Trolling with Lures

Trolling with lures is one of the more popular fishing methods while boating, trolling drags lures behind, usually a good ways back, while the boat moves forward slowly.

TROLLING WITH LURES: BASICS

Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines with lures or bait fish are drawn through the water. This may be behind a moving boat. The motion of the boat imparts action on the lures, whether they are spoons lures, surface lures, plugs, swimbait or spinnerbait. Trolling with lures is one of the most popular fishing methods for catching big game fish such as tuna and marlin.

The depth of the lure depends on their weight, how much line has been let out, the diameter and type of fishing line being used, and the speed at which you are trolling. In addition, some lures have a lip which makes them dive when pulled through the water. The names of such lures might reference the designed depth. 

SALTWATER TROLLING 

Trolling in saltwater is a good way to present baits and lures to pelagic fish by imitating a swimming baitfish or triggering the natural instincts of a fish to strike. When saltwater trolling, anglers will typically put out anywhere between two and nine lines with trolling lures staggered at various distances from the boat. Although there is no one universal trolling speed, most boats will typically troll natural baits like rigged ballyhoo, mullet, and mackerel, at speeds of 4-7 knots depending on sea conditions. Artificial trolling lures and plugs can be trolled at faster speeds of around 7-9 knots.