Trolling Help

[MJ]

I finally got some planer boards and rod holders. I am wanting to try to catch some stripers. I need a few pointers on other equipment and setup. I need help when trolling live bait with what types of weights, swivels, leader lengths. This will be my first attempt so I am learning but would greatly appreciate any pointers, especially with rigging!

[18'stratos]

I say......Hire a guide for a day and let them show you. You might save some money by not wasting it in stuff you don't need. Plus you'll see how and where to use it. Nothing like going with a guide to get first hand info. Most of them are willing to answer all of your questions.

My brother wasted alot of money outfitting his boat for striper and without the knowledge of how and when, he got frustrated that he couldn't catch them and got rid of all his stuff. Waste of time and money. Good luck on the water.

[vmky]

I agree with Stratos. Hire a guide for a day and ask lots of questions. One thing that might not come up is to always use 100% floro from the swivel to the hook. This has made the biggest difference in catch rate for me personally.

[MJ]

I went with a guide about a year ago and that is what prompted me to start trying it. I am just looking for some ideas on how people are rigging.

[vmky]

I always use the egg type sinkers for trolling. Weight varies from none to 4oz. depending on depth fished and speed trolled. The rigging is basically a caronila rig set up. Weight on the main line,swivel, 12" to 36" floro.in 17lb or 20lb. and I personally like to use circle hooks in 2/0 or 3/0. I deploy my planer boards in a "V" shape pattern. The outside board being the furthest from the boat. Depending on the season that outside board could be as close as 20ft. and as long as 30-40yds. the inside board is usually 1/2 way between the outside board and the boat. The lines closest to the boat should be the deepest with outside boards more shallow. I always replace the package planer board clips with speed clips. They are easier to set out and you can adjust the tension easier. A full spread of 2 boards on each side and a line with a cork in the center takes a little practice to get set up but the benefits are great especially when multiple rods go down at one time.