Trolling tactics

[itsbob]

mad eyes, yes Juls or any other charter that run the inline boards.I have a couple of dive curve/charts that I have copied and carry with me when we troll.I have just filled in the bandit lure on the chart I've been using.The problem with the dive curve and the precission trolling app,they give the depths of the lures running with a specific diameter/test line running at a specific speed in mph.That info will only give you a general idea of how deep the lures are really running since you will not have the same line diameter or running the exact speed the chart is giving you.The way to find out what is catching fish that day is to stagger the depth of your lures when starting out to cover the water column.When you get a fish or two,remember/record the lead/length you caught on and start putting other lures at the same depth.Another way find out depth active fish are biting at is to make turns or drive in an S direction.The inside of a turn slows down the lures.If running crankbaits that float,slowing down will cause them to rise/get shallower.If running worm harness with weights,slowing down will cause them to sink/get deeper.The opposite happens to outside lures in a turn.They speed up.So not what happens is catching on a turn to find out a good depth to catch.There are a lot of things to learn to become a more productive fisherman.Learning how to troll better will take years,but you will get better each year.Going with someone else that is really experienced will shorten that learning curve though.I have also found I have learned alot just reading these forums here and on ohio game and fish.

[Mdog1031]

As a newcomer to Lake Erie but wanting to learn I am just curious why no-one speaks about using downriggers. Seems to me that using a downrigger takes the complication out of what depth you lures are running at. also no need to put snap weights on. what am I missing here?

[wallybagger]

Basically downriggers are for deeper use. Lake Erie too shallow & fish spooked by boat that's why planer boards are used. You can catch occasional fish on downriggers but you'll catch more on planner boards, dipsey divers, tru trips etc