Crank trolling: hits vs. hookups

[h8go4s]

I've been trolling Namakan this summer, primarily with deep diving cranks like the Tail Dancer and Reef Runner. I use a Cabela's Depth Master 7-1/2 foot medium action rod and 10-lb Fireline, running 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 mph, which gets me down to 30-32 feet on 220 feet out. I get lots of hits where the rod tip will bounce 2-3 times, then nothing. I'm in the range of 2 to 3 hits for every hookup, which gets frustrating. My hooks are sharp and I know I'm not mistaking bottom for hits, as I'm trolling over water deeper than my baits will reach. I've also had some fish foul hooked under the jaw, in the top of the head and even one smallie hooked just in front of the dorsal fin. So I'm wondering if my rod is too stiff, if I need to switch to mono for more stretch in the line, or if this is just the way it works.

[LoonASea]

Loosen your drag ,,If you know how many ft of line you have out you must have line counter reels put your clicker on and loosen the drag and let the clicker act as a strike indicator

[leech~~]

Plus+1 or you could try a Snubber to take some of the shock off the hooks!

[CaptainMusky]

Replace the rear hooks with VMC Sureset hooks. Your hooking percentage will increase greatly.

I have replaced nearly all of my rear hooks with these and it makes a huge difference. I believe size 6 is the one that would replace most of those on a typical walleye crankbait.

[Stick in Mud]

Ah yes, I actually thought of you, CptnMusky, when I read this post the first time....since I've had the same problems as the OP. I still haven't picked any of those Sureset hooks up, though doing so is on my "to do" list since I might just actually happen to maybe get out for some trolling one of these nights.

[h8go4s]

OK, I'll try the VMC hooks. I do run my drag light. I back it off with the clicker on until the spool starts turning, then tighten it just enough to stop it.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[CaptainMusky]

You could also have a short mono leader from your fire line to the crank which will give some shock absorption. That will help but I will tell you since just switching those hooks I increased the strike to hookup ratio probably 25%. You will probably freak when you see the size of that one hook but I have caught perch and crappies on these same cranks while trolling for walleyes so its not a problem.

[CaptainMusky]

Ah yes, I actually thought of you, CptnMusky, when I read this post the first time....since I've had the same problems as the OP. I still haven't picked any of those Sureset hooks up, though doing so is on my "to do" list since I might just actually happen to maybe get out for some trolling one of these nights.

hopefully its a definite maybe that you get out. ;-)

[JohnMickish]

If your getting that many foul hookups and misses something is definitely wrong with the game. At first I would have thought bottom strikes but you are sure that is not it. Then I was thinking about the drag but you have that covered too. I would swap one reel out to 10 lb mono and see if your hookup percentage goes up.

With that many foul hooks it sounds like the fish are just slapping at the bait and not trying to eat it. Have you tried changing to a Reef Runner or changing colors?

[Hoffer]

I was going to mention the mono as well.

I do a LOT of fast trolling.

I have spent 2 weeks in a row "testing" side by side a rod with mono vs a rod with braid/fireline/supeline/powerpro etc...

Hands down I catch way more fish with mono. Wont spool on anything else but mono. First off, I think the give of mono gives the lure better action. 2nd when a fish hits the superlines...there is no give. This results in hooks being pulled out before a good hook set can be accomplished. I will not fast troll with anything but mono from now on.

2 other comments. Invest in an 8.5 or 9 foot rod. HUGE difference.

Last, when you think your trolling fast enough...inch it up even a bit more. I dont go anywhere less than 3.8mph.

[Northlander]

You could just be running through schools of fish and hitting them with the line and getting the rod bouncing. I like 10# Suffix 832 with no mono leader. Instead I run a loose drag with the clicker engaged and a very limber 8.5" rod that is great for shock absorption when using the superlines.

I doubt its your hooks. Try slowing down to like 1.8 or 2.0 and pump the rod by hand at times. You may be getting fish swiping at the bait and missing at faster speeds.

Also you may be running through schools of bait, maybe smelt?

[cylinder]

I was going to mention the mono as well.

I do a LOT of fast trolling.

I have spent 2 weeks in a row "testing" side by side a rod with mono vs a rod with braid/fireline/supeline/powerpro etc...

Hands down I catch way more fish with mono. Wont spool on anything else but mono. First off, I think the give of mono gives the lure better action. 2nd when a fish hits the superlines...there is no give. This results in hooks being pulled out before a good hook set can be accomplished. I will not fast troll with anything but mono from now on.

2 other comments. Invest in an 8.5 or 9 foot rod. HUGE difference.

Last, when you think your trolling fast enough...inch it up even a bit more. I dont go anywhere less than 3.8mph.

I agree. If you are trolling fast and don't have the drag set loose or have a soft rod, use mono. If you are at 2 mph, use braid.

No smart comments about the soft rod thing.

[Kyhl]

When I moved to a superline I had to adjust my hooksets when jigging, and move to a softer rod. I guess it makes sense with trolling too.

[Comit 2]

It sounds to me like you are lining the fish. In other words you lure is running through the school and your line and lure is hitting the fish.

The Smallie without a doubt was lined.

Oh come on 220 feet of mono! First, you'll never get that deep. Second, that stuff is like a bungie cord. Do not go to mono. You are lining fish, your doing everything right. Wow, great, thanks for sharing. Don't change a thing.

Color and speed would be the only thing I would change. If you can do it without depth change.

[Comit 2]

Just adding a few things.

When you have the 2-3 bumps then nothing, try going through that area 5-10 shallower. Your lure maybe running under the school with your line hitting the fish.

When your line hits fish they tend to flair there fins and swim away when spooked. This will cause the line to ride up the top of the fish and hang up on the dorsal fin. Like on your Smallmouth.

[jigginjim]

It sounds to me like you are lining the fish. In other words you lure is running through the school and your line and lure is hitting the fish.

The Smallie without a doubt was lined.

Oh come on 220 feet of mono! First, you'll never get that deep. Second, that stuff is like a bungie cord. Do not go to mono. You are lining fish, your doing everything right. Wow, great, thanks for sharing. Don't change a thing.

Color and speed would be the only thing I would change. If you can do it without depth change.

I agree on 220 feet of mono, you'll not get many hook-ups, too much bungie effect. I add about 50ft of 10# mono for some cushion, but mostly run braids, I can also see if baits is foul hooked with weeds much faster. The other thing is start using snap on weights, you can get anything down deep then.

[20lbSloughShark]

If your actually hitting fish with your lure, I'm thinking your running them too deep. Reel in so your lure is at least 2 feet higher in the water than it is now.

[fishgutz77]

With leadcore and 15ft of #10 fluorocarbon and a fast tip downrigger rod you hooking problems will disappear. I hook 95% of fish that hit, but slow it up to 2.0 or 2.2

[Farley]

When you get hits does the fish peel any line out? Maybe your drag isnt set tight enough to get a good hook set?

[Borch]

I've been trolling Namakan this summer, primarily with deep diving cranks like the Tail Dancer and Reef Runner. I use a Cabela's Depth Master 7-1/2 foot medium action rod and 10-lb Fireline, running 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 mph, which gets me down to 30-32 feet on 220 feet out. I get lots of hits where the rod tip will bounce 2-3 times, then nothing. I'm in the range of 2 to 3 hits for every hookup, which gets frustrating. My hooks are sharp and I know I'm not mistaking bottom for hits, as I'm trolling over water deeper than my baits will reach. I've also had some fish foul hooked under the jaw, in the top of the head and even one smallie hooked just in front of the dorsal fin. So I'm wondering if my rod is too stiff, if I need to switch to mono for more stretch in the line, or if this is just the way it works.

A lighter or slower action rod and loosening the drag will help. Also consider opening hook gap just a touch, (maybe 5 degrees). I've had some nights where this was just brutal and the fish I got were all face/head hooked. Sometime they slap it and don't bite it.