Trolling for Percy Priest Crappie

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by TNBronzeback

Do you have a trolling plate on the motor or something? Ive got a 70 yamaha 4 stroke and my slowest according to my electronics is like 2.3-2.4.

No I don't. There are plenty of times when I will pop into neutral if I get too fast. Also if I'm going into a stiff wind I generally don't have any problems keeping the preferred speed.


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[Dakota]

Originally Posted by bfish

Drop your trolling motor down to add drag. Also you can trim up/down to slow you down too. That should get you in the range, but if not, hang a 5 gallon bucket out (or a mushroom anchor on about 5 ft of line) or buy a trolling bag. Plates work, but too well most of the time.

All good ideas


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[TNBronzeback]

I think ive still got a trolling bag around here somewhere. If not though i will give the TM or anchor a shot. I would much rather use the big motor for trolling anyways.
Thanks!

[ttitan27]

I never use my trolling motor. But then again I have a small 16 foot aluminum Seark with a 25hp Johnson.

While side imaging and all that is very nice, it isn't necessary. My hummingbird unit is black and white. Shows depth, speed, water temp, bait and fish.

Study maps online before you go to get a general idea of where you want to troll with the desired depths. This will save a lot of time and guessing. Hit those areas and if bait isn't seen fairly quickly then move on.

This has worked very well for me over the years.

[JeffsLowe]

Am out at least once a week trolling cranks on Priest. I generally use the Bandits or the knockoffs from Academy, but sometimes a Wally Diver will work too. Always in the shad colors. My 70lb electric will drag my big boat around for over 8 hours at 1.5mph even on a windy day on one charge. Will catch just about everything in the lake that way. I use 12lb test both to help get my lure back when snagged and also when the occasional big hybrid or catfish hit. No houses around the lake so there is a lot of wildlife - especially fun to watch the osprey fishing. Even during the summer you can go out during the week from daylight till about 10 and pretty much have the place to yourself. When the first jet ski shows up then its time to go home.

[brian graves]

How many rods do you guys use when trolling cranks?

[bfish]

Originally Posted by brian graves

How many rods do you guys use when trolling cranks?

4-8 when solo in my 16 ft boat, add another person and I can go up to 12 but usually just 8.

In my old man's 21 ft boat (CC), with 3 anglers we can go as many as 16, but usually just 10.

[JeffsLowe]

Originally Posted by brian graves

How many rods do you guys use when trolling cranks?

After over 55 years of fishing, for me catching the most fish is secondary to the experience. The rule in my boat is we are there to fish and relax, and not to untangle messes.

So when I am by myself - 2 rods is all I care to put out. When I have one other person along, he can put out 2 rods too, but generally we stick to 1 rod each. Anymore than 2 people and its alway 1 rod each.

Somehow or other still manage to catch enough crappie to keep the freezer full. Anything else generally goes back in the lake anyway.

[unkangler]

Originally Posted by JeffsLowe

When the first jet ski shows up then its time to go home.

I'll second that one..

[unkangler]

Originally Posted by jeffslowe

after over 55 years of fishing, for me catching the most fish is secondary to the experience. The rule in my boat is we are there to fish and relax, and not to untangle messes.

So when i am by myself - 2 rods is all i care to put out. When i have one other person along, he can put out 2 rods too, but generally we stick to 1 rod each. Anymore than 2 people and its alway 1 rod each.

Somehow or other still manage to catch enough crappie to keep the freezer full. Anything else generally goes back in the lake anyway.

👍👍

[Jsppayne2220]

Great report!


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