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