How to troll live bait
 

Ok guys, definitely a green question here, but can anyone give me some help with the proper way to troll with mac's and sardines (or any live bait for that matter)? My rig is set with a 50lb spectra tied with a 30lb flouro leader by an uni/uni knot and a 2/0 circle hook. I've been putting the hook through the back of the bait and I let out about 20 yards of line then start paddling. However I feel like my bait stays on top of the water. Should I use an egg sinker and if so what's the proper setup between my spectra and leader? Any help or advice would greatly appreciated. Thanks!

When you say the back of the bait are you referring to the tail? As far as I know the only time you should tail hook a fish is if you're fly lining and that should only be done with the larger baits. Tail hooking a bait that you plan to troll would instantly kill or 'drown' the bait because you're pushing water in thru its gills instead of allowing water to push out.

Try this.............

Thats one big sardine!!:D

Jordan means right below the dorsal fin.

Dang Matt you are into some kinky shit! LOL



Nose hooking is preferred by many, but no the only way. The shoulder pin like you are describing can also be very effective. You want your bait to be near the surface and not deep in most fishing situations in the year. However, you must fish at the level that the fish are at or you will not get bit. This is where fishing experience takes over and on the water adjustments are made. For now you will be alright with the fly-line.

You think that's bad.....when our little tournament was over he said something about a group shower:eek:

That's one scary sardine.

You are way advanced. How do you get her in the bait tank?

Hooking the bait behind the head is usually a way to get the bait to swim down. The head acts a bit like the bill on a diving plug, so I have heard. For trolling I always hook the baits through the nose. I feel this causes less trauma to the bait. If your bait keeps rising to the surface it can mean that the bait fish is weak and needs to be changed. A few years ago I swithed from hooking my macks and dines across the nose and began to put the hook up through the bait's pallet and out the top. I found this method reduced the incidents of the hook turning back in to the side of the bait's head. I never use wieghts when I'm trolling live baits. Mike

Thats no Sardine boys....Thats a Snapper......:eek:

Most definitely!