which line for trolling

General musky fishing discussions and questions.

Moderator: Cyberlunge

Post Reply
finlander
Posts: 438
Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:20 pm
Location: muskegon

which line for trolling

Post by finlander »

have tuffline on a pair of old Penn's, mounted on a pair of med fiberglass 7 1/2 footers. This should give some on a strike. Those who troll, how do you rig up? (I already know what Kingfisher uses.) Thanks.
Chasin50
Posts: 780
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:54 pm
Location: South Lyon

Post by Chasin50 »

Rods
Any reputable brand (Shakespeare Ugly Stick Tiger, RP2 Muskie) in glass. Glass is more durable and you don't need sensitivity *Rod Guides should be stainless steel

Length’s
• Prop Rod – 5.5 to 7’ (I have 5.5)
• Down Rod – 5.5 to 7’ (5.5)
• Long Rod – 8 to 10’ (8)
• Board Rod – 5.5 to 10’ (8)

Reels
Any reputable brand (Penn GTI Level Wind Graphite Series or Level Wind 209/309, Diawa Accudeapth or Sealine, Okuma Convector, etc.) - make sure it has:
• A quality drag
• Adequate line capacity -250 yrds. +
• Bait clicker
• Line counter is nice, but not necessary

Main line - Monofilament (Trilene Big Game in Green) 40lb - I personally think 30lb it too small of diameter for a lot of reasons. Don't waste your money on Fluoro.

Leader - I am using all three in 60lb
Hard Mono (Mason) - Cheapest and holds up really well
or
Hybrid (Maxima, Yozuri) – Works good too, but a little more$$$
or
Fluorocarbon (Seaguar, P-Line) Poly Vinyl Fluoride - Works good, but most expensive

Terminal Hardware – Don’t skimp on the cheap stuff…
Snaps - Stringease - Stay-lok #204(200 lb) or 205(250 lb.)
Snap Swivels - Sampo with welded rings and Stay-lok snap - Sampo model# NBX4SLZ
Thorn Bros – Welded rings http://www.thornebros.com/muskie/termin ... ebros.html


Leader Makeup http://www.muskie-lures.com/rocketman/leader.jpg
This is link shows my basic rig, but I recommend the components I listed…

Main Line – Tie on a snap swivel

Line end of leader – Tie on a snap swivel

Make the leader whatever length you want, but I use 6’ for general trolling

Lure end of leader - Tie on a Thorn Bros welded ring, then clip on a Stay-lok snap or a split ring

Knots
Hard Mono, Hybrid, and Fluorocarbon - I like knots where the line passes through the eye of the component two times. These three work great. I am using the gryp knot, but it requires a tool.

Gryp Knot http://www.tie-fast.com/Page346.htm

Trilene Big Game http://www.steelheader.net/knots/trilene_knot.htm

Worlds Fair http://www.thaifishingguide.com/fishtec ... steps.html
Will Schultz
Posts: 7675
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:06 pm
Location: GR, MI

Post by Will Schultz »

finlander - I think that set up will work for you just fine but there are a couple considerations...
- are the rods are stout enough for the largest lures you'll be trolling?
- will you be using planerboards?

If the rods are stiff enough and you'll never be using boards then I think you are all set. Mono is widely used on LSC because of the board releases, braids don't stick well in a release. When you look to other areas of the country or Canada braids are widely used. I know a couple guys that use a braid for their mainlline and 200# flouro as leader. They catch BIG fish and numbers of them on this type of set-up.
Self interest is for the past, common interest is for the future.
finlander
Posts: 438
Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:20 pm
Location: muskegon

trolling...

Post by finlander »

Where do you find flouro in THAT size?? :D
Will Schultz
Posts: 7675
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:06 pm
Location: GR, MI

Post by Will Schultz »

http://www.thornebros.com/muskie/termin ... aguar.html

You can't tie it beyond 80lb, so you need to start using crimps. ONLY the double barrel crimps are good for this. With a single hole crimp you'll pinch the line and reduce the strength of the leader.
Self interest is for the past, common interest is for the future.
Post Reply