Lure depth?

[BobT]

One thing I have struggled with is determining the running depth of a lure or rig. How do you determine this? Aren't there a lot of factors involved such as retrieve or trolling speed, line type, line diameter, line test weight aside from diameter (?), how much line is out, lure design, even water temperature?

Bob

[Fishin4Life]

I have wondered this myself. I have heard that the precision trolling book can really help out a lot with this...I am sure some other people will also mention this book. It has been brought up somewhere before, can't remember where or which forum though or I would try to get you the link.

[BobT]

So far for me it is a trial-and-error method I use. I move shallower until I start hitting bottom then note the depth on my sonar but this isn't very efficient and it is time cosuming, taking away from precision fishing time.

Bob

[cold one sd]

When trolling in shallow water (10 to 20 feet) I let line out until I contact bottom and then reel up until I am running just off of bottom. Some days they like the lure to be stirring up the bottom and other days they don't like it to be touching. When trolling in deeper water I will use the Precision Trolling book. I have lures that I have had hung on the bottom in 40 feet while trolling.

[rippenlips]

8th Edition Precision Trolling Bible. Just picked it up at Gander Mountain. It has just about every crank made and will tell you how much line to let out to get to a desired detph with mono or fire line.

[Rost]

For cranks, speed typically doesn't affect your depth unless you are running lead or snap weights.

[TUMBLEWEED]

The Troller's bible is pretty good, I have an older one.

What I do, is to take a permanent marker (fine tip) and write down the depth ON THE LURE's lip!! I use a system tackle box that carries 12 or so plano boxes. One plano = shallow runners(all marked for depth) the next medium, the next deep, etc. This makes for easier identification on a

lure that would fit into the depths you are currently

fishing. Too many times I would throw away the literature

with the packaging and put the lure in my tackle box.

Then it's a guessing game what the thing would dive to

I now just look on the lip and I'm in the ball park.....

Forgot to add, If you already have some that you've tossed

the documentation on, you can go to the websites

or, the before mentioned Troller's bible and put the info

on the lure's lip.

[BobT]

Okay, The Troller's Bible? I honestly have never heard of this before. How do I find a copy?

Thanks,

Bob

[Jim Hudson]

Bob

These trolling guides (or trolling bibles) can be found at almost any sporting good stores and on line stores as well.. The books are called Precision Trolling or Precision Casting...

[hoggs222]

Precision trolling is where it's at! My roommate has it and I've looked through it. It has alot of information.

[BobT]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Bob