Winter Topwater Trolling© Louis Bignami
Nov 21, 2000
Anyone who owns a boat can catch most kinds of fish most of the time without expensive gear. Two keys open this action. First, you need shallow running plugs to match the baitfish where you fish. Second, you need a thermometer so you can troll where and when the water temperature suits the fish you seek. Add line in the four to 20 pound test and a rod and reel with a decent drag. Then head out onto the water as soon as you put on your life vest or jacket
Use shallow running plugs because they troll faster than deep plugs so you cover more water. Fish tend to hit, rather than follow and refuse, plugs that move so fast that they pull a reflex strike. Shallow plugs that float come to the surface when you stop to fight a fish on your other rod and snag where you can pull them free.
Three plugs get the job done. A 5 inch long naturalized rainbow trout finish minnow-shape plug takes striped bass in the river and black bass in lakes. A 3-inch long model works for trout and panfish. Add a 4-inch long flat silver finish shad-shape plug for the river and reservoirs such as Oroville with big shad populations
Attach these plugs to the light line when the water's clear. Use 4 pound test for most trout and panfish, 6 or 8 pound test in clear reservoirs for bass or in the rivers for steelhead and 12 to 20 pound test for river salmon or strip-ers. An open loop knot to maximizes plug action so avoid loops, snaps or swivels.
Rods and reels seem least important. Experts agree that revolving spool reels work best because they don't twist line when you reel against the drag as is the case with spinning gear. Just make sure you have a spool full of good line and a smooth drag you are ready to head for the water.
Do wear a life vest or jacket! Few boaters drown if they wear these safety devices. Unfortunately, most boaters use floatation gear as seat cushions and such. Those too macho to wear jackets for safety should realize it's easier to grab expensive rods, reels and tackle boxes in an upset when supported by a life jacket. If you find standard jackets bulky and uncomfortable, wear a soft foam kayaker's vest and add a floating seat cushion if you like.
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The copyright of the article Winter Topwater Trolling in Fishing is owned by Louis Bignami. Permission to republish Winter Topwater Trolling in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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