Trolling Speed vs. Depth

[ndfinfan]

Wednesday night I was pulling spinners and cranks in depths up to 30 fow. I don't typically fish that deep, but was following the bait fish/marks. Anyway, started wondering if trolling speed should be adjusted for depth? Do fish "chase" at a slower speed in deeper water...does it even make a difference? If I typically pull spinners in 10 fow at 1.2 mph am I good running that speed at 30 fow? Guess I can partially answer my own question by how many times I'm getting bit in 30 fow at that same speed...which the other night was zero! Anyway...was just curious...thanks!

 

[H82bogey]

I think speeds can vary at any depth to trigger strikes. As long as your baits are staying in the strike zone, depending on if you are fishing for suspended fish or bottom fish then you should be good. Sometimes fish want it fast and sometimes slower. I would just experiment with different speeds to see what they want on that day.

As an example, I used to pull cranks in the summer around 2mph and wasn't having much luck. My thick skull couldn't wrap itself around going much faster. Now I pull cranks(summer time) from 2.5-3mph and it's crazy how many more fish I am catching.

 

[shorthairsrus]

2-2.3 on cranks -- (thats what my etec idles at) --- spinners i like that 1mph -- just so i can feel the bottom.

 

[ndfinfan]

H82...good point. Wednesday night trolling with the big motor, couldn't get speed below about 2.8...from now on will let out more line and go for it!

 

[Watchyourownbobber]

When pulling spinners that deep did you use a bigger bottom bouncer or whatever weight you were using? The rule of thumb for bouncers is 1 oz of weight for every 10' of depth. Your 1-1.2 mph speed should be just fine in that depth if you are making contact with bottom. Cranks are a whole different animal, speed will influence your depth to a point on certain baits but the correct amount of line behind you is the biggest factor. Good luck!!

 

[Captain Ahab]

When pulling spinners that deep did you use a bigger bottom bouncer or whatever weight you were using? The rule of thumb for bouncers is 1 oz of weight for every 10' of depth. Your 1-1.2 mph speed should be just fine in that depth if you are making contact with bottom. Cranks are a whole different animal, speed will influence your depth to a point on certain baits but the correct amount of line behind you is the biggest factor. Good luck!!

I was just going to say he better get some big 3 ouncers for that depth.

 

[eyexer]

when I pull cranks my general speed I run is 1.8-2.5. On the rare occasion I run up to 3 mph. That's usually in the summer when fish are really aggressive.

 

[ndfinfan]

Good point bobber...I was running about 15ft using a 1 oz bb when I slid out to a 30 ft flat. Too lazy to swap out for a heavier bb...lesson learned.

 

[SDMF]

If you think a slight change in speed up or down might help, make a few turns. The inside cranks will slow, the outside cranks will speed up and the fish may or may not prefer faster or slower.