How to Troll With Minnows

fishing image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

Trolling with minnows involves dragging a minnow through the water in an effort to simulate live, free bait a fish might be attracted to. Trolling is a good technique on numerous types of fish, including trout, crappie, bluegill and perch. The other benefit to trolling--particularly in groups--is that the challenge lies in finding the right location to troll, rather than using specific fishing techniques with your rod. This makes it easier for a group to have an equal advantage when fishing as long as the leader is a knowledgeable angler who understands how to troll with minnows.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Find a good location to begin trolling. This can vary depending on the type of fish you are trying to catch, but in general the best locations include sharp underwater drops or ledges, gravel flat areas frequently used for spawning, or areas rife with vegetation. The higher the sun is, the deeper your minnow should be trolling.

Step 2

Place the hook through the mouth of the minnow. This will help simulate the minnow's swimming when it is in the water. Depending on the size of the minnow, you should also use a 1- or 2-oz. sinker on the line.

Step 3

Bring your boat to the start of the trolling area. Kill the main motor and turn on the trolling motor. Cast your line and let the sinker drop to the bottom of the water.

Step 4

Hold your line still as the boat drags it through the water. There isn't any fancy cast-and reel-action in this process--the boat provides the movement, and you only have to wait for the tip of your fishing rod to jerk unnaturally, indicating a bite.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...