is a trolling plate?

I'm going to buy my a trolling motor, probably a motor guide when there is a sale.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: trolling techniques

Trolling plates are not used with electric motors because they are not needed. They are simply a plate that drops down in back of an outboard or stern drive propeller to decrease its efficiency to slow the boat. They are typically used on boats with larger engines that simply can't be slowed enough with the throttle . Sort of like dragging a bucket behind the boat.
 

ralphl

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 2, 2010
Messages
223
Re: trolling techniques

and how do they disengage when your done trolling and want full speed??
 

ralphl

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 2, 2010
Messages
223
Re: trolling techniques

Should we move this thread to fishing??
 
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