Light Tackle Trolling For Stripers

[T-Man]

Years ago I trolled umbrellas and jigs on wire or leadcore. But since I started the business I have gotten addicted to light tackle trolling with braided line outfits. I use Daiwa SG27LCA Linecounter Reels with 7' One Piece Daiwa Interline Rods SLXB701MF-1.

I find outfits like this to be excellent for Tube & Worm & Spoon & Worm trolling. And because they are loaded with braid, I can use the same outfit for fluke, blacks, scup and even three waying eels if I'm not using to much weight.

I troll a lot of shoreline areas and on the inshore reefs of LIS.

I use my quick change keels to adjust the amount of weight and get down to the fish. I troll in waters from 6ft to 50ft with 40lb braid and NO WIRE or LEADCORE.

Speed is an important element and a good rule of thumb is 2mph or less. Of course you have to compensate in strong currents but 2mph to 1.5mph is what your shooting for.

Here's a picture of the tube & keel system.... the keel unclips and alows you to change the size of the egg sinker.



I tip the tubes and spoons with a variety of baits with a piece of fresh sandworm being the most productive.

Here's a cool pic of a young charter client who nailed this 20+lb bass in only 6ft of water.

[Still Running]

I spoke with you at the show this past weekend. I also picked a few of your set ups, Can't wait to give them a try.

[T-Man]

I spoke with you at the show this past weekend. I also picked a few of your set ups, Can't wait to give them a try.

Wow that's very cool... I hope I took the time to speak with you a while. I was all alone in the booth and the show was jamming all 3 days.

Let me know if you have any questions once you give it a try!

[mboy]

Yup, not much of that type of fishing in Raritan bay (no one I hspoken does any of it).

I am game to try it out.

[Luna Sea 5]

nice picture

[rugman]

 

[wb]

I am game to try it out.

Yep me too. Thanks for the info and pix. Dam monel is too kink prone and just a PITA IMO

[shucker]

The tube and worm can be used on the keyport and belford flats in less then 10'of water.Bombers slow trolled in these areas is also very good for bass and big weaks in the spring

[Hotrod]

Great topic.  We need more topics like this.. 

[PeggyLee]

I'm interested and will give it a shot.Can you give more detail on the placement of the keel,like how far up the leader to the barrel in incehes, and length and type of leader mono or florocarb.Also what length and diameter tubes and what type hook. They look like extra long shank offsets.   Thanks, AJ

[Hunter 2]

I spoke to you at the show too, I kept your card and will be ordering some rigs soon!

[T-Man]

I'm interested and will give it a shot.Can you give more detail on the placement of the keel,like how far up the leader to the barrel in incehes, and length and type of leader mono or florocarb.Also what length and diameter tubes and what type hook. They look like extra long shank offsets.   Thanks, AJ

It's a real simple set-up. I use 40lb braid tied to the front swivel of the keel (slanted end) the a 3 ft piece of fluorocarbon leader to my tube or spoon. The tubes I make and the spoons I make are low "drag" lures which make them Ideal for light tackle outfits.

[PeggyLee]

T Man, Cool. I have had some beauties on the rubber worms and eels.

[DarthBaiter]

T-man, I got my package today. Three day turn around including Sunday.    Now that's fast shipping. 
Gonna head out Weds morning and troll on down to the Raritan Bay. 

[T-Man]

DB,

Let me know how you make out, Remember low and slow is the game 2mph on your gps.

[DarthBaiter]

Just got back from a wet and rainy week in Orlando. 
But before I left, I got a chance to try the light gear trolling in the Lower NY harbour and past the V.Z. Bridge. Had a few blues and that was it.
I do have a question though...
Against tide it was easy doing 1.5 to 2 MPH, but with tide I couldn't keep my boat under 4mph. Am I not to troll with the current? I thought about it and figured the fishes would be facing the current and my tubes would come from their behind. Is this a no no? I ask because all my blues hit when I was trolling with the current...but maybe that was due to the 3-4mph speed?
Thoughts?

[T-Man]

When there is current I troll with it 90% of the time. You need to calculate your dead drift speed to componsate.

If when your boat is in neutral you are drifting at 2mph you can troll WITH the current up to 4mph or 2 mph over your dead drift speed.

So find your dead drift speed and pull the tubes up to 2mph faster with the current. Don't worry about which way the fish are facing, theywill find your offerings.

T-Man

[DarthBaiter]

When there is current I troll with it 90% of the time. You need to calculate your dead drift speed to componsate.

If when your boat is in neutral you are drifting at 2mph you can troll WITH the current up to 4mph or 2 mph over your dead drift speed.

So find your dead drift speed and pull the tubes up to 2mph faster with the current. Don't worry about which way the fish are facing, theywill find your offerings.

T-Man

GOod to know. That means if I'm trolling iwth the tide, my cheap auto piolt can steer for me.   
Gotta work this week but will be out first thing next week to try out some new areas..