Trolling above the weed line

[trollneyes]

I have had some success pulling cranks on top of the weedline. I have used 4/10 fireline in the past and have to run the lures fairly close to the boat because they dive to deep. I ran into a group of guys pulling shallow shad raps on 17# mono in 3 feet of water last fall and they were doing very well. I am going to rig a couple of reels with heavier mono for this application this year to get my lures out farther. My question is, have any of you had success trolling above the weeds or in extremely shallow water with heavier mono and cranks? What are your favorite lines and lures for this application?

[eyepatrol]

One thing you may want to do is look through the Southcentral MN forum. Team Otter has done a lot of fishing in shallow weedy waters during the open water season using cranks, however I believe he anchors and casts mostly while fishing shallow. Look through reports Team Otter has given during the summer months. There's a lot of good info and tips he gives for shallow 'eyes. One thing to note though...this is the tactic he uses in the southcentral part of the state and I'm not sure if this is the pattern/tactic that he would use in the northern part of the state, but you could ask him. He's originally from Grand Rapids so he could probably provide you with good info whether you live in the southern or northern part of the state. I'm sure there will be others who will chime in too with some very good, helpful information.

[ewirz]

I have had success pulling cranks shallow early in the season. Last year was the first time I experimented with planers boards. I'll never go back. There is some trial and error, but once you get the hang of it, getting cranks in shallow is easy. Also a great application when you are able to fish two lines, enables you to cover much more water.

2 cents

ERW

[Mille Lacs Guy]

I would suggest running regular floating rapalas and not shad raps or even shallow shad raps. The lip on the shallow shad raps makes it dive more than a regular floating rapala. Using heavier mono will make the lure dive less but will also effect the action a little bit. I would suggest using between #9 and #13 floating rapalas. In the fall I would even go to the bigger Husky rapalas not to be confused with a husky jerk. If you are getting hung up to much because you have too much line out try fan casting the area.

[trollneyes]

Great tips guys. Thanks for the feedback!

[PerchJerker]

If you use heavy mono you'll loose all sensitivity - and you don't want that if you'll be ticking weeds. Use Power Pro or Stren Superbraid or similiar. You'll have to use ridiculously heavy line, like 50 lb or 65 lb or even heavier, but you need it that heavy to get the thicker diameter you need to keep the bait shallow. And it will be sensitive enough to feel the smallest weeds you'll pick up wiht the bait. It is a far, far better option than heavy mono.