Brad, when power trolling (3.0 mph) for heavy hitters like stripers and redfish, there's a few weak points they can take advantage of - the hooks/split rings on the lure, the line knot at the lure, a weak spot in the rod - why accentuate those weak points with braided line? I believe the stretch of monofilament line reduces their ability to straighten hooks/split rings on the initial strike. Sometimes I think those redfish hit going the opposite direction - it's just plain difficult to get the rod out of the rod holder when one of those things has it under pressure. I think mono line allows me the few more seconds I need to get the rod free of the rod holder. I can't imagine how many broken rods I'd have owned if I had used braided line.

Yes, I know there's a thing called drag on the reel but you well remember what that redfish you caught last year did to your hooks right? I think the "forgiveness" of mono is the difference between landing or straightening hooks/split rings out (I'm taking trolling). Ande and Silver Thread mono have been my best lines over the years.

I think it's preference with me...the only time I ever use braided line is when I cast for muskie. Otherwise, especially trolling, I use mono. Just what I have the most confidence in I guess.

yes, i only use mono around here as well. i actually like it better as i am just more at home with it. i like tying the polymer knot (sp?) and i like a little stretch.

does anyone ever catch hybrids or stripers trolling without downriggers?

cuz i was at wallyworld today and saw some cottom cordell wally minnows in chrome and blue. they sorta look like a husky jerk but with a deep diving lip. i thought i might try em out.

if any of you fine anglers have success trolling lures only, what are they, maybe some links and your opinions.


i just gotta say it again, red, that targa is one awesome looking rig. (i love my astro but dang!) it says in the bible not to covet thy buddies stuff, but since i dont really know you personally, i should get a reprieve, lol.

ShadRaps

very nice fish in your sig jason.

ya, i saw that in your earlier post about shadraps, and thats what made me ask about it.

do they only come in one size? if not, what size has worked for you? and what colors do you like?

(that peacock bass has a huge looking mouth, were his eyes red?)

Oh my gosh .....Redfin I thought you were my friend.. how dare you use my name in a trolling thread

Thanks for the heads up and I will take the advice and run with it. I have been using 20# Ande and will continue. Guess I will return the Power Pro I just bought Sunday . Thanks for the time you take to spell things out for us less experienced trollers ...

Flyinbryan,

Thanks. I believe his eyes were red.

I always use the SR09 size ShadRap in silver. Sometimes I will use a firetiger color when the sun is going down.

I do not have much luck with the Glass ShadRap or the Rattle & Suspend ShadRap. I have the best success with the original balsa ShadRap.

I have to add that Redfin has given great advice on this thread. In particular about line applications.

I think that the two most understood things in all of fishing are line selection and rod selection.

The more pressing question is - what are YOU doing reading a trolling thread??? Taking an interest in it recently, huh, huh?

I learned to fish in Texas off of this forum. I fish on Richland Chambers, and normally troll for Hybrids. I have 2 electric Penn Fathom Masters that I bought from the TFF. I fish alone most of the time out of a 22' Baystealth and have control switches mounted on the console so I can operate the down riggers while at the controls. My method is very similar to what has been described earlier, I find the fish depth with the sonar and run 1-2 feet above them. I have had good success with the Rattle Traps, Pet Spoons and Swim baits in 3-5 inches. I have also caught a lot on plain silver spoons. I fish the same speed range as the others here, my down riggers have 4' booms so I have the swivel base set so I can pull the boom and weight into the boat to hook up my line and let it swing back out and it runs 90 degrees to the boat when in action. When everything is going well I can watch the weight on the sonar to keep track of depth, obstacles, fish that should be hooking up, etc!

Great set-up, dj!!! I will have console controls for my downriggers installed before the end of the year, guaranteed!

Thanks for the compliment. The only problem I have had with the console switches has been operator error! I have on occassion bumped the switch into the lower position with the unit stowed. The result has been a world class backlash! I am thinking about installing an alarm or chime that I can hear when the unit is powered up. I forgot to mention in my earlier post the most excitement one can have is to have 2 hybrids hook up at the same time when you are alone in the boat. That has happened several times but my 2 personal best came on one of those rodeos, 10#6 and 11#4. That is why I keep down rigging!