Trolling Tips From The Pros

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They say necessity is the mother of invention. Here are several simple yet ingenious solutions to trolling challenges that also will not only improve your effectiveness, but also make life a whole lot easier.

Doubling Up On Rod Holders

Walleye pro Mark Martin positions six sets of double Ram-Rod rod holders along his gunwales, creating twelve potential spots to set rods. As necessary, he rotates rods around the boat, keeping all lines in the water while netting fish.

Precision Boat Control In Tough Conditions

Using a kicker outboard to keep the bow pointing in the desired direction can be quite stressful because wind and waves push the bow off course. Walleye pro Keith Kavajecz discovered a great way to keep his bow pointing straight despite wind and waves. “I use my MinnKota’s Genesis bowmount electric trolling motor in conjunction with my kicker engine. I simply set the trolling motor speed to 20 or 30 percent, flip on the autopilot, and point it in the direction I’m trolling. Now, no matter which way I turn the kicker for main trolling power, the electric bowmount engine continually readjusts when the bow swings left or right, which ultimately keeps the bow straight and prevents the wind from blowing me off course. Plus, the foot control can be set anywhere in the boat, which allows me to make directional adjustments to the electric from the back of the boat while I’m steering the tiller kicker. It’s slick.”

Up To Your ‘Eyes In Alligators

Ever had a walk-through windshield slam shut on you in the wind, perhaps shattering the glass? Here’s an easy fix. Professional Walleye Trail Executive Director Jim Kalkofen clips a large alligator clip, available at any hardware store, onto the windshield. It not only keeps the window open, but also doubles as a lake map holder.

Opportunities for solutions are lurking all around us, just waiting to be discovered and shared. And experience shows that the best solutions are often the simplest.