Dropper length and weight of sinker?

[kwikfisher]

Fished yesterday, and I've come to the conclusion that my gear choices are pretty random. Below the 101 bridge on Siuslaw I grab either, based on the tide, a 6oz or 8 Oz ball. I know the herring,flasher, weight etc are down in the zone when I let it out and feel the ball touch bottom, but when I start trolling I lose touch. Also it seems if I try to find bottom again, I start to get a lot of line out there. This is a problem when I start to get in shallower water, and start to drag bottom. What's the science here? I know consistent success is a combination of subtitles in presentation, and I want to increase my chances and knowledge base.

 

[pinstriper]

I think you either need more weight or you're trolling too fast.

 

[Casting Call]

Hi Kf! A diver or downrigger would help. Good luck. Tony

 

[kwikfisher]

I think you either need more weight or you're trolling too fast.

Might be speed, I have an old suzuki 40 with a "troll o matic", but it does not run real smooth cranked all the way down. The throttle is not perfectly responsive to subtle changes.

 

[kwikfisher]

Hi Kf! A diver or downrigger would help. Good luck. Tony

My ZODIAC has so little in the way of structure to attached stuff to that I had kinda ruled out downriggers. Diver is a consideration....Thanks

 

[eugene1]

Troll with the tide.

 

[kwikfisher]

Troll with the tide.

I do, unless it's slack, then I kinda go everywhere....

 

[sapo]

How long is your guys leader from your flasher to your anchovy?

 

[eugene1]

4-5 feet

How long is your guys leader from your flasher to your anchovy?

 

[C_Run]

How long is your guys leader from your flasher to your anchovy?

Got to shorten that to 3' for kayak trolling or you'll never net the fish. Still works fine at that length.

 

[rogerdodger]

Fished yesterday, and I've come to the conclusion that my gear choices are pretty random. Below the 101 bridge on Siuslaw I grab either, based on the tide, a 6oz or 8 Oz ball. I know the herring,flasher, weight etc are down in the zone when I let it out and feel the ball touch bottom, but when I start trolling I lose touch. Also it seems if I try to find bottom again, I start to get a lot of line out there. This is a problem when I start to get in shallower water, and start to drag bottom. What's the science here? I know consistent success is a combination of subtitles in presentation, and I want to increase my chances and knowledge base.

where to start...first the Siuslaw is a nice sand bottom in most areas, keeping close contact with the bottom is critical, do it! every couple of minutes I will "set the cannon ball on the bottom" by lowering the rod tip...and then lift it up slightly as I return the rod to a holder..sinker dropper length right about a foot.

you want some blow back on the line but not too much...I look for a line angle of about 45 degrees. so for us, trolling about 1.5 mph through water speed, we are using 4, 5, 6, or 8 ounces. mostly 5 or 6. depends on flasher/no flasher, cut plug or FBR rotating...if you want chinooks, slow down. faster speed- jacks and cohos are on the menu.

so once we check the herring behavior in the water by the boat and are ready to fish, we don't drop the gear as fast as possible right to the bottom, we let line out slower, letting some blow back occur as the sinker gets to the bottom for the first time, then wait, 10 or 20 seconds, set the ball on the bottom again, wait, repeat....at the correct trolling speed it really will feel like you are setting the cannon ball on the bottom, not instantly dragging it along...

cheers, roger

 

[DirectDrive]

Might be speed, I have an old suzuki 40 with a "troll o matic", but it does not run real smooth cranked all the way down. The throttle is not perfectly responsive to subtle changes.

Very tough to maintain boat control when trolling with the main engine.
They load up (as you found) and run too fast.

Sounds like that's your #1 problem.

 

[Denduran87]

Very tough to maintain boat control when trolling with the main engine.
They load up (as you found) and run too fast.

Sounds like that's your #1 problem.

Throw a five gallon bucket tied off of the back end.

 

[kwikfisher]

Throw a five gallon bucket tied off of the back end.

I have the troll o matic on there to slow it down. Maybe a little engine fine tune might get me running better down at the extreme low end. Maybe extra lead on the dropper too...

 

[jhop111]

Some things I've realized are a 10 to 12 oz lead will fish all conditions and gear except large dodgers. They will blow back no matter what. Some times this season a quicker troll has been money for chinook. Learned that from talking with reputable guides and it has produced. Most important is micro manage your depth. I mean constantly know where your at and make sure it's on the bottom. Herring and spinners and occasionally brads super bait it done every week for us.

 

[kwikfisher]

Some things I've realized are a 10 to 12 oz lead will fish all conditions and gear except large dodgers. They will blow back no matter what. Some times this season a quicker troll has been money for chinook. Learned that from talking with reputable guides and it has produced. Most important is micro manage your depth. I mean constantly know where your at and make sure it's on the bottom. Herring and spinners and occasionally brads super bait it done every week for us.

Tell me again what "blow back" means? Thanks!

 

[jamisonace]

3 feet

How long is your guys leader from your flasher to your anchovy?

 

[eugene1]

How long is your guys leader from your flasher to your anchovy?

4-5 feet

ps. I use herring. Not sure it matters though?

 

[plumb2fish]

16" dropper, keep gear on the bottom. If you aren't getting a 45° angle trolling with the tide. you are going too fast or too slow....less than 45 too slow more than 4% too fast with 8oz lead on the slaw. On a large tide exchange, like this week, you may need 10 oz in water over 15' deep

 

[kwikfisher]

16" dropper, keep gear on the bottom. If you aren't getting a 45° angle trolling with the tide. you are going too fast or too slow....less than 45 too slow more than 4% too fast with 8oz lead on the slaw. On a large tide exchange, like this week, you may need 10 oz in water over 15' deep

Not trying to be a smart ass, but is that 45 degrees in relation to the rod or the surface of the water?