"Setting the Trap" Basics on trolling/part 1
Fishings not rocket science..............or is it? Fishing and especially trolling is much about physics. A fishing/paddling partner pointed that out to me and at first I scoffed. But as the debate continued I slowly started seeing the light. The sooner you start to consider physics into your approach the sooner you start putting more fish in the boat. Lets examine several factors independently and then try and put them together.

A) Line stretch- yes fishing line does stretch. This will vary by #lb test, the amount you have out and even the brand. Braided lines have no stretch, another factor to consider.

B) Hook diameter/sharpness- A smaller sharper hook will penetrate a fishes bony mouth easier than a big thick hook. Consequently to light of a hook and it could straighten out or not have enough gap to get a solid purchase.

C) speed- as in speed of the lure

D) Amount of "flex" in the rod. This "flex" can be magnified considerably if a rod is not in a fixed position such as a rod holder.

Lets consider a common scenario. Your trolling down the lake, your rod is 90 degrees out from the boat with the rod but stuck under a pack. The hooks on the lure are dull from last year after being bounced off some rocks. A 7lb walleye raises up from the rocky reef you stumbled over. POW!..........He socks your offering! After a spirited battle the camera records your silly smirk (your cheeks are hurting) and as you gently release the big fish all is right in your world................NOT! Lets look at what really happened. The big walleye smacked your bait alright. But then the upper half of your rod was to flimsy to set the dull hooks. Enter the world of physics. AHH! But you got lucky.....one of the tines have hung up in the big fishes hard bony mouth. Right at the point where it was going to sink in and provide you with a lasting memory the rod slides forward from underneath the pack. Pitooey....He's off!


Next month we'll try and get that picture.