How to Get Lures Deeper When Trolling: Top Techniques for Success
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Trolling is a highly effective offshore fishing technique used by anglers to target a variety of fish species, from marlin to tuna. One of the critical aspects of successful trolling is ensuring that your lures swim at the right depth. Depending on the species you're after, you may need to get your lures deeper in the water column to increase your chances of a catch. In this guide, we'll cover the most effective methods for getting your fishing lures deeper when trolling.
Understanding Dive Depth
Before diving into specific techniques, it's essential to understand the concept of "dive depth." Dive depth refers to the depth at which a lure swims when trolled behind a boat. Several factors influence this depth, including the design of your trolling lure, boat speed, and the length of the line. By mastering these variables, you can optimize your trolling strategy to target fish at the exact depth they are swimming.
Top Methods to Get Your Lures Deeper When Trolling
Using a Downrigger
A downrigger is one of the most precise tools for controlling the depth of your lure. This device attaches to the boat and features a weighted line that can be lowered to a specific depth. The lure is clipped to a release mechanism on the downrigger line, allowing it to swim at the desired depth as the boat moves. Downriggers are especially useful for targeting species like salmon or lake trout, which are often found at specific, consistent depths.
Pro Tip: Adjust the weight on the downrigger based on the speed of your boat and the depth you wish to achieve. Heavier weights are better for deeper trolling.
Using Lead Core Line
Lead core line is another effective method for getting your lures deeper. This type of line features a lead center wrapped in braided or monofilament material, making it significantly heavier than standard fishing line. The depth your lure achieves with lead core line is determined by the length of line you let out-typically, each color segment of the lead core line sinks about 5 feet.
Pro Tip: For deep trolling, pair lead core line with a diving lure to maximize depth. This combination is particularly effective for species like walleye and striped bass.
Employing Diving Planers
Diving planers are small, hydrodynamic devices that attach to your line and create a downward force as the boat moves, causing your lure to dive deeper. The depth at which the planer dives depends on its size and design. Diving planers are versatile tools that can be adjusted to reach different depths, making them ideal for targeting a variety of species at varying levels in the water column.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different sizes of planers to find the optimal depth for your target species. Planers are especially effective for pelagic fish like mahi-mahi and kingfish.
Adding a Trolling Sinker
Trolling sinkers are simple yet effective tools to increase the depth of your lures. These weights come in various shapes and sizes and are attached to the line between the lure and the boat. By adjusting the size of the sinker and the amount of line you let out, you can control how deep your lure swims.
Pro Tip: Use inline trolling sinkers for a streamlined setup that minimizes drag. This method works well for targeting deeper-dwelling species such as grouper and snapper.
Adjusting Boat Speed
The speed at which your boat travels can significantly impact the diving depth of your lures. A faster boat speed will pull the lure deeper into the water, while a slower speed will keep it closer to the surface. By experimenting with different speeds, you can fine-tune the depth at which your lure swims.
Pro Tip: Monitor your boat speed closely, as even slight changes can affect the depth of your lure. Use a GPS or trolling speed indicator for precise control.
Final Thoughts: Fine-Tuning Your Trolling Strategy
Getting your lures deeper when trolling is key to targeting fish that dwell at specific depths. Whether you're using a downrigger, lead core line, diving planer, trolling sinker, or adjusting your boat speed, each method offers a unique way to control the depth of your lure. Remember, it often takes some trial and error to determine the best approach for the species you're targeting, the environment you're fishing in, and your specific trolling setup.
By understanding and applying these techniques, you can enhance your trolling success and increase your chances of landing that trophy fish. So next time you hit the water, make sure your lures are swimming at the right depth, and watch your catch rates soar!
Check out Captains Preferred Products' selection of bullet head island-style lures and chugger head trolling lures for every type of offshore fish you want to catch. With our top-producing Reel Em Up Lures brand trolling lures and the advice above, you're sure to be reeling in some monsters on your next outing.
