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The capture of a toothy predator is carried out in different ways, each of which is interesting and unique in its own way. Trolling for pike has recently gained popularity among spinning enthusiasts. With this method, you can get a trophy copy, while no special efforts are needed. However, not all anglers know what trolling is and what the essence of such fishing is. To understand the basics, as well as to learn some of the subtleties of this method, we offer below.
What is trolling?
Among all the methods of catching a predator in various types of water bodies, only trolling causes such a strong reaction, both negative and positive. Some people really like to drive on a motor, while also catching a pike, or even more than one. There are opponents of this type of fishing. Like it or not, but the engine runs on fuel, and this pollutes the water area and frightens its inhabitants. A beginner cannot understand these arguments, let’s find out in more detail what trolling is and what is needed for this type of catching fish.
Trolling is called catching a predator with artificial baits on a spinning rod from a boat on a motor. It is not necessary to make constant throws and the wiring here does not matter, the bait is simply dragged behind the watercraft.
This method catches different predators:
- pike;
- pike perch;
- amount
Perch are also often caught, and all the fish caught are usually large in size.
The subtleties of trolling
Without a watercraft, trolling will definitely not work, this is the main feature of such fishing. There are many subtleties that each angler discovers for himself in the process of fishing. However, in order to get a trophy for the first time in the selected water area, you need to know something about such fishing.
Those who have ever been interested in trolling know that the most successful time of the year for this activity is autumn, but in other seasons it can be done no less effectively. Best of all, according to anglers with experience, trolling should be:
- in early spring before the spawning ban;
- from the second half of August to November;
- in winter on open water until it is closed by ice.
Use for this more durable gear that can withstand significant loads. In addition to trophy fish, snags often “catch” on the hook in this way, and there are regular hooks for trees fallen into the water. That is why, in order not to lose tackle, it is necessary to use high-quality components.
It is better to use larger baits, small predators may simply not notice. Most often used as bait:
- wobblers;
- large silicone.
Trolling lures for pike are rarely used, but sometimes it is a large lure that can attract attention in the proper way and lure a predator out of an ambush.
We collect tackle
For successful trolling fishing, in addition to preparing a boat with a motor, it is necessary to take care of well-assembled tackle in advance. To do this, you should consult with more experienced comrades or study the topic yourself.
For trolling you will need:
- spinning blank;
- quality coil;
- solid foundation.
How to choose the right ingredients? Next, we will analyze each of the above points in more detail.
Form
Trollers with experience know that this method of catching uses small stiff poles. It is necessary to choose based on the parameters of the reservoir and the fish that live there. The larger the individuals and the greater the depth, the more powerful the rod will be needed.
data | Features |
length | from 1,4 m to 2,4 m |
material | carbon or composite |
test | from 15 g to 150 g |
For deep-water reservoirs, some even use Crocodiles with test values up to 200 g.
Telescopic blanks are used only on small lakes and then rarely. Such a blank is more flimsy, it will not be able to withstand heavy loads and will simply break at the first hook.
Coil
The coil is selected, starting from the blank, preference should be given to power models. A multiplier will be an excellent option for trolling, but do not forget that you need to purchase a special rod for it.
Regular spinning lugs are a great option for trolling, but experienced anglers recommend using models with a baitrunner. It is convenient to use such a reel, it has excellent power indicators, the capacity of the spool is high, the cord can be wound up to 350 m.
The number of bearings matters, there should be at least 4 of them in the taco fishing reel and plus one in the line layer.
Before buying, it is worth twisting the selected model, it should walk easily and without extraneous sounds.
Basis
When collecting tackle, you should not forget about the base, here it is better to give preference to a braided cord, and its thickness should be decent.
As already mentioned, a predator of impressive size is often caught by trolling, so the base must withstand not only the trophy itself. Jerks of large fish are very strong, in order to keep it you need not only a high-quality reel, but also a solid base. The cord for trolling is set from 0,22 m in cross section, the ideal option is an eight-vein camp with breaking rates from 18 kg.
Thinner options will not work, when hooking or notching a large fish, the cord will not be able to withstand jerks and will simply burst.
Accessories
In addition to these basic components for successful fishing by this method, it is necessary to have some additional components. Among other things, you need to stock up:
- leashes, it is advisable to take steel from a guitar string;
- fasteners such as an American, in case of a break they will be necessary to attach a new bait;
- swivels, you should always have them in your arsenal and on any fishing trip.
It’s not worth talking about the range of lures, every angler knows that everyone should have trolling wobblers.
An important element will be a watercraft, usually a boat with a motor. They use both rubber and metal boats of various sizes with motors of different power.
Lures for trolling: top 10
Having collected tackle and having checked the boat, you should not go fishing, because there is still the most important thing, lures. Wobblers for pike are selected according to different criteria, many of which directly depend on the reservoir and the desired trophy on the hook.
Baits are divided into universal and narrowly targeted, all of them are used with equal success at different times of the year. Next, consider the best wobblers for trolling for pike, namely the top 10:
- Salmo Hornet is a universal trolling lure, this fish will not go unnoticed by pike, perch, catfish or zander. The predator responds well to the high-frequency stubborn game of the wobbler, it is convenient for them to catch edges, rifts, extended ditches at the bottom of the reservoir. The series is produced in 9 models, lures from 4 cm long are used for trolling. Some anglers make a whole garland of this type of lure. The wobbler will go deep by 2-4 m.
- Halco Sorcerer is known among trolling enthusiasts as a pure pike lure that works at a depth of up to 8 m. Most often, models from 6,8 cm are used, however, in the model range there is a wobbler and 15 cm long. They are used to catch large pike in large reservoirs and large rivers. The wobbler is made of durable plastic, covered with high-quality varnish, which is not afraid of pike teeth. Additionally, the wobbler is equipped with a noise chamber, which, when wired, creates a sound that irritates the predator.
- Rapala Deep Tail Dancer is known to every trolling angler, some specialists in this business have several models. They are used for pike fishing, trophy perch, pike perch, catfish, asp will perfectly respond to the wobbler. Ideal for fishing the depths at which large fish stand. Wobblers are produced in three sizes: 7 cm, 9 cm, 11 cm, the largest one will catch even 11-meter pits without any problems. Wobblers are made from balsa, then treated several times with a special coating. Use in late autumn will be the most successful.
- Yo-Zuri Cristal Minnow Deep Diver is the deepest wobbler in the top, the model usually catches the largest specimens of pike. In addition, catfish, pike perch and even humpback often rush to the bait. Crystals have three lengths: 9 cm, 11 cm, 13 cm, they are easy to distinguish from the rest, they have a long, elongated, slightly curved body. The internal loading system will ensure stable operation under any conditions. The wobbler has a lot of colors, this allows you to choose the most successful one for a single reservoir with its own characteristics.
- Bomber Deep Long A has long been in demand among anglers, the main advantages are excellent performance and reasonable cost. The wobbler works at good depths, with its help they catch channel sections, pits, reaches, whirlpools, ditches in the autumn. With its game, the bait will fall into the eye not only of a gluttonous pike, catfish, pike perch and hunchback react perfectly to it, asp responds less often. A wobbler is made of high-strength plastic with a high-quality coating in lengths of 8,9 cm and 11,4 cm. The larger one is able to dive to depths of up to 7 m, the smaller fish will catch places up to 5 m.
- Salmo Perch is one of the classic trolling baits, not without reason they are called the most catchy wobblers for pike. The model range is presented in different sizes, while each has its own characteristics and features. There are sinking, floating and neutrally buoyant models. They are also distinguished by deepening, the maximum bait can dive up to 7 m deep. In addition to pike, the wobbler is also attractive to pike perch, as well as catfish. A distinctive feature of Perch is its stability even with strong currents and waves.
- The Strike Pro Crankee Runner is a deep water wobbler capable of diving to 6-8 m, ideal for fishing on large and medium waterways. On reservoirs and medium lakes, perch, pike perch, less often catfish can be of interest. A feature of the bait is its work only on an active predator, it will not interest passive fish. That is why it is best to apply it from mid-autumn until the very freeze-up. A balancing system is hidden under the plastic case, the coating of the wobbler is resistant to the sharp teeth of a predator. Among the positive characteristics, an affordable price should be highlighted.
- Bomber Fat A is a real pike killer on medium and small rivers, as well as small lakes and reservoirs. With a length of 5 cm, the wobbler plunges 2,5 m into the water column and there actively attracts a predator with its body. Anglers with experience note that this particular crank will work at any speed and regardless of fishing conditions. Use it from spring to late autumn.
- The Rapala Husky Jerk is a versatile model for both trolling and casting. They mainly catch pike with a wobbler, the working depth is considered to be 1-2,5 m. The game is medium-frequent with an average amplitude, provided by a small and almost round shovel. The wobbler belongs to suspenders, perfectly keeps the set depth, additionally attracts fish with the help of a noise chamber.
- Salmo Pike is the original bait from this manufacturer. Its production was based on the fact that in the autumn the pike becomes a cannibal, without a twinge of conscience it eats its smaller counterparts. Wobblers imitating small pike show themselves perfectly in the fall, trolling with them is always effective. The model range is diverse, the length is from 9 to 16 cm, and the depth will vary. The minimum pike will go a meter, maximum up to 8 m. The game is mid-frequency with a small amplitude, which allows the bait to work perfectly on any strength. The bait is made from balsa and covered with high-quality paints and varnishes that are resistant to the sharp teeth of any predator.
These are the top 10 trolling wobblers with a brief description of each. It should be understood that having one of the options is not enough, there should be at least 6-8 of them, and in different sizes, with different colors and different depths.
Anglers with experience recommend having at least two dozen different lures of this type in your arsenal for a full-fledged fishing.
The subtleties of choosing bait for trolling
It is not at all necessary to catch a predator on the baits that have been described before, wobblers for pike, namely, other manufacturers can be selected for trolling.
The current fishing tackle market is very rich in a variety of lures, including wobblers. It will be difficult for a beginner to choose catchy options for trolling, knowing some parameters it will be easier to understand the abundance:
- for trolling, wobblers with both a large shovel and a medium one are suitable;
- the color can be very different, more often they choose from acidic, but natural colors should also be in the box;
- the body of the lure can be either round or elongated;
- I choose more weight, too light will just jump out when catching;
- It is better not to take sinking models, floating and suspenders will be the best options.
The remaining subtleties each angler understands himself when gaining experience.
It is not difficult to choose pike lures for trolling, the main thing is to know the parameters of the reservoir where fishing will take place, as well as the preferences of fish from this area.