Trolling Techniques: How to Perfect Your Fishing Strategy

Sandy Allen

Sandy Allen

— 2 min read
Trolling Techniques: How to Perfect Your Fishing Strategy
Photo: Wikimedia/NOAA/Public Domain

If you’re ready to move beyond traditional fishing rods and reels, trolling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to catch fish from a boat. Instead of casting and reeling, you simply pull bait or lures behind your boat while it moves at a steady pace. This lets you cover more water and find active fish faster while either fresh or saltwater fishing.

Between boat speed, depth control and the type of lure you’re using, several factors can affect fishing performance and enhance outcome while trolling. Keep reading to check out some tips to use the next time you leave the marina or a private boat slip rental

1. Set the Right Speed

Different fish like different speeds. A slow pace (1–2 mph) works for walleye or trout, while faster speeds (5–8 mph) attract species like tuna or kingfish. Use a GPS or trolling motor to keep your speed steady.

2. Control Your Depth

Fish hang out at different depths depending on water temperature and food. To reach them, you can use weights, downriggers (special devices that lower your line) or planer boards that spread lines out to the side.

Photo: Wikimedia/smudger888/CC by SA 2.0

3. Choose the Correct Lure

As with any type of fishing, you’ll want to match your lure to the type of fish you want to catch. Shiny spoons and spinners grab attention, while crankbaits mimic small fish. Stock up on different types of lures before you cruise out of a private boat dock rental. This way, you can change colors or styles if you’re not getting bites.

4. Watch for Signs

Don’t forget to add a pair of binoculars to your boating bag before you leave the marina or private boat lift for rentLook for birds diving, fish jumping or schools of baitfish on your sonar. These are clues that predators are nearby.

5. Be Patient and Adjust

Sometimes you’ll need to experiment with speed, lure depth or colors before you start catching. Pay attention to what works and repeat it.  Trolling isn’t about speed so much as it’s about steady movement and persistence. Relax, enjoy the ride, and before long, you’re bound to have a fish on the line. 

Photo: Wikimedia/Grander13/CC by SA 3.0

Common Fish Species You Can Catch While Trolling

  • Walleye – Found in lakes and rivers, often near the bottom
  • Trout (lake, rainbow, brown) – Love cooler water and often bite on spoons and crankbaits
  • Salmon (Chinook, Coho, etc.) – Popular in the Great Lakes and coastal waters
  • Striped Bass – Found in both freshwater and saltwater
  • Mackerel – A fast and aggressive saltwater fish
  • Tuna – Offshore trolling favorite for adventurous anglers
  • Pike and Musky – Aggressive freshwater predators that strike hard

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