Tips for trolling artificials?

[Murray]

Thought I would post this as it took me quite awhile to eliminate squeaky mirage drive and that others may be experiencing the same problem. After several 7 hr trips the squeak was pretty much driving me crazy. I have an old v1 drive so it was time to update with turbo fins. Worked out great. Had a chain break so put on all new chains figuring the others were probably going to fail sooner than later. Can not remember when the squeak actually began, but not too much longer after upgrades. Had the drums replaced as it appeared they had worn and were hitting the idler pulley. Next trip went well but then it came back. Finally disassembled the entire drive and serviced it. Noticed that one of the chains was a bit sticky so loosened and lubed. Cause may have been chain or that entire unit needed to be serviced. Also added nylon washers to protect drums from wearing on spine. Not that big a deal to service and it sure makes drive silky smooth and easier to pedal. Also good to know how it works in case you need to make on the water adjustments or repairs. Will be taking drive out of yak and securing before launching and landings to keep sand out in the future. Good luck and happy pedaling.

[alanw]

I don't go out to troll anything but I usually have something in the water while I'm on the move from place to place. I've had good luck with Luckycraft lures which stay a few feet down, and swimbaits with 3/4oz or more heads. If I'm making good speed then Waxwing lures work well as they stay a few feet down and require some speed to swim well. I'm sure Crocs would be fine on a slow paddle. Crank baits (Rapalas) would work well too and you can try different swim depth models. You can also try switching up line sizes and types as that affects drag and floatation too.

[tacmik]

Instead of putting the rod in the rod holder. Try tucking the butt end under your leg. Rod is now in a low horizontal position instead of upright.

[2-Stix]

Originally Posted by alanw

I don't go out to troll anything but I usually have something in the water while I'm on the move from place to place. I've had good luck with Luckycraft lures which stay a few feet down, and swimbaits with 3/4oz or more heads. If I'm making good speed then Waxwing lures work well as they stay a few feet down and require some speed to swim well. I'm sure Crocs would be fine on a slow paddle. Crank baits (Rapalas) would work well too and you can try different swim depth models. You can also try switching up line sizes and types as that affects drag and floatation too.

I do the same quoted above. Deep dive rapalas and lucky crafts. Live bait or 5" 1oz swim baits.

[PescadorPete]

I use a cheap Home Depot Tarp Clip tied on the hull and close to waterline. Less expensive than an outrigger release clip. Rod in holder, line runs down and into the clip. Keeps it close to water and it pops out of the clip on a strike. I usually troll small Rapalas Sinking Magnums #11 and big Krocs with good luck.

I like that rubber band trick, I'll have to give it a try.

[alanw]

I don't use flush mount holders or rocket launchers. Clips or rubber bands I think would put my line too close to the yak and possibly chafe the line or get tangled on something. I use Scotty rod holders set to a horizontal position out and away from the yak. My rod tip is about a foot off the water and six feet out off the side. This way I can watch the rod tip as I paddle and adjust my speed to see the lure action. I can also turn the yak a bit without having the line going under the back of my yak, which would be a bad idea with a rudder. Sometimes I run two rods off opposite sides of my yak which puts the lines about 14 feet apart to help prevent tangles.

[fishnfoool]

Since you have been going after bones and bars, then on the surface is ok. If you want to catch yellowtail, try the lures like the rapalas that have lips to keep them a little above the surface.

[Harry Hill]

I was trolling a spoon in fresh water yesterday, I almost could not paddle slow enough to keep the spoon from coming to the surface. I would stop and let it sink then start paddling again and it would come right back up. I think stop and go is the only option with a spoon.

[TJones]

Originally Posted by Murray

Thought I would post this as it took me quite awhile to eliminate squeaky mirage drive and that others may be experiencing the same problem. After several 7 hr trips the squeak was pretty much driving me crazy. I have an old v1 drive so it was time to update with turbo fins. Worked out great. Had a chain break so put on all new chains figuring the others were probably going to fail sooner than later. Can not remember when the squeak actually began, but not too much longer after upgrades. Had the drums replaced as it appeared they had worn and were hitting the idler pulley. Next trip went well but then it came back. Finally disassembled the entire drive and serviced it. Noticed that one of the chains was a bit sticky so loosened and lubed. Cause may have been chain or that entire unit needed to be serviced. Also added nylon washers to protect drums from wearing on spine. Not that big a deal to service and it sure makes drive silky smooth and easier to pedal. Also good to know how it works in case you need to make on the water adjustments or repairs. Will be taking drive out of yak and securing before launching and landings to keep sand out in the future. Good luck and happy pedaling.

but this is way off target . . like i said , i've done my share . who am i to judge ?