11-27-2013, 04:58 PM
I am intrigued about your open water trolling. Over the years we have caught 100's of pike at Yuba, but never in water over 15' deep. The majority have come from water 6 to 8' or shallower. but I have never fished the deep water.
Many times while moving around the reservoir I see fish deep and suspended at 20', but have always assumed they were carp. Last week I put a couple of electric down riggers on the boat to see if they were indeed pike.Time will tell.
Your conclusion about seeing the bait differentiated from the prey species makes sense and I have caught a few fish trolling at 4.5 or faster, but it feels weird going that fast. When I have watched video of pike fishermen trolling, it appears that they are going very fast.
I am constantly changing up lures and speed, but will devote a day trolling fast and in the open water next year.
Our greatest success has come from working the structure with the trolling motor and casting floating or suspending jerk baits like Yo-Zuris, Rapalas and recently, suspending Luck E strike Rick Clunns. Rattle traps have also be a good lure. Also swim baits like Big Hammers have been producing and we rip them through the water while casting. I have caught lots of stripers on Powell trolling fast with swim baits so it makes sense that fast trolling will work on other specie.
Although one method and one bait will never be the answer I do appreciate that you are willing to share what you have learned. It will add to the accumulated knowledge that goes together to make a day on the water a success. Thank you! Steve
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Many times while moving around the reservoir I see fish deep and suspended at 20', but have always assumed they were carp. Last week I put a couple of electric down riggers on the boat to see if they were indeed pike.Time will tell.
Your conclusion about seeing the bait differentiated from the prey species makes sense and I have caught a few fish trolling at 4.5 or faster, but it feels weird going that fast. When I have watched video of pike fishermen trolling, it appears that they are going very fast.
I am constantly changing up lures and speed, but will devote a day trolling fast and in the open water next year.
Our greatest success has come from working the structure with the trolling motor and casting floating or suspending jerk baits like Yo-Zuris, Rapalas and recently, suspending Luck E strike Rick Clunns. Rattle traps have also be a good lure. Also swim baits like Big Hammers have been producing and we rip them through the water while casting. I have caught lots of stripers on Powell trolling fast with swim baits so it makes sense that fast trolling will work on other specie.
Although one method and one bait will never be the answer I do appreciate that you are willing to share what you have learned. It will add to the accumulated knowledge that goes together to make a day on the water a success. Thank you! Steve
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