figuring out line depth when trolling

[dorsi88]

Hi,
I've been trolling for lakers this spring and summer and have not had any success. My main concern is that my lure is not at the desired depth I want it to be. I'm using a spin rod with a mono line (have to verify the test) trolling with an 8 hp engine. Does anyone know how to figure out or have a chart/rubric how much line to let out based on my line test, weights, to get down to where the fish are ? Some help would be great to figure this out-going up to cottage this weekend and want to give myself a chance to catch a laker. Cheers

[Mick]

get the Precision Trolling book. It's the gospel on that subject.

[Mick]

Of course the next issue now that I think about it is your are using a regular spinning reel. Even if you knew you were supposed to have say 100 feet of line out, how would you know that's how much you have out? Do you have a line counter reel?

[dorsi88]

I've marked my line at different increments to see how much line I have out. I appreciate the book reference but at $450-$650 listed on Amazon I wont be buying the book too expensive for me. Does anyone have any advice from their own experiences????

[otownyaker]

It really depends on what lures you are trolling.
Each one with have a different chart.
If you want to insure you are at a certain depth the easiest way is with a down rigger.

[Wallyboss]

Try Googling your crankbait and sometimes they show the dive curves,( line out = depth) But you will need to know exactly how much line you have out.

[Crunchy]

Ottawa public library has several copies of all the precision trolling books.

[EagleEyesFlash]

Head towards shallower water and when your lure starts banging bottom,
you'll know what depth your set-up is running at. Preferably over a gradual
sandy incline. Assume you have a FF.

Most cranks get their max depth ( marked on their box ) with 100 ft of 10lb mono out.
Thicker mono a bit shallower, thinner braid a bit deeper.

I use 1 oz egg weights above flutter spoons sometimes, and get about 15 ft. / egg.

[trexellunge]

I have had some success flatlining for Lakers with a heavy spoon\jig spoon like a Crippled Minnow or Kastmaster; these lures get down a lot easier than some other baits, so you can let out less line. I've also tried leadcore line to get my lures deep. Which ever way you choose, success is normally close to a steep dropoff.

I then started using a small portable downrigger from a small boat like yours, and my luck suddenly increased dramatically.
Don't be intimidated by them, they are very interesting and fun to use with a little practice and a decent depthfinder.
Here's an example you may want to try for better Laker action.. Good luck.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Walker-D ... downrigger