How to Rig Trolling Lures

evening troll image by jimagez from Fotolia.com

Trolling is a technique whereby fishing lines are baited with lures and pulled through the water. When trolling for musky, stripers, bull reds and peacock bass, you'll want to use a lure that can rip through the water and catch the eye of large fish. Trolling requires that one or more lines be pulled through the water at once; the greater the surface impact the better, especially for aggressive fish that are prone to immediate attack.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Rip Roller with a polomar knot

Step 1

Use a 3.25-inch Rip Roller, which can be slow trolled for tarpon, bass and snook, for example.

Step 2

Thread fishing line through the eye of the lure.

Step 3

Twist the tag end five times around the standing line and then insert the loose end between the eye of the lure and the initial loop that forms. As a second loop forms, thread the tag end through it.

Step 4

Wet the line and slowly tighten the knot until it is secured against the eye.

Step 5

Cut the ends.

Rip Roller with a non-slip loop knot

Step 1

Using a 3.25-inch Rip Roller, make a simple overhand knot. Leave 6 inches of extra line on the tag end.

Step 2

Thread the tag end through the eye of the lure. Pass the line into the loop and out again.

Step 3

Wrap the tag end around the standing line four times. Pass the standing end through the overhand knot.

Step 4

Wet the line with water and then tighten. Cut the ends.

Tips & Warnings

Trolling is commonly used to catch salmon and mackerel.

Remember to cast your line, so ripples spread across the water.

Use a top water technique when trolling. To do so, quickly pull the line from the water so that the lure strikes the surface of the water and rips it upon impact, creating a significant splash in the process.

The non-slip loop knot provides fly free movement in the water.

Trolling is not always done from the back of a moving boat. You can also cast your line(s) for a strong surface impact, otherwise known as "ripping" the water, or sweep it from side to side. This is not to be confused with fly fishing, which requires a specific type of lure and rod.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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