Trolling
“Trolling” is a method of fishing from a moving motorized craft.
There is the same method from a rowing boat, but it has a different name - “track”. The very essence of the method comes down to retrieving the bait, towing it behind you using a vessel. There can be several rods installed on the vessel - each of them controls its own bait. There are two types of trolling:
- Marine trolling. This method uses very powerful fishing rods, as well as multiplier reels with a large line capacity, which belong to a separate class. The length of the fishing line can reach one kilometer and have a diameter of four millimeters.
- Freshwater trolling. This method is not as demanding on gear as the sea method. The reels used are also multiplier ones, but with less line capacity than sea ones. Simple general purpose spinning rods are quite suitable for this rod.
Wobbler ratings
The best wobblers for trolling are deep-sea baits that have the ability to dive to great depths. Due to this, areas of the area characteristic of catfishing are explored. In first place is the Rapala Countdown Magnum. This catchy wobbler is available to many catfish fishermen.
Regarding it it is established:
- the bait is sold in different sizes and depends on the depth, which is about 7-8 meters;
- It helps perfectly to raise the catfish if it is not possible to dive to the bottom;
- For trophy catfish, it is recommended to use modifications with a length of 22 and 26.
These devices are used in conjunction with powerful and durable gear.
This is due to the fact that the predator attacks such objects. The next type is called Megabass Deep Six, presented in the form of a deep-cut crank. It makes it possible to make a hole or ditch up to 6 meters deep. Used to catch small catfish. Ideal for medium-sized ponds. This allows you to fish for dumps in riverbeds, as well as deep rifts or edges. An excellent feature is the presence of stable play at any speed of the boat, as well as work within the specified horizon. There's also the Tsuribito Deep Crank. The model is inexpensive and is used at medium depths. It can be used at a depth of 4 to 5 meters. Using such a device, you can catch a medium-sized catfish. Has a sweeping and confident play, creating active vibrations when using a leash. Experts recommend using it on small rivers and lakes. Efficiency has been established when fishing along the edge of a channel or ditch.
You can use the Kingfisher Deep Minnow, which is a type of budget bait. Class - minnow. A device has been created for use at a depth of about seven meters. The length is set at 12 centimeters, due to which the attention of a large fish is attracted. Pike and pike perch classified as trophy sizes can also react to it. The device is characterized by its flow stability, which remains attractive when used in still water.
The Rapala Deep Tail Dancer is presented as the most popular lure used by anglers. It is possible to fish at a depth of about 9 or 10 meters. Through use, large specimens are caught that sit under snags or near the edges of the riverbed. There is no need to particularly introduce the bait in question. Reviews about it are positive among fishermen. The next variety is represented by Salmo Freediver, which has unique capabilities and is used at great depths. Helps improve fish catch. The bait uses a special ratchet that generates sounds of different frequencies during wiring.
The balancing system consists of steel balls and channels, which provide stable operation without the need for feed speed. The device confidently holds the horizon that is configured. T-Rex Pulse Minnow is presented in the form of a universal wobbler. If we talk about catching catfish, it is recommended to use a model with a length of 14 centimeters. It dives to a depth of about six meters, while effectively fishing holes, riffles and ditches. You need to examine the places where you are most likely to encounter predatory fish. Can be used for medium or large sized fish.
Salmo Hornet is a variation of the famous crankbait. It targets different fish. When a person wants to catch a catfish, he will need to use a mogel number 9. This species can dive to depths of about six meters during trolling. It turns out to seduce catfish with or without a current. There is also a Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep Diver. Also classified as a popular model that is used by many fishermen. Suitable for use in holes, ditches and other areas of deep water. Recommended for use number 13.
Pontoon21 Panacea Marauder is classified as one of the deepest water models. It can dive to a distance of up to 9 meters. Has a bright amplitude of play. Due to the long distance, a predator is lured. You can catch a large or medium-sized catfish; you can also get a catch in the form of pike or pike perch.
“Trolling” catfish fishing with wobblers
A good catfish weighs a lot, so the first thing you should pay attention to is the choice of tackle.
Rod
A spinning trolling rod must be strong enough to support the weight of our prey. Plug rods up to three meters long are suitable. With a longer length, it will not be very convenient to land fish. Test rods from one hundred to one hundred and fifty grams. Telescopic fishing rods are not suitable for catfish, as they will not be able to withstand the weight of the prey and the load when fishing.
Coil
To catch catfish using the trolling method, it is recommended to use a baitcasting reel. A prerequisite is the presence of a metal spool and the overall strength of all parts. The capacity of the fishing line is at least two hundred meters. An adjustable handle is desirable - it will be useful for increasing the leverage when reeling in the fishing line. It’s a good idea if the reel is equipped with a ratchet - this way, if you’re distracted, you’ll always hear the moment of the bite.
Shimano trolling reel
fishing line
For “trolling” catfish, a braided fishing line is suitable. It is optimal due to its rigidity and durability, and also better conveys the play of the wobbler. The diameter of the line is 0.30 - 0.35 millimeters. We recommend Salmo products.
Accessories
Do not skimp on components (carabiners, winding rings, swivels).
Catfish is a strong fish, and if at a crucial moment one of the components of the tackle does not withstand the load, you risk losing the equipment and ruining your fishing experience. When choosing components, pay special attention to their quality. The load they must withstand must be no less than what the rod and line are designed for. The boat is one of the optional parts, a detail that allows you to breed baits among each other.
Wobblers for trolling catfish
Catfish is a weak-sighted fish. Therefore, when choosing a wobbler for fishing, this fact must be taken into account. The bait must have the following qualities:
- The wobbler's play should be stable and pronounced.
- The operating depth of the bait must correspond to the existing depth in the fishing area.
Additional elements on the bait that create acoustic noise would be useful. This will help to interest our predator more.
For fishing at a depth of four to seven meters, the following models can be recommended:
- Salmo Perch P08SDR
- Halco Sorcerer 125
- Liberty Bite 130F
Salmo Perch P08SDR
For fishing at a depth of ten to twelve meters, the following have proven themselves well:
- "Halco Poltergaist 80"
- "Bomber BD7F"
We advise you to compile your set of wobblers based on the following rating of the best trolling wobblers.
Main characteristics of a wobbler for catfish fishing
When choosing wobblers for catching catfish, you need to take into account some important characteristics of this bait, such as depth, size, colors and its ability to play.
Immersion depth
In order to be able to most accurately select the working depth of the wobbler, it is necessary to know the topography of the reservoir. Considering the fact that catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish and can most often be found in deep-sea holes and near edges, the immersion depth of the wobbler should be at least four to seven meters. While trolling, the depth can be adjusted by changing the speed of the boat. The faster it moves, the deeper the bait sinks, and vice versa. It is very important that the wobbler regularly touches the bottom.
Color and size
The color of the bait should be selected depending on the transparency of the water, weather conditions and the activity of the catfish. If the water is clean and clear, and the weather is sunny and clear, use wobblers for trolling for catfish in natural colors. During cloudy weather in muddy water, brightly colored baits are useful.
Some anglers believe that catfish bait should have a large volumetric size. However, it is not. After all, if you remember what natural baits you can use to catch a giant predator - frogs, worms and other baits that are not very large in size, then it would be quite logical to use a wobbler of similar sizes - up to 15 centimeters long. After all, the decisive role in catching catfish is played not by the size of the bait, but by the stability of its operation.
A game
Catchable wobbler baits for trolling are distinguished by their fun and stable play. The accompanying noise and vibration enhance the effectiveness of the wobbler. The stability of the bait in trolling fishing is a fairly important factor. Having hit the bottom, she must be able to jump over obstacles and continue the game, strive for the bottom without rising to the surface of the water.
You can only check the stability of a wobbler for trolling catfish in practice, since it is unlikely that a salesperson in a store will tell you the truth about this. Sometimes on the packaging of the bait you can see what the maximum speed of movement of the wobbler is. But this parameter does not tell everything. Therefore, in order to understand whether the wobbler has a stable game or not, you need to watch the bait while trolling, say, at a boat speed of about 10 km per hour. A stable wobbler will rush after the boat and at the same time remain at the bottom, while an unstable one will be immediately thrown to the surface.
Experiment using wobblers of different sizes, colors and types. Get your own practical experience, taking into account our recommendations. And the result will not take long to arrive. Happy fishing!
Technique for catching catfish using the “trolling” method
Despite the fact that the catfish lives in pits, the chances of catching it there are exactly the same as the chance that it will ignore the bait.
But the whole point is that he does not hunt there, but rests. You should choose a place for “trolling” a little upstream from the hole, where the depth is about half as deep. Usually catfish hunt there and there are much more chances to interest him in bait. It is better to start “trolling” from the place where you exit the pit. When the boat is moving slowly, start moving in zigzags. This will increase the fishing area and help the wobbler imitate live fish more realistically.
If several passes are unsuccessful, you can try changing the wobbler to a different model and the length of its release. Also, changing the speed of the vessel often works. Perhaps you were moving very slowly, or, conversely, too fast. If after these operations the catfish still doesn’t bite, feel free to change your fishing spot.
As soon as the catfish bites, don’t rush. This is a hardy, strong fish and it will take some time to “wear it out”. As soon as the predator gets tired, begin to gradually pull it closer to the vessel. But don’t relax - the catfish fights to the last and can break the tackle with a sharp jerk. Keep the clutch slightly loose. Take your time and start pulling him towards you again. Remember - the last push is the most powerful. Don't let the catfish get lost.
Pull your prey into the boat over the side. To avoid injury, use thick gloves. Place your thumbs into the catfish's mouth and use the rest to grab it under the lower jaw. Your task is to drag the head and part of the carcass into the vessel; this is the heaviest part of the fish. If you succeed, the rest of the prey will “slide” into the boat on its own.
Where to look for catfish for trolling?
These predators live in the deepest places. Wherever the fishing is carried out - on a lake, river or reservoir, catfish should be looked for in bottom areas - in pits, under snags and in the pool. The river predator rarely leaves its place of residence. Sometimes at night, in the summer, he swims to the rifts and shallows to feed on small fish.
The catfish lives in weak currents. For its habitat, it chooses trees or snags that have sunk in a body of water, under which it can hide. It also likes irregularities on the bottom, such as humps, holes and massive rocks.
Article on topic: Trick for catfish
When trolling for catfish, you need to use an echo sounder. Nowadays, almost every angler can get this technical equipment. Using the locator, you can find the deepest places, outline the bottom topography in detail and identify the most likely points. When fishing in large bodies of water, you can also use a GPS navigator, with which you can mark the most inhabited places on the map so that you can easily find a route to them in the future.
Final tips
- It is better to go for catfish together. This will greatly simplify the fishing process itself (one monitors the rod, the second is responsible for moving the vessel), and will also make it easier to drag the catch into the boat.
- Don't underestimate the power of catfish. Do not go fishing in a small and unstable boat. This may end in the fact that it was not you who caught the predator, but he caught you.
- Take several different wobblers with you. Very often, changing the bait provokes a bite.
- Don't troll at high speed. The catfish is able to make lightning-fast dashes, but only over short distances. It will not react to bait rushing at high speed.
- It would be a good idea to take a gaff with you. Otherwise, it will be a shame if luck smiles on you, but there is nothing to pull out the prey with.
- Use a soft cable or other metal insert as a leash. Catfish are toothy fish and can easily grind the fishing line.
- If the bottom is clean, without snags and stones, try walking at low speed, hooking the wobbler to the bottom of the reservoir and raising the silt. Additional noise will definitely interest the predator.
Trolling catfish
Trolling
started relatively recently and this method of fishing is gaining more and more popularity every year.
This time we will talk about catching catfish by trolling
. This topic best reveals the true appearance of catfish as a predator. And we will also catch him like a predator.
Do not underestimate the external calmness and slowness of the catfish. He is capable of lightning-fast acceleration in an attack, although this dash is for a short distance.
Factors to consider when catching catfish
Catfish have rather poor eyesight. In his life he relies more on smells, hearing and vibration sensations. Translating this knowledge into practice, I propose selecting wobblers for catfish according to the following criteria:
- Confidently expressed wobbler action ;
- The depth of work should correspond to the depth at the fishing site . In particularly deep places, you can use a wobbler in harness with a paternoster.
- All kinds of rattles, noisemakers, metal balls will increase the attractiveness of the wobbler;
- The color of the bait, in my opinion, does not play a special role, since the catfish’s eyesight is rather weak, and it is unlikely that it distinguishes colors. Some fishermen advise choosing the brightest color possible, such as light green.
Please note that catfish most likely will not chase fast-flying bait even if it passes under its nose. The result will be better if the wobbler, at low speed, gradually clings to the bottom during its operation, raising silt and creating additional noise. The catfish may not see his work, but what he will feel or hear is for sure!
This method of raking in silt is only suitable for a clean bottom without snags and stones.
Source: https://www.oster-vip.com.ua/news/trolling-soma.html
