Trolling!

[Lakebumb]

Jim Carroll taught me how to troll with boards. We ran 2 boards on each side and 2 lead core in the middle. 6 rods total. We hooked up 2 walleyes at the same time on 2 different occasions. It really not that difficult. Just take in the middle rods and work your way out. Don't stop the boat. Jim said he has drug a hooked up fish over a mile to keep a competitor from seeing him catch it. Once hooked they stay hooked pretty well.

Hunter91 and I were trolling TR with 2 planer boards and 2 rods on the inside. We trolled into a school of Whites and hooked up 3 big ones at the same time. Again, no problem take the inside rods in first and work your way out.

I have run 4 rods by myself. Its possible but a lot of work.

Planer boards: Buy the good ones. Jim used Offshore boards with Church releases. They cost more but they will last a lifetime. Jim has had his for 10-15 years. I figure thats about 2 lifetimes of trolling for me.

[paperboy]

Man, what happens when you snag

[bullitt]

paperboy, I'll bet it's like a chinese fire drill on acid!

[powerdive]

bullitt, that is some truly picturesque verbiage! Nicely done.

[ackermannsacre]

When you snag with more than two rods out, just snap it off and tie on another.

[walleyesrus]

You tell em AA, man you can't hide money.

[Tablerock]

My knots are too good. When I snag I can't "snap it off" as Ack does. The line will not break and it stops the boat.

[ackermannsacre]

As Reelxtc always says, "I still got money I haven't even spent yet"

[reelxtc]

AA,

Roger that, over.

I always pull it loose or break off and keep fishin'. I'm able to retrieve more of the "snags" with fireline.

[powerdivehome]

Oh no! Someone said the "F" word again!!!!!

[walleyesrus]

I think you need to look at what applications boards are good for and what not. If I'm contour trolling a snaggy area I'm not going to use boards unless I'm running a high line or one out deep, boards are really at their best for basin trolling where snags are not such an issue, like trolling 12' to 24' over 45' or 50' if your'e trolling say an 18 foot contour you would be better off not using boards as they would be a waste of time. Ive experimented some with running a shallow bait on a board close to shore and havn't had much luck but running a deep bait off the deep side has produced some fish. Still pretty uncharted territory for me but I think you will have a lot less frustration if you realize boards are not for every application.

[powerdive]

Amen, eyesrus! I seldom use boards because I'm usually contour trolling, they're kind of a pain when you're by yourself and running a tiller, and it takes some finagling to get them clipped on right when using superline.

Question: I've had the same results (like, none) with running a shallow board on top of the drop. But you say a deep board has produced at times. Are you talking suspended fish??? Thanks...

[walleyesrus]

I think if the boat spooks fish any direction its towards deeper water, makes sense but who knows. The fun is in the experimenting.

[Lakebumb]

Those with plenty of money or sponsors just snap the line. Since I am neither I stop the boat and bring in the free lines and go back for the other one.

Would not do that during a tournament though.

I troll the contours and let the boards wonder out to the sides. Just because I think the fish are at 20' doesn't mean they really are.

Jim Carroll talked about the spook factor. How far a walleye will spook out to the side. He said you can zone in on that and set your boards accordingly.