Trolling rods are most suitable for casting far distances. It’s because trolling fishing rods are longer, and the line is cast from moving water or behind a moving boat. Mastering trolling rods and this technique is quite challenging. Although the troll rods are fixed in the rod holder, handling or casting is still difficult. Let’s find how to use a trolling rod like a pro.
How to use a trolling rod?
Trolling fishing rods are easy to handle, but the question is how to use them effectively? The most effective part of using a troll rod is preparing the rod to cast the fish.
Troll fishing rods cast many lines through moving water with heavy lures attached. The lures will imitate or trick the fish into taking the bait. And then pull off the line and extract the fish.
Important components of a trolling fishing rod
Trolling rods function as the backbone of the trolling technique. Trolling for fish is dependent on certain components of the rod.
When these rod components merge, it performs well and gives you a productive experience.
- Trolling reel
- Handle
- Line guide
- Star Drag
- Spool tension
- Lures
- Baits
Using a trolling rod step by step
When you combine all the components of the trolling fishing rod, it becomes usable for casting lines. Some of the major points will help you use the troll rod appropriately.
These are:
- Handle the Trolling rod
- Prepare the reel
- Prepare the line
- Lures and baits
- Check the spool tension
- Set the rod for trolling
- Release the spool of a Trolling rod
1. Handle the Trolling rod
This is our first and most crucial step. It is because handling the rod is extremely important if you want to make your activity better and joyous. Sometimes, on a moving boat, your rod handling gets a bit shaky that may result in less accurate casting. By handling the rod in the right way, you can use a trolling rod with higher accuracy.
So, make sure you hold the rod in a right way.
2. Prepare the reel
Troll rods can be equipped with casting reels or conventional reels. The preparation of the reel for trolling rods is more critical. It should be set according to the species of fish. The big fish or heavier fish species require more sophisticated reels.
Do not depend on the old fishing reel; check the reel before setting for trolling. The speed of the reel plays a vital role in the preparation of the reel.
Two-speed reels are the best for fighting aggressive fish and controlling the speed against fast-moving fish.
Related: What Is The Difference Between A Casting Rod And A Trolling Rod
3. Prepare the line
Preparing the line properly before using a trolling fishing rod is also crucial. Many experts refer to monofilament lines for high-speed trolling because they have an excellent capacity for stretching and are highly resistant to shock.
To prepare the line of troll rods, put the line into the rod’s guides and measure the length for tying the lures. The guides are more durable, stronger, and stiffer.
Lines allow them to troll lures and baits for a longer distance. It also helps in trolling in greater depth by using a strong line.
4. Lures and baits
Use heavy lures and baits for big fish species. The lures are the primary reason for presenting food to fish. Tie the lures onto the tip of the line.
Drop a strong knot into the water. You can use live baits, dead baits, artificial baits, and a combination of lures and baits. When you troll in shallow water, the trolling boats usually move at a slower speed.
So the right lures will help you target the depth and attract the fish. Soft plastic lures and bait imitate small fish species, while strike lures are perfect for chasing larger species.
5. Check the spool tension
When you prepare the line, you should check the spool tension. Spool tension is the most effective and essential step in using the trolling rod. It helps in releasing the line at the correct length.
To check the spool tension, stretch the line from the reel spool by rotating the handle of the spool. Make sure there is a good spool tension because loose lines can cause problems with the consistency of the releasing line.
6. Set the troll rod
When you plan for trolling, the boats will already have rod holders. It is not difficult to place the trolling fishing rod into the holders. Every one of them has a specific place on the boat, preventing tangles with motors and each other.
Trolling rods are longer and can fix into the rod holders. A good boat usually has trolling fishing rod holders for setting it. As an angler, you can set your rod in the trolling fishing rod holder. By doing this, you can cast the line deeper into the water.
7. Release the spool of a Trolling rod
After setting the rod into the rod holders, release the line with heavy lures and baits. Also, check the speed of the boat and the moving lures because fish will imitate the artificial lure and race towards the lures.
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Final Thoughts
We have compiled the major steps of using a trolling rod effectively. After reading the complete article, you can use the trolling fishing rod in a standardized manner.
For anglers, trolling is an adventurous technique that is also enjoyable. Anglers, fishermen and beginners are always keen to try exploring and trolling for fish.
In this guide, you will learn how to use a trolling rod step by step.