trolling speeds

[Pikemaster101]

has anyone ever herd of trolling at speeds like 6 or more miles per hour for pike ?

Thanks

[Random guy]

Seriously Pikemaster give it a try, I know it sounds crazy put it does produce on Red and other Lakes with large sand flats like Mille Lacs. I can’t remember the exact burst or attack speed of a pike or muskie but it is well over 10mph.

[hoggs222]

I used to troll #9 shad raps up in Alexandria for northern at about 5 mph or maybe a little higher. Hot summer day, we'd troll faster, they seemed more aggressive once the water reaches upper 70's.

[Pikemaster101]

i will have to give er a try .

[SledNeck]

I speed troll spinnerbaits so fast that they are popping and skipping out of the water. Northerns like em faster more than slower....funny story, first muskie I ever caught was at Minnetonka, I was pulling my spinnerbait in cause my dad was moving the boat to a different spot and my lure was skipping across the water at about 40 mph (moving boat and reeling in). I thought i snagged a log but then I saw the huge explosion on the water my dad didnt believe me that it was a fish so he didnt stop the boat until I was almost out of line, then I reeled it in an it was 20 lbs. I was pretty happy until we found out we forgot the camera..oh well!

[markkstanley]

Just remember to switch to rods with a lot of give if trolling fast with braid! A good sized muskie at 6mph results in a ton of rod bending. I blew up a graphite rod and now use Ugly Sticks for high speed trolling. But it really works maybe because you cover a ton of water doing it.

[Random guy]

I have been using fiberglass catfish rods they seem to hold up well to the abuse.

[SCUMFROG]

What kind of lures are you using? We have tons of pike in our lake.

[Random guy]

Anything from larger Shad Raps to smaller Jakes, the water depth that you are working is the key.You want to match the lures depth ability to the depth of the active fish. Check out Upper Red Lake forum >Toipc-Are the pike hungry yet?

[Muddog]

I also use fiberglass catfish rods. I saw some at Wal-Mart Sunday. Catfish Specal. Set your drag light. Don't worry at 4+ mph you will get a good hook set.

Last Sunday we picked up two Northerns while reeling in to check for for weeds while troling at 3.5 mph.

There are only a few lures will allow you to speed troll. Spoonplugs are one.

[markkstanley]

I usually use heavy spinnerbaits willow blades. Colorados don't work too well above 3 mph. I pump the rod occasionally and most of my hits come as the lure is falling back. Wonder if Daredevil trolling spoons would work??

[Random guy]

I have also "straightened"(made more flat) out willow blades to decrease how fast they spin letting them run deeper.

[markkstanley]

Good tip Jon. Have to try it. Another trick is use rubber core sinkers on the spinner arm above the leadhead to add more weight. It's hard to find spinners that will track right and not blow out. I've found Grinders and Rad Dogs work well at real fast speeds. #5 and #6 french bladed bucktails can work if you add weight.

[SCUMFROG]

What about in-line spinners?

[Random guy]

I have never really used In-lines due to the the fact they are more apt to snag, but I don't see why you couldn't add a sinker ahead of the lure?

[markkstanley]

For in-lines add the weight and keep the blades on the small side. Single hooks are preferred over trebles - you won't lose any fish and will snag up a lot less. I've used Eagletails with some success. Spinnerbaits produce better in my experience.

[Muddog]

Watch the speed with Daredevil trolling spoons. You want them to rock back and forth. If you go to fast they start to spin. Hold them in the water at boat side and watch how it runs. If it spins slow down! Adjust your speed to get a nice wobble. Around 1-1.5 MPH.