So, the answer is yes! But before you go trolling, there are several factors you need to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"trolling\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/trolling2.jpg\")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAdvantages of Trolling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The main concept of trolling is to trick fish into thinking that your bait is moving prey. As such, the speed in which you move your boat solely depends on the nature, habitat, and size of the sought fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But we can’t just throw it into the sea and call it a day! Trolling is more than just dragging lines through water, after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like targeting any prey, you’ll need to carefully pick the right time of day, depth, and use the proper fishing gear to consistently catch fish while trolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It might sound complicated, but it\u2019s much easier than you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we proceed, here are some of the advantages of trolling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Allows you to locate fish by covering a lot of ground in a rapid manner<\/li>
- Provides precise depth and speed control<\/li>
- Ideal for those who are uncomfortable with typical cast-and-retrieve techniques<\/li>
- Maximizes accuracy when casting lure<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Equipment You Need When Trolling for Fish<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Today’s spinners can stand up to heated runs and drag pressure more than they were capable of a few decades ago. So yes, you can use a spinning reel for trolling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But despite that, you first need to make sure you\u2019re using the right spinning reel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting the Right Spinning Reel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before you go trolling with your spinning wheel, you must ensure it has some features. Some of these include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Can hold at least 400 yards and a 50-pound test braided line<\/li>
- Able to apply 20 pounds of drag without difficulties<\/li>
- Has a smooth retrieval even with heavier fish<\/li>
- Built with high-quality stainless steel parts, so it doesn’t rust after several offshore trolling trips<\/li>
- The Roller bearing<\/a> need to be well-oiled to reduce friction during a run<\/li>
- Powerful enough to drag struggling fish through moving water<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Two examples of such spinning reels are the Shimano Stella Saltwater<\/a> and the Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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However, keep in mind that spinning reels aren’t generally as powerful as reels specifically made for trolling<\/a>. Even with these requirements, you may find it challenging to use your spinning reel compared to the alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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This is primarily because you can’t pre-set spinning reels to specific increments. If you do, there’s a high chance that the catch\u2019s sudden pressure will break the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To prevent this, it’s best to set your spinning reel to half-pressure and only adjust it to its full fighting level once you’ve caught a fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know how difficult it is to adjust the reel while battling fish<\/a>, especially if it’s incredibly rough. Therefore, you may need to practice beforehand to perfect the art of catching fish using a spinning wheel while trolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, spinning reels typically aren\u2019t made with “lugs” or metal rings that allow you to strap it into a harness like what you do in trolling reels. Because of this, you\u2019ll need to put a bit of elbow grease when pulling the fish you caught to your boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ll also need to worry about your reel getting tangled or twisted while dragging your fish in. It\u2019s an inconvenience that you can avoid if you’re using the right reel for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you hook up a nice sized sailfish, tuna, or marlin, you’re going to wish you had a reel that’s more substantial and isn’t as difficult to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting the Right Rod<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although you can use any reel for trolling, your rod\u2019s length and strength are non-negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your rod should be short and stiff because it’s easier to handle and control when fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trolling a lure places a near-constant tension between the rod and the line. Therefore, a long, whippy rod won’t immediately allow you to feel the vibration coming from a caught fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A short, stiff rod will also jerk away from a snag much quicker if you encounter, for instance, a stump or a log. So rather than allowing it to twist and tangle, the rod will simply snap in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As long as you’re using a rod that’s powerful enough to withstand the pressure of moving water, there’s little to no chance of it snapping, unlike long rods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, the longer the rod, the longer the bend. And we don\u2019t want our rods to bend while trolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Powerful enough to drag struggling fish through moving water<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/trolling.jpg\")
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