Trolling Basics: Boat Fishing for Beginners

Trolling Basics: Boat Fishing for Beginners. Trolling is fishing from a moving boat, where a bait is dragged behind the vessel to attract predatory fish. It's a dynamic and exciting fishing method, ideal for large bodies of water where fish are scattered over long distances. Trolling may seem complicated to beginners, but it's actually easier than it seems if you know the basics. In this article, I'll explain how to get started trolling from a boat, choose your tackle, select your bait, and avoid common mistakes. Everything is written as if we were chatting on the shore, getting ready for a fishing trip. Let's go!

What is trolling?

Trolling is when you pull a bait (a wobbler, spoon, or soft-bait) behind a slow-moving boat. The bait imitates live fish, attracting predators like pike, zander, perch, and taimen. This method is beneficial because:

• Allows you to fish large areas of the reservoir.
• It doesn't require perfect casting technique - the boat does half the work.
• Suitable for deep places where it is impossible to reach from the shore.

For beginners, trolling is a great way to catch big fish without years of experience. The key is to properly prepare your tackle and understand how to maneuver the boat.

Trolling equipment

To get started, you'll need a basic set of gear and a boat. You don't have to spend millions—budget options are plenty.

1. Boat and motor

• Boat: Inflatable PVC (2.5–3.5 m) or aluminum for 1–2 people. The main thing is stability and space for gear.
• Engine: Gasoline (2–5 hp) or electric for low speeds (1–5 km/h). Electric engines are quieter and better for precision trolling.
• Oars: A backup option if the engine stalls.

Tip: For beginners, a PVC boat with an electric motor (starting at 30,000 rubles) is suitable. If you're on a budget, trolling with oars is possible, but it's physically more challenging.

2. Rod

• Length: 1.8–2.7 m. Short rods are convenient for small boats, long ones are for long-distance casting of bait.
• Test: 10–40 g for medium-sized fish (pike, pike-perch) or 20–60 g for large predators (taimen).
• Action: Medium or slow - these rods are better at dampening fish movements.
• Recommendation: Shimano Catana (2.1 m, test 10–30 g) or Salmo Blaster (about 3000–5000 rubles).

3. Coil

• Type: Spinning reel (Shimano size 2500–4000) or multiplier reel (for professionals). Spinning reels are easier for beginners.
• Drag: Smooth to release line during strong jerks.
• Recommendation: Daiwa Revros 3000 or Ryobi Excia (2000–4000 rubles).

4. Fishing line

• Braided line: 0.12–0.2 mm (10–20 lb). It is strong and sensitive, which is important for deep trolling.
• Monofilament: 0.25–0.35 mm as an alternative. Stretchable and forgiving.
• Recommendation: Power Pro (0.15 mm) for braided line or Salmo Specialist (0.3 mm) for mono.

5. Lures

Predators react to movement, so baits must be visible and active:

• Wobblers: Floating or sinking, 7–15 cm, diving depth 2–6 m (Rapala Shad Rap, Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow). Choose bright colors (green, red) for murky water, natural colors (silver, perch) for clear water.
• Spoons: Spoons (Daiwa Crusader, 10–20 g) or spinners (Mepps Lusox No. 3).
• Silicone: Vibrotails (10–15 cm) on jig heads (10–30 g).

Tip: To start, grab 3-5 wobblers of varying depths (2-4 m) and a couple of spoons. This will cover most situations.

6. Additionally

• Rod holder: Secures the spinning rod, freeing your hands (from 500 rubles).
• Fish finder: Shows depth and fish (from 5,000 rubles for a portable one). Not essential for beginners, but useful.
• Landing net: Net with handle 1–1.5 m for large fish.
• Anchor: To stop at a promising point.

On the Putorana Plateau: The plateau's rivers and lakes are a paradise for trolling taimen and large perch. Use wobblers with a diving depth of 3–5 m and heavy spoons (15–20 g) to fish the deep pools near the riffles. 0.2 mm braided line and a rod with a casting weight of 20–50 g will handle strong currents and powerful jerks.

How to set up a trolling rig

1. Install the reel: Secure it to the rod, check that there is no play.
2. Wind the line: Wind the braided or mono line to 1–2 mm from the edge of the spool. Tie with an arbor knot.
3. Add a leader: Metal (15–30 cm) for pike or mono (0.3 mm, 50–100 cm) for zander. Knot: Palomar or clinch.
4. Attach the bait: Attach a wobbler or spoon through the quick-change clasp. Make sure the hooks are sharp.
5. Check the drag: Loosen it by 1/3 of the maximum to prevent the fish from breaking the line.

Life hack: For trolling at depth, use a downrigger (a weight with a clip that releases the bait 5-10 m) or a heavy wobbler with a large diving depth.

Trolling Techniques: Step by Step

1. Choose a place:
   • Deep holes (5–10 m) for pike perch and taimen.
   • Thickets or dumps (2–4 m) for pike and perch.
   • Current boundaries or riffles for grayling.
   • Use a fish finder or watch for splashes and birds.
2. Adjust your speed: Ideally, 2–5 km/h (a human pace). Pike prefer slower movement (2–3 km/h), while zander prefer faster movement (4–5 km/h). Maintain a steady rhythm when rowing.
3. Release the bait: Release the line 20–50 meters behind the boat. The further you go, the less likely the fish will be spooked by the motor noise. For deeper water, use wobblers with a diving depth of 3–6 meters.
4. Drive the boat:
   • Move in a zigzag or arc pattern to allow the lure to change speed and depth – this will provoke a bite.
   • Avoid snags and shallows to avoid getting caught.
   • Check the bait periodically for grass.
5. Set the hook and play the fish: A bite is felt as a tug or a weight on the rod. Set the hook with a sharp upward motion. Play the fish, holding the rod at a 45° angle, and pull the fish toward the landing net.

Life hack: If the bite is weak, change the bait every 15–20 minutes or add an attractant (the smell of fish or shrimp).

Typical mistakes of beginners

• Too much speed: The boat is flying, but the bait doesn't have time to move. Slow down to 2-4 km/h.
• Incorrect depth: If the wobbler is swimming near the surface and the fish are deep, there won't be any bites. Check the lure's diving depth.
• Short line release: 5–10 m behind the boat is not enough, as it spooks the fish. Release the line 20–50 m.
• Weak tackle: Pike or taimen will easily break 0.1 mm line. Use 0.15–0.2 mm braided line.

Helpful tips

• Bring a supply of lures: 5-7 wobblers and spinners of varying sizes and depths. Snags are inevitable.
• Check your tackle: After each bite, inspect the line for wear and the hooks for sharpness.
• Use the holder: It will free your hands to control the boat.
• Echo sounder: Even a simple one (from 5000 rubles) will save time by showing holes and fish.

On the Putorana Plateau: Trolling the plateau's lakes and rivers is a great way to catch taimen and large perch. Use heavy wobblers (10–15 cm, diving depth 4–6 m) and 0.2 mm braided line. Troll along deep pools near waterfalls or rocky shores, maintaining a speed of 3–4 km/h.

Safety and ecology

• Safety: Always wear a life jacket. Make sure the boat is stable and the motor is in good working order. Bring oars in case of breakdown.
• Ecology: Release small fish and large specimens that are not needed for food. Do not leave trash (fishing line, packaging) in the water or on the shore.

Approximate budget

• PVC boat + electric motor: 30,000–50,000 rubles.
• Fishing rod (budget): 2000–4000 rubles.
• Reel: 2000–4000 RUB.
• Braided line (100 m): 500–1000 RUB.
• Lures (5–7 pcs.): 1000–2000 RUB.
• Landing net and holder: 1000–2000 RUB.

Total: 37,500–64,000 rubles. You can get by with 10,000 rubles if you have a boat and oars.

Conclusion

Trolling isn't just fishing; it's also an adventure on the water. With the right gear, a boat, and some basic knowledge, you can catch pike, zander, or even taimen without being a pro. On the Putorana Plateau or any other body of water, trolling opens up access to deep holes and trophy fish. Try different lures, experiment with speed, and enjoy the process. Got your own trolling tips? Share them in the comments—I'm always up for new ideas! Good luck on the water, and keep your line strong!