TROLLING for SALMON

Trolling is a method of fishing where a hooked lure or bait is trolled behind a moving boat. Trawling (which trolling is often confused) is different, since a net rather than a lure is dragged astern.

The basic actions for trolled lures are:

    1. Spinning (spinners)
    2. Spiral revolutions (rigged baits and flashers)
    3. Wobble (spoons, and dodgers)
    4. Wiggle (plugs)

Many trolled lures may incorporate a combination of two or more of these actions.

Proven rules for catching large Chinook when trolling are:

    1. Troll your lure or bait deep.
    2. Troll your lure or bait slowly.
    3. Troll your lure or bait close to shore or bottom.
    4. Troll a lure or bait 5 inches or larger.

Dodgers or Flashers may be used with trolled lures or baits, but they are not necessary at all times. Dodgers and Flashers are simply for attracting salmon or for added erratic action. Sport trolled lures or baits are fished at speeds usually in the 2 to 4 knot ranges. Trolling speeds should be varied since trailing salmon will often strike when the speed of a lure or bait is suddenly increased or decreased.

Most salmon sport catches taken in B.C. coastal waters are landed using fresh or frozen baitfish trolled whole, stripped, or cut plug. Very popular baits are Anchovies 4 to 6 inches, Herring 4 to 7 inches, and Herring strip or cut plugs 4 to 5 inches. The most productive way to rig these baits is to use a strip teaser or 'Krippled' lures.

Good luck and good fishing!


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